What Size Sauna Do You Need?

Choosing the right sauna size is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a home sauna. A sauna that’s too small can feel cramped and uncomfortable, while one that’s too large can require a bigger heater, higher electrical costs, and unnecessary expense.

This guide will help you determine what size sauna you need based on how many people will use it, your available space, ceiling height, and heater requirements—so you can build or buy with confidence.

Why Sauna Size Matters

Sauna size affects far more than just how many people can fit inside. The overall dimensions directly impact:

• Comfort and seating layout

• Heater size and electrical requirements

• Heat-up time and energy efficiency

• Long-term enjoyment and resale value

Proper sizing ensures even heat distribution, prevents overworking your heater, and delivers a better sauna experience overall.

Common Home Sauna Sizes

Most residential saunas fall into a few standard size ranges. These are general guidelines—bench layout, ceiling height, and sauna type all play a role.

1–2 Person Sauna

• Approximate size: 3′×4′ to 4′×5′

• Best for: Solo use or couples

• Ideal for apartments, small homes, offices, or garages

• Must sit upright in sauna

Compact saunas are efficient, heat up quickly, and work well in limited spaces.
Explore options in our 1-person and 2-person saunas collections

2–3 Person Sauna

• Approximate size: 4′×6′

• Best for: Couples or small families

• More comfortable bench spacing than ultra-compact models

• Can lay sideways on benches with bent knees

This size strikes a balance between space efficiency and comfort.

Explore options in our 2-person and 3-person saunas collections

3–4 Person Sauna

• Approximate size: 5′×7′ to 6′×6′

• Best for: Families or frequent shared use

• One of the most popular residential sizes

• Allows you to lay out on the benches

This size allows for better bench ergonomics and a more relaxed experience.

Explore options in our 3-person and 4-person saunas collections

5–6 Person Sauna

• Approximate size: 6′×8′ or larger

• Best for: Entertaining or frequent group use

• Requires a larger heater and more power

Larger saunas are common for outdoor installations and luxury builds.

Explore options in our 5-person and 6-person saunas collections

How Many People Will Use the Sauna?

A common mistake is sizing a sauna only for current use. Instead, consider:

• How many people will use it at the same time

• Whether you prefer sitting upright or stretching out

• Future use, guests, family growth, or resale value

If you’re deciding between two sizes, sizing up slightly is usually the better choice—especially for comfort.

Ceiling Height and Bench Layout

Sauna height is just as important as floor space.

• Ideal ceiling height: 7′ to 7′6″

• Higher ceilings require larger heaters

• Bench height determines heat exposure

A properly designed sauna places bathers high enough to enjoy consistent heat while keeping the ceiling temperature manageable.

Sauna Size and Heater Requirements

Your sauna heater must be matched to the total interior volume of the sauna.

Heater sizing is based on:

• Cubic footage (length × width × height)

• Insulation quality

• Amount of glass

• Indoor vs outdoor installation

Choosing the wrong heater size can result in slow heat-up times, uneven temperatures, or premature heater wear.

Use our
Sauna Heater Size Calculator
to determine the correct heater for your sauna.

You can then explore compatible options in our
Sauna Heaters collection.

Indoor vs Outdoor Sauna Size Considerations

Indoor Saunas

• Limited by existing room dimensions

• Typically smaller and more energy-efficient

• Easier to heat and maintain

Explore available options in our
Indoor Saunas collection.

Outdoor Saunas

• More flexibility in size and layout

• Often larger with higher ceilings

• May require more powerful heaters

See available models in our
Outdoor Saunas collection.

Traditional vs Infrared Sauna Size Differences

Traditional Saunas

• Use heated air and steam

• Sauna size directly impacts heater power

• Flexible bench layouts and seating heights

Browse
Traditional Saunas.

Infrared Saunas

• Use direct radiant heat

• Typically smaller footprints

• Panel placement matters more than cubic footage

Browse
Infrared Saunas.

Should You Size Up?

In most cases, yes—if space and budget allow.

Sizing up provides:

• Increased comfort

• Better bench ergonomics

• Greater resale appeal

• Flexibility for future use

The cost difference between sizes is often smaller than expected, especially compared to rebuilding later.

Final Thoughts

So, what size sauna do you need?

The right answer depends on how many people will use it, where it will be installed, and what type of sauna you’re building. Start with your available space, decide how many users you want to accommodate comfortably, and confirm heater sizing before making a final decision.

To explore all options, visit our full
Saunas Collection or use our sauna sizing tool to dial in the perfect fit.