How does laundromat size impact success

When planning a laundromat, one of the first decisions is how big it needs to be. The answer depends on your market, budget, and services (self-serve only vs. wash–dry–fold, commercial, etc.). The good news: profitable laundromats exist in several size ranges. 

 Key Space Basics 

A laundromat needs space for: 

Equipment: washers, dryers, water heaters, mechanical room 

Customers: aisles, folding tables, seating, carts 

Support: payment systems, vending, storage, office, drop-off area 

As a rough rule of thumb: 

25–35 sq ft per washer (including aisles and circulation) 

15–25 sq ft per dryer pocket 

Then add space for folding, seating, storage, and any services. 

Common Laundromat Sizes (and What They Can Do) 

• 1. Small Laundromat: 800–1,500 sq ft 

Best for:
Dense urban neighborhoods, walk-up traffic, lower startup budget. 

Typical setup (~1,200 sq ft): 

10–12 washers 

10–14 dryer pockets 

Limited folding and seating 

Pros: Lower rent and build-out, easier to manage.
Cons: Tight at peak times, less room to add services later. 

Works best when: 

High renter density 

Few competitors or low-quality competitors 

You focus on fast turns and efficient layout 

• 2. Medium Laundromat: 1,500–3,000 sq ft 

This is the sweet spot for many new owners. 

Best for:
Suburban or urban locations with parking, room for self-serve + drop-off. 

Typical setup (~2,000–2,500 sq ft): 

18–30 washers (mix of small/medium/large) 

18–32 dryer pockets 

4–6 folding tables, seating, vending 

Space for a small wash–dry–fold counter and storage 

Pros:
Good capacity, flexible layout, room for extra services and growth. 

Cons:
Higher rent and utilities; needs steady volume to be profitable. 

• 3. Large / "Mega" Laundromat: 3,000–6,000+ sq ft 

Best for:
High-density markets, experienced or well-capitalized owners, multi-service model. 

Typical setup (~4,000+ sq ft): 

40–80+ washers 

40–80+ dryer pockets 

Dedicated space for: 

Wash–dry–fold 

Commercial accounts 

Storage and staff areas 

Lounge, kids' area, more amenities 

Pros: High revenue potential, multiple income streams.
Cons: High build-out cost, requires strong demand and management. 

What Actually Makes a Size "Successful"? 

Any of these sizes can work if: 

• Demand is strong (renters, limited in-unit laundry, weak competition) 

• Rent is reasonable (aim for rent under ~15–20% of projected revenue) 

• Layout is efficient (good flow from entrance → machines → folding → exit) 

• There's room for at least one extra revenue stream
  (wash–dry–fold, vending, commercial accounts, or pickup/delivery)