Ironing Board Sizes: Dimensions and How to Choose
There is no single standard ironing board size. Each maker picks its own lengths and widths.
The floor boards in this guide range from 43.3 to 53.1 inches (110 to 135 cm) long. Their widths run from 11.8 to 17.7 inches (30 to 45 cm). Other brands can differ.
Length and width decide how much cloth fits on the board at once. Height, folded size, and storage space matter too. The chart below shows real examples in inches and cm.
Ironing Board Size Chart
This chart shows example boards from two makers. All sizes are length × width. Your board may be different, so measure it.
| Board | Length × Width (in) | Length × Width (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| Honey-Can-Do folding tabletop board | 32 × 12 | 81 × 30 |
| Brabantia Size A | 43.3 × 11.8 | 110 × 30 |
| Brabantia Size B | 48.8 × 15 | 124 × 38 |
| Brabantia Size C | 48.8 × 17.7 | 124 × 45 |
| Brabantia Size D | 53.1 × 17.7 | 135 × 45 |
We converted between inches and cm and rounded the results.
These boards were not measured by BestAdvisorz. The sizes come from the makers’ own product pages, and makers can change them. Check the maker’s page before you buy.
Standard Ironing Board Size
No, ironing boards are not one standard size. Each maker picks its own.
Brabantia sizes A to D run from 43.3 × 11.8 inches to 53.1 × 17.7 inches. The Honey-Can-Do tabletop board in this guide is 32 × 12 inches (81 × 30 cm).
So one brand’s size names may not match another’s. Check the exact size on the product page before you buy. Do not rely on the word standard.
Small and Tabletop Ironing Boards
Tabletop boards are small boards for a table or counter. The Honey-Can-Do folding board in this guide is 32 × 12 inches (81 × 30 cm). It folds for storage.
These boards can work well when you have limited space. A smaller surface holds less cloth at a time, so you move the item more often. To compare models, see our best tabletop ironing board guide.
Narrow and Wide Ironing Boards
Brabantia says the best width depends on your situation. A narrow board suits limited storage, but you move large items like sheets more often.
It says a narrow, pointed end suits shirts and pants. A wide, round end suits larger surfaces.
Brabantia Size D is 53.1 × 17.7 inches (135 × 45 cm). Brabantia says it is wide enough to iron a shirt in one go.
Size C is 48.8 × 17.7 inches (124 × 45 cm). Sizes vary by brand, so check the product page for any board you like.
Brabantia Ironing Board Sizes (A to D)
Brabantia names its boards with letters. This table lists sizes A to D.
| Size | Length × Width (in) | Length × Width (cm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 43.3 × 11.8 | 110 × 30 | Sold with a steam iron rest. |
| B | 48.8 × 15 | 124 × 38 | Sold with a solid steam iron rest or a steam unit holder. |
| C | 48.8 × 17.7 | 124 × 45 | Sold with a solid steam iron rest or a steam unit holder. |
| D | 53.1 × 17.7 | 135 × 45 | Heat-resistant iron parking zone. |
Sizes and options can change, so check the product page.
Ironing Board Height
Many boards adjust in height, so you can iron seated or standing. Brabantia says seated ironing starts at about 61 cm (24 in). For standing ironing, it says the working height varies from 90 to 102 cm (35 to 40 in).
For example, Brabantia’s Size D page lists a height in use from 79 to 102 cm (31 to 40 in). Other makers list their own ranges, so check each product page.
Height matters because a board that is too low or too high makes you bend or lift your arms. Brabantia says to check the lowest and highest height before you buy. Choose a height that lets you iron without hunching.
Ironing Board Cover Size
A cover must match the ironing surface. Measure only that surface, not the frame. Brabantia gives this advice for boards that are not Brabantia.
To check whether a cover fits, compare your board’s length and width with the size listed for the cover. If your board does not match one of Brabantia’s covers, Brabantia says to choose a slightly larger one.
A cover can have a top layer and an underlay. You can replace one or both. On a Brabantia board, the size letter is on the label of the current cover.
Are ironing board covers a standard size? No. Covers follow board sizes, and board sizes vary by brand.
To pick a cover, see our guide on choosing an ironing board cover. To change one, read how to replace an ironing board cover.
How to Measure an Ironing Board
You need only a tape measure. Write each size as length × width.
- Measure only the ironing surface from tip to tail.
- Measure the width at the widest point.
- Measure the lowest and highest height from the floor to the top of the board.
- Fold the board and measure its folded height, width, and depth.
- To change inches to cm, multiply by 2.54.
Keep these numbers when you shop for a board or a cover. Compare them with the size on the product page. This helps you avoid a board that does not fit your space.
Folded Size and Storage
A board may fit your room when open but not your closet when folded. Folded height and depth decide whether it fits behind a door or in a closet.
Look for the folded height and depth on the product page. If they are not listed, ask the seller before you buy.
A tabletop board, like the Honey-Can-Do one in this guide, folds for storage. For tips on folding a floor board, see how to fold an ironing board.
Brabantia suggests checking that a board will not fold in or out when a child runs against it. It also suggests checking that the board stays stable.
Ironing Board Sizes for Steam Irons and Steam Generators
A steam iron and a steam generator need different support. Brabantia says a steam iron needs an iron holder that lets steam pass through. For heavy steam generators, it says to use a solid steam unit holder.
Brabantia also suggests a cotton cover that lets steam pass through. Some boards have a heat-resistant “parking” area on the board itself instead of a holder. Brabantia Size D is sold with a heat-resistant iron parking zone.
Check that your iron or steam unit fits the holder or zone before you buy. Read the maker’s instructions for any board. To learn how these irons work, read how steam generator irons work.
Common Sizing Mistakes
- Measuring the frame or the box when buying a cover. Measure only the ironing surface.
- Trusting the word standard. Sizes vary by maker.
- Comparing only length. Brabantia sizes B and C are both 124 cm long, but they are 38 and 45 cm wide.
- Skipping the height range. Check the lowest and highest height.
- Forgetting the folded size. Check it if storage space is limited.
- Buying a wide board for a small room. Measure the space first.
How to Choose the Right Size
Think about what you iron, where you iron, and where you store the board. Choose a board with enough space for the clothes you usually iron. It should also fit your room and storage space.
What Do You Iron Most?
Shirts and light clothes fit on most boards. Large pieces like sheets need more surface. Brabantia says a wide, round end suits larger surfaces.
Do You Have Limited Space?
A tabletop board or a narrow board can save space. You will move large items more often on a small surface. Measure the room, the closet, and the folded board.
Where Will You Iron?
Pick a spot near a power outlet with room to move. If you iron on a table or counter, a tabletop board may be enough. Measure the space before you buy.
Are You Replacing an Old Board?
Measure your old board and its cover before you shop. Compare the size, height range, and iron rest with the new board. Then check that covers are sold in the new size.
When you know your size, compare models in our best ironing board guide.
Alternatives to a Full-Size Board
You do not need a full-size board for every job. These options can save space.
- Tabletop board: sits on a table or counter.
- Wall-mounted board: built into a wall or cabinet. Sizes vary, so check each product page.
- Over-the-door board: hangs on a door and folds back. Check the size before you buy.
- Ironing mat: a flat mat for a table or other flat surface.
- Steamer: smooths clothes on a hanger, so you do not need a board.
For more ideas, read our guide to ironing alternatives.
