The right size sauna should fit properly within the space you choose and should accommodate the number of people who will use it at a time. Follow these steps to find out which size meets your space and steaming capacity.

1. Choose Where You Want Your Sauna to Go

The first step to selecting the perfect size sauna is to identify the best spot for one. There are saunas suitable for indoor or outdoor use, so you can choose a spot in a room of your home or on a deck or patio space. Keep in mind that the spot you choose should also have an outlet close by (for plug-in models) or an electrical box (for hardwired models) for easy installation. This first step is key, as you'll need to measure the space to determine the maximum dimensions your sauna can be.

2. Measure the Depth, Width, & Height of the Space

Once you've decided on a spot for a sauna, it's time to get measuring! Use painter’s tape to mark the area where you want your sauna to go. This is a great way to visualize the space and determine the maximum size you can choose without obstructing doorways or furniture.

• Using the painter’s tape as a guide, use a tape measure to determine the depth and width measurements of the space. This will tell you how wide your sauna can be and how far it can protrude from the wall without running into furniture and other obstructions.

• Then, measure from floor to ceiling to get the total height of the space. We recommend taking a height measurement in different areas to ensure the floor is level.

• When you have the depth, width, and height of the space, subtract 12" – 18" from each measurement. The resulting measurements are how big your hot tub can be while allowing for enough room on all sides to vent safely.

3. Decide on the Right Type of Sauna for the Space

Once you have a basic idea of the size dimensions you can afford for a sauna, consider the best type of sauna for the size of your space and the number of people you want to accommodate.

• Infrared saunas are much more space-friendly, as they use electric-powered infrared panels to heat the chamber. This means more seat room within the chamber. However, it also means the overall sauna will take up less space within the room since you don't have to accommodate bulky heating components.

• Traditional steam saunas have stoves inside that take up a portion of space that could be used for more seating and can cause the overall size of the sauna to be larger, depending on the design.

4. Select the Ideal Sauna Capacity the Space Will Allow

You can also shop for saunas based on their seating capacities. Below, we've highlighted each seating capacity and included standard measurements for each option so you can compare it to the size of your installation spot.

1-Person Saunas

For individual use of a sauna room, a one-person sauna provides the right amount of space. The standard dimensions for a one-person sauna measures 36" x 36" x 76 3/8". This sauna size allows one person to sit comfortably on the bench without being too cramped.

2-Person Saunas

Measuring around 40" x 48" x 76 3/8", a two-person sauna expands to create enough space for two people to sit without being on top of each other. This sauna room offers the right amount of space for both people to relax, de-stress, and release body toxins together.

3 & 4 Person Saunas

If you have three people who are interested in using a sauna, or want just a little more space for two people, then a three-person sauna is right for you. These at home sauna measurements usually start around 44" x 64" x 76 3/8" and can be slightly bigger depending on each sauna’s build. A four-person sauna typically measures at 56" x 72" x 76 3/8" and, similar to three-person saunas, might be slightly larger depending on the brand and build.

5–6 + Person Saunas

Need more room for guests, friends, or family? Saunas built for five or more people provide all the space you need for multiple people to use the sauna at the same time. Most five-person saunas have the dimensions of 76" x 74" x 58" with larger saunas holding more than seven people starting at 96" x 96" x 76 3/8".

5. Consider the Best Sauna Shape & Design

You also need to consider the right sauna shape/orientation for the space you mapped out.

• Corner-shaped saunas are an excellent space-saving option and have the potential to seat two to three people at a time.

• Square saunas are more narrow than rectangular saunas, making them super space-friendly. They usually seat one to two people but can seat up to three people in some cases.

• Rectangular saunas are one of the most popular shape options for indoor saunas because they come in a range of sizes and seat capacities to fit your space. They can fit two to four people comfortably and offer a bit more room compared to corner or square-shaped saunas.

• Barrel-shaped saunas take up the most space, which is why they're typically set up outside. However, their unique design makes them able to seat anywhere from four to eight at a time.

Tip!

Need more help choosing the right sauna? Read our guides:
What Is a Sauna? Your Complete Guide to Home Saunas
How to Care for a Sauna
A Comprehensive Guide to Home Sauna Cost

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