How Many Toilets Does My Building Need? The Complete UK Guide

Introduction

One of the most common questions we receive at Bridgewater Direct is: how many toilets does my building need? The answer depends on the building type, occupancy and use. This guide brings together the key BS 6465 provision ratios for the main building types.

The Key Standard: BS 6465 Part 1

BS 6465 Part 1 sets out recommended minimum sanitary provision for different building types. It is referenced by Building Regulations Approved Document T and is the accepted standard for designing toilet provision in the UK. Note that these are minimums — BS 6465 recommends exceeding minimums where possible.

Offices and Commercial Workplaces

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and BS 6465 together set out minimum provision. For up to 5 people: 1 WC and 1 washbasin. For 6–25: 2 WCs and 2 washbasins. For 26–50: 3 WCs and 3 washbasins. For 51–75: 4 WCs and 4 washbasins. For 76–100: 5 WCs and 5 washbasins. Add 1 WC and 1 washbasin per additional 25 people above 100. See our office washroom guide for full details.

Schools

For primary schools (under 11): girls require 1 WC per 10 pupils; boys require 1 WC per 20 pupils plus 1 urinal per 20 pupils. For secondary schools: girls require 1 WC per 20 pupils; boys require 1 WC per 20 pupils plus 1 urinal per 20 pupils. Accessible provision: at least one accessible cubicle per school. See our school washroom guide for full details.

Retail

For shops: minimum 1 WC per sex for staff. Customer provision varies by floor area — BS 6465 recommends approximately 1 WC per 100m² gross floor area for larger retail units. See our retail washroom guide for full detail.

Stadiums and Places of Assembly

For stadiums, theatres, cinemas and other places of assembly: women require 1 WC per 100 up to 400 persons, then 1 per 250 above 400. Men require 1 WC per 500 persons plus 1 urinal per 80 persons. Provision should be increased for long intervals or events with high female attendance. See our stadium and venue guide for more detail.

Accessible Provision

Building Regulations Part T and BS 8300 require at least one accessible (unisex) WC in all new buildings and major refurbishments. The minimum internal dimensions are 2200mm x 1500mm for standard accessible cubicles. Some settings require larger ambulant-accessible or fully accessible layouts. See our toilet cubicle sizes guide for full dimension tables.

Getting It Right

Getting toilet provision right at the design stage saves significant cost and disruption later. If you need help calculating provision for your building, contact Bridgewater Direct — our team can advise on BS 6465 compliance and help you specify the right number and type of cubicles for your project.