Washer and Dryer Dimensions: Side-by-Side, Stacked, and More
Measure twice to make sure that washer and dryer combo will fit in your home
Highlights
Washer and dryer dimensions determine whether the appliances will fit in your space.
The size of the appliances also affects how much laundry they can clean at once.
A too-small or too-large washer and dryer can make laundry day even more of a chore.
Washers and dryers aren't one size fits all. In fact, one of the most important decisions you can make when shopping for a new washing machine and dryer is the size. Washer and dryer dimensions determine how much laundry the machines can handle and whether they fit into your home.
Choosing the right size washer and dryer for your household size and laundry room will help you keep laundry day as stress-free as possible.
Why Washer and Dryer Sizes Are Important
The good news about washer and dryer sizes is that they're relatively standard, with little variation among brands. Where dimensions do vary considerably is across different types of washing machines and dryers. A standard side-by-side combo will have drastically different dimensions than a compact washer or an extra-large washer and dryer.
The size of the washer and dryer determines whether it will fit into the space you have allotted for the appliances, whether it's an entire room or a gap between kitchen cabinets. The dimensions also determine how much laundry you can do at one time.
If you live alone, a compact washer and dryer will probably be able to keep up with your laundry needs. But if you have a larger household, you may find yourself in need of a large capacity washer and dryer just to keep up with demand.
Washers and dryers are typically available in two configurations: side-by-side and stackable. Side-by-side combos are ideal if you have ample floor space in your laundry area. If all you've got is a small nook or space in a hallway for your laundry unit setup, a stackable configuration may be the way to go.
Standard Washer and Dryer Sizes by Configuration
Washer and dryer dimensions vary considerably depending on their configuration, such as side-by-side or stacked units. Carefully consider the available space in your home and choose the configuration that best suits your needs for a proper fit.
Side-by-Side Washer and Dryer Dimensions
A standard size washing machine, also called a medium capacity washer, often has a tub capacity between 4.5 and 4.9 cubic feet. If you wanted, you could wash about 11 bath towels in a single load using a standard size washer.
The exterior dimensions of a standard, front-loading washing machine are usually 27 inches wide, 39 inches tall, and 32-34 inches deep. A top-loading machine typically measures 27 inches wide, 42 to 44 inches tall, and 27 to 28 inches deep. Standard side-by-side dryers have the same dimensions.
Front load washers and dryers are often shorter than their top-loading counterparts. To improve comfort, many front-loading models have pedestals available, which increase their height by about 15 inches.
Compact Washer and Dryer Dimensions
If you live in an apartment or small home, you may not have the space for a standard washer and dryer combo. You might not also need the capacity offered by standard machines.
A compact washer and dryer holds less than a standard model (around 3.5 cubic feet). It also has a smaller footprint, with each appliance measuring 24 inches across. Compact washing machines and dryers are often 24 to 26 inches deep and 34 to 36 inches in height. Some compact machines stack to save on horizontal space.
Extra-Large Washer and Dryer Dimensions
Extra-large washers and dryers can take on loads greater than 5 cubic feet, which is about 20 bath towels or a king-size comforter. Their increased capacity means they have a significantly larger footprint than standard washers and dryers.
An extra-large washer or dryer typically measures at least 28 inches wide, 40 inches high, and 32 inches deep.
All-in-One Washer and Dryer Dimensions
All-in-one washers and dryers wash and dry laundry in a single machine. They usually have a capacity that's slightly smaller than a standard-size washer and dryer, around 4 cubic feet. The appliances themselves typically measure between 23 and 27 inches wide, 22 and 30 inches deep and 33 and 39 inches tall.
Stackable Washer and Dryer Dimensions
If you have more vertical space than floor space, a stacked or stackable washer and dryer combo may be the way to go. You have two options when choosing stacked washers and dryers. You can either choose two front-loading units that you place one on top of the other, or you can choose a stacked laundry center, where the units are permanently attached to each other.
Whichever option you choose, the washer and dryer will typically measure 27 inches wide, 32 to 34 inches deep, and 77 to 80 inches high.
Other Factors to Consider When Determining Washer and Dryer Dimensions
The physical size of the washer and dryer is just one thing to think about when choosing a style that will fit in your home and accommodate your laundry needs.
Hookups and Hoses
You need to allow space for your dryer’s hoses, hookups, and ventilation. Washer hookups connect to the home's plumbing system to control the flow of hot and cold water, while a dryer vent releases air outside the home for proper ventilation. A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 6 inches between the wall and the appliances for ventilation and hoses.
If the home has existing hookups, their location determines which type of washer and dryer configuration you need. You can always update the hookup’s placement if necessary. The cost to install washer and dryer hookups ranges between $350 and $1,150.
Noise
To minimize vibrations and noise, leave at least one inch of space between side-by-side washer and dryer units. This breathing room supports proper air circulation and reduces vibration, which helps prolong the appliance's life span. For side-by-side configurations, include extra space to the left and right of the units to account for movement in use and easy access to plumbing and electrical connections. With stacked configurations, leaving space above the units is advisable for proper ventilation and easy maintenance or repairs.
Doors
If you're buying front-loading units, you'll need enough room for the doors to swing open fully, otherwise doing laundry will be a hassle. Make sure there's at least three feet of space in front of the washer and dryer to allow the door to open.
For top-loading units, you'll need space above the washer and dryer to open the door. Allow about two feet of space above the units so you can fully open the door to toss in or take out laundry.
What to Do If You Purchase the Wrong Size
If the washer and dryer are the wrong size, it'll be obvious because they won’t fit. If this happens, don’t fret—most retailers grant returns or exchanges within 30 days as long as the appliance is still in new condition.
Keep packaging, manuals, and receipts handy to streamline the return. Contact customer service to explain that your washer and dryer units don’t fit your space and arrange a return or exchange. Some retailers offer a pickup service, while others ask you to transport appliances back to the store.
If returning the washer and dryer isn’t an option, you can always try to make the size work. If your units are a little too big, consider modifying your laundry area. Remove cabinets, adjust the countertops, or rearrange other appliances and furniture.
If the appliances are too small for the space, fill in the gaps with custom cabinetry or shelving for an integrated look. You can try custom panels or spacers to keep the appliances positioned securely and ventilated properly.
While you can DIY the installation of a new washer and dryer, you don't have to. A local appliance installation company can answer any questions you have about appliance size and spacing to help the project go smoothly.
Amy Freeman contributed to this piece.