What Is a Full Bath Vs. a 3/4 Bath?

Definition

Traditionally, a full bath consists of a bathtub, sink and toilet while a three-quarters bath consists of a sink, toilet and shower. Some individuals in the real estate industry also use the term "three-quarters bath" to mean a bathroom that can contain a sink, toilet and bathtub, leaving very little difference in the terms "three-quarters bath" and "full bath."

A full bath is typically larger than a three-quarters bath. The full bath may or may not be the master bathroom but conventionally is larger than a three-quarters bath. Three-quarters baths typically consist of smaller square footage with little excess space. A full bath can provide ample space that is unoccupied by fixtures.

Because a three-quarters bath is smaller in size, a bold or thematic décor approach works well and makes a bigger impact than a neutral three-quarters bath. For example, a beach theme materializes with sky blue walls, beach pictures and a graphic shower curtain. A safari bathroom is another option and is painted in a bold red or brown with large framed pictures, bamboo floors and an ornate vanity mirror. Full baths should showcase their size with a more neutral color palette, double sink and a continuous floor plan that is not broken up by the placement of fixtures.

Author William Bronchick of the book "How to Sell a House Fast in a Slow Market" claims that there is no significant difference in value between a three-quarters bath and a full bath.

This is to say that a bathroom with a bathtub is not much more valuable than a bathroom with only a shower. However, the value of the bathroom depends on a number of factors, including the desires of potential homebuyers. If the house does not contain a bathroom elsewhere that has a bathtub, families with young children may not be inclined to buy the home if they will cannot bathe their children in a bathtub. Additionally, the question of the bathroom's value would also depend on the current number of bathrooms in the home and their placement in the home. A home that has two bathrooms and a three-quarters bath probably would not be valued lower than a home with three full baths. However, if the home had only one bathroom, the full bath would likely retain more value than a three-quarters bath. Likewise a three-quarters bathroom would probably suffice in a basement while many homeowners would prefer a full bath on a main level. The value of the bathroom is relevant to the area, buyers' expectations and the accessibility to other bathrooms.