What Are The Dimensions of a Water Heater?

Water heaters can be electric or gas-powered, whereas electric-powered heaters are highly efficient. 

You could have a water heater in your basement or garage, but you may never know how big or small it is. Knowing the type and size of the heater you need helps you understand how much basement and garage space you need for your water heater tank.

It would be frustrating spending money on a water heater only for it not to fit. You can only blame yourself for not considering the initial heater dimensions. You can contact a manufacturer to explain size specifications or read this guide to learn more. 

We cover a variety of water heaters, including gas and electric, to see how they compare. So, without further ado, let us dive into the details to learn more about the sizing of these water heaters.

Short Water Heaters

These water heaters are wider and shorter than standard water heaters. However, their capacities are not affected and can hold the same amount of water as bigger heaters.

They can also fit in spaces that have limited headroom. Short water heaters are from 30 to 49 inches (76.2-124.4 cm) high and hold up to 50 gallons of water.

Tall Water Heaters

Tall water heaters are from 50 to 76 inches (127-193 cm) tall with capacities of up to 100 gallons (455 ltr). These water heaters are common for garages, basements, and other areas where space is not an issue.

Narrow Water Heater

Water heaters come in different width dimensions from the manufacturers. Some can be narrower than others, and their dimensions might not be equal. Narrow water heaters are meant for small spaces, only 16 inches (40.6 cm) wide. However, the diameter cannot exceed 20 inches (50.8 cm).

Standard Water Heater Dimensions

Water heater dimensions are crucial if you consider installing it in closed spaces like basements, garages, or any other space at home. Choosing a water heater that is too large for the area will not meet the building code requirements and will be a problem for homeowners.

Water heaters vary in dimensions from one model to the other, depending on the brand and capacity. Even the types of water heaters and heating will determine the dimensions differences. The difference in dimensions gives flexibility regarding the water heater fitting your space.

Some water heaters can be the same capacity but differ in measurements. For example, a standard water heater can be around 20 inches (50.8 cm) wide and 40 inches (101 cm) high. They tend to have 2-6 inch (5-15 cm) differences as the capacity increases.

What are the Dimensions of a 30-Gallon (136 ltr) Water Heater?

A 3-gallon water heater is shorter than a high-capacity water heater. They are short and broad and are sometimes called lowboys. These lowboys can be around 30 to 49 (76 to 124 cm) inches high with diameters of between 20 and 26 inches (51 to 66 cm). These water heaters weigh roughly 112 pounds (50.8 kg). These heaters are mostly used for smaller families and could be more energy efficient than taller heaters.

Water heater brandHeightDiameterDepth
A.O. Smith  Signature 100 30-Gallon39.75 inches22 inches22 inches
A.O Smith ProLine® 30-Gallon46.5 inches19 inches19.5 inches
Reliance 6 30 EMHBS39 inches20 inches20 inches
Richmond® Essential® 30 Gallon30 inches19.75 inches20 inches
A. O. Smith® 30-Gallon Lowboy Electric Water Heater30 inches2020.5 inches

What are the Dimensions of a 40-Gallon (182 ltr) Water Heater?

40-gallon water heaters are not that common, considering the popularity of 30-gallon water heaters. However, 40-gallon water heaters are preferable for small households with 2 to 3 people. They are also among the taller water heaters and can be 50 inches (127 cm) high. The diameters range from 18 to 21 inches (46 to 53 cm).

Water heater brandHeightDiameterDepth
A.O. SmithSignature 100 40-Gallon61.75 inches20 inches20 inches
Richmond® Essential® 40 Gallon58.5 inches19 inches19 inches
Sure Comfort® 40 Gallon58.5 inches18.5 inches19 inches
A.O Smith 40-GALLON TALL62.5 inches20 inches20 inches
SELECT® 40-GALLON GAS WATER HEATER47 inches22 inches22 inches
Bradford White FVIR Eco-Defender60 inches20 inches20 inches
Reliance 6 40 NBCT – 40 Gallon58.25 inches20 inches20 inches

What are the Dimensions of a 50-Gallon (227 ltr) Water Heater?

A 50-gallon water heater is popularly used for families with three to four people. They can be around 47.25 inches (120 cm) high and 28.25 inches (71.8 cm) wide. Their weights may vary, but the standard is 95 pounds (43.1 kg). Narrower 50-gallon water heaters are about 61 inches (154.9 cm) high and 22.25 inches (56.5 cm) wide. These compact-sized water heaters weigh up to 218 pounds (98.9 kg).

Water heater brandHeightDiameterDepth
A.O. Smith  Signature 100 50-Gallon59 inches20.5 inches21 inches
GE Smart 50 Gallon Electric Water Heater62.3 inches23.3 inches23.3 inches
Richmond® Essential® 50 Gallon58 inches20.5 inches21 inches
A.O Smith ProLine® 50-Gallon Residential Gas Water Heater57.75 inches21 inches21.3 inches
GSW 50 Gal Atmospheric Vent Natural Gas Water Heater62.75 inches24 inches24 inches
Rheem Platinum Gas Water Heater – 50 Gal50.5 inches23.75 inches23.75 inches
Bradford White RE350S6-1NCWW N2015 50-Gallon47 inches24 inches24 inches

What are the Dimensions of a 60-Gallon (272 ltr) Water Heater?

60-gallon water heaters are slightly bigger than 50-gallon water heaters. They hold more water which is perfect for families of 5-6 people. The standard 60-gallon water heater is 60.5 inches (153.6 cm) high, 24 inches (61 cm) wide, and 24 inches (61 cm) deep. When packaged, they are 63.7 inches (161 cm) high, 25 inches (63.5 cm) wide, and 28 inches (71 cm) deep.

Water heater brandHeightDiameterDepth
Giant Electric Water Heater – Super Cascade 60-Gallon60 inches23.5 inches23.5 inches
Heat-Flo60 gal. Residential Indirect Water Heater44 inches28 inches28 inches
SpaceSaver 60 gal60.5 inches24 inches24 inches
John Woods AV60N ProLine 60 Gallon63 inches26 inches26 inches
HTP SuperStor 60-Gal. Indirect Water Heater52½ inches23.25 inches23.25 inches

What are the Dimensions of an 80-Gallon (363 ltr) Water Heater?

80-gallon water heaters are built to function in climatic regions without changing their performance. Typically, an 80-gallon water heater has an overall height of 74 inches (188 cm) and a diameter of 24.25 inches (61.6 cm). The tank has a capacity of 80 gals (303 l) and can weigh up to 281 lbs. (127.5 kg).

Water heater brandHeightDiameterDepth
Ruud® 100 80 Gallon Universal73 inches30.75 inches31 inches
A.O. Smith  Signature 90069 inches27 inches27 inches
State PROLINE® 80-GALLON64.5 inches26 inches26 inches
American Water Heater Company  Commercial 80-Gallon60.5 inches24 inches24 inches
Rheem Professional Classic 80 Gal61 inches23.75 inches23.75 inches

What are the Dimensions of a 100-Gallon (455 ltr) Water Heater?

100-gallon water heaters are very rare to find in households. Considering they are huge and need more space, they are reserved for commercial use. On average, a 100-gallon water heater tank will be 65 inches (165 cm) high, 27.25 inches (69 cm) wide, 27.75 inches (70 cm) deep, and 27.25 inches (70 cm) deep. Considering their bulkiness, 100-gallon water heaters can weigh up to 333 pounds (151 kg).

Water Heater BrandHeightDiameterDepth
A.O. Smith Signature 10070.5 inches27.75 inches27.75 inches
Rheem G100-200 Water Heater66 inches27 inches27 inches
Reliance 6-100-XRRT65 inches27.75 inches27.75 inches
Bradford White Icon System® 100 gal69 inches35.5 inches35.5 inches
American Standard D-100-199-AS73.63 inches30.25 inches30.25 inches

Tankless Water Heater Dimensions

Electricity-powered water heaters are great for small spaces but have higher water capacities. They are smaller than gas-powered heaters, and sometimes they could be tankless. Tankless water heaters are wall-mounted, which is great even with no floor space.

Gas-powered tankless water heaters are 10 inches (25 cm) deep, 18.5 inches (47 cm) wide, and 26 inches (66 cm) high. Standard electric tankless water heaters are 3.5 inches (9 cm) deep, 17.63 inches (45 cm) wide, and 18.25 inches (46 cm) high.

How Much Space Does a Water Heater Need for Installation?

When considering the dimensions of a water heater, you have to consider the dimensions during installation. Gas-powered water heaters need space for air circulation, so there should be at least 12 inches (30 cm) on all sides. The diameter of the water tank will determine the amount of floor space you need.

Everything you have read here will help you learn more about water heaters. In addition, you will realize some minor details you might not have considered initially when getting a water heater. These sizes can also help you make purchase decisions since the manufacturers give the sizes.