The Complete Guide to Towel Dimensions: All About Bath Towel Sizes

First, what is a bath towel? As the name suggests, a "bath towel" is any towel that you would typically use in the bathroom. In addition to a regular bath towel, this includes bath sheets, hand towels, guest towels, and washcloths.

A bath mat, sometimes called a "tub mat" is also often included in this family. However, a bath rug would never be considered a bath towel. Read up on the difference between a bath mat and a bath rug here.

This section of the guide will go more in-depth on each type of towel, explain what it is used for, and how to pick the best one for you.

A bath sheet is the largest type of towel on the market, sometimes referred to as bath blankets. In other words, a bath sheet is a really really big towel. Matouk bath sheets clock in at 36 inches by 75 inches, as stated above. When comparing the size of a bath sheet vs. a bath towel, the bath sheet is significantly larger.

The incredible bath sheet size makes it the perfect towel for wrapping up post-bath or shower. You want these towels to be extra cozy, so be sure to choose 100% cotton towels from a luxury towel manufacturer for the softest possible results.

Unsurprisingly, a bath towel is the standard towel found in linen closets across the world. It is a medium towel size that is not too large or too small, and just the right size for drying off after a shower. As stated above, bath towel measurements average 30 inches by 52 inches.

Again, high-quality towel fabric is very important when it comes to choosing your bath towels. Focus on choosing a high gsm towel for superior absorbency and softness.

Hand towels are the towels usually placed on a rail by the sink to be used after washing your hands. If you have shorter hair, hand towels also make excellent hair towels for drying your scalp after a shower. The standard towel dimensions of a hand towel are 18 inches by 32 inches.

Many people are curious about the difference between a hand towel and a face towel, or the comparison of a washcloth vs. hand towel. While a hand towel describes a size of a towel, a "face towel" is a more general term for a towel used to dry one's face. 

Though a washcloth is probably the most common "face towel," many people like to use hand towels, guest towels, or even standard bath towels to dry their faces. Let the names be guidance to help you shop, rather than limits to how you can use your towels.

A guest towel, sometimes referred to as a fingertip towel, is a towel sized between a washcloth and a hand towel. Fingertip towels size clock in at about 14 x 21 inches. These towels are usually decorative, featuring some kind of embroidery or monogram. In a towel set, they are laid over a hand towel to create a more put-together look.

When comparing a fingertip towel vs. hand towel, note that a guest towel is marginally smaller than a hand towel. It is more decorative in use and more commonly used to dry the face.

A washcloth is a small, square towel usually used for drying the face. It is around 13 x 13 inches. Washcloths can also be used as a loofah to scrub the body in the shower. 

As summer approaches, you may be on the lookout for the perfect beach towel. As compared to bath towels, beach towel measurements are slightly wider and shorter than a bath sheet. The average beach towel dimensions are 40 inches by 70 inches.

The larger size and plush construction of a beach towel make it perfect for lounging by the pool for hours on end.

A gym towel, unlike the other kinds of towels discussed in this guide, is usually a type of microfiber towel for high absorbency. Generally, they are around the size of a hand towel.

Dish towels, also referred to as tea towels are usually slightly smaller than a hand towel and used to dry dishes. 

Still have questions? Feel free to respond in the comments with any lingering queries about bath towel sizes.