How to use the bathroom remodel cost calculator
- Measure the room. Enter the floor length and width in feet. A typical full hall bathroom is 5 × 8 ft (40 sq ft); a primary bathroom is often 100 sq ft or more.
- Choose the remodel level. A refresh keeps the layout and the tub. A mid-range remodel replaces the tub or shower, tile, vanity and fixtures. An upscale remodel adds custom tile, a large walk-in shower and premium fixtures.
- Pick your area. Labor costs in big coastal metros can be 25% or more above the national average.
- Tick the extras. Moving plumbing and converting a tub to a walk-in shower are the biggest add-ons.
How the estimate works
Every bathroom remodel has fixed costs (toilet, vanity, faucets, plumbing hook-ups, permits) plus costs that grow with the room size (tile, flooring, drywall, paint). The calculator adds both:
That is why small bathrooms cost more per square foot than large ones.
Bathroom remodel cost by level
| Level | 5 × 8 ft (40 sq ft) | 8 × 12 ft (96 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Refresh | $4,900 - $8,900 | $8,260 - $15,060 |
| Mid-range | $10,800 - $18,800 | $17,520 - $31,120 |
| Upscale | $22,000 - $38,000 | $36,000 - $63,200 |
Average US area, no extras. These are typical 2025-2026 ranges for work done by a contractor.
Worked example
A 5 × 8 ft hall bathroom (40 sq ft) with a mid-range remodel in an average-cost area costs about $10,800 to $18,800, with a typical budget of $14,800, or about $370 per square foot. Converting the tub to a walk-in shower adds about $2,500 to $6,000.
Where the money goes
- Labor: often 40% to 60% of the total, since plumbers, electricians and tile setters all work in a small space.
- Tile and surfaces: shower walls and floors are the biggest material cost. Count tiles with the tile calculator.
- Fixtures: vanity, toilet, tub or shower base, faucets and mirror.
- Hidden work: water damage, old wiring and subfloor repairs. Keep a 10% to 20% contingency.
Funding a remodel with home equity? Compare options with the HELOC calculator and plan monthly costs with the budget calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a small bathroom remodel cost?
A small 5 × 8 ft bathroom typically costs about $4,900 to $8,900 for a refresh and $10,800 to $18,800 for a mid-range remodel with a new tub or shower, tile and vanity.
How much does a bathroom remodel cost per square foot?
Most mid-range bathroom remodels run about $150 to $470 per square foot for mid-range work. Small bathrooms cost more per square foot because the fixtures and plumbing cost the same whatever the size.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?
Labor, then the shower or tub area. Moving the toilet, shower or sink to a new spot is the biggest single add-on because it means new drain and supply lines.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A refresh can take a few days. A full mid-range remodel usually takes 2 to 4 weeks, longer if permits or custom parts are delayed.
Does a bathroom remodel add value to a home?
Updated bathrooms help a home sell, but most remodels recover only part of their cost at sale. Mid-range updates usually return a larger share of their cost than upscale ones.
More home project calculators
Last updated October 2026.