The two most popular modern sizes for ceiling tiles in the UK are 595mm x 595mm and 1195mm x 595mm. These are designed to fit into metric grids that have been set out at 600mm and 1200mm centres. Older ceilings may have imperial sized tiles of 605mm x 605mm and 1210mm x 605mm. These tiles appear almost the same but are not interchangeable. The first step in making the right choice of ceiling tile is to measure your existing tile accurately. This guide covers the most common sizes and explains how to measure and determine the difference between metric and imperial tiles and why there is a 5mm gap.
The majority of presently available suspended ceiling tiles in the UK are 595mm x 595mm (a square tile) or 1195mm x 595mm (a rectangular ‘plank’ tile). They are made for grids that are set out at 600mm and 1200mm centresThe tile is intentionally constructed to be 5mm smaller than the module to allow it to drop into the grid with a small tolerance, such as a 595mm tile fitting into a 600mm module or a 1195mm tile fitting into a 1200mm module.
When people talk about tiles, they refer to them as ‘600 x 600’. However, the actual size of the tile is 595mm. That 5mm is to give clearance for the tile to fit into the grid. If you request a tile cut to a true 600mm, it will not fit. Therefore, when you take measurements, anticipate a modern tile to measure 595mm rather than 600mm, and order according to the actual tile size.
Ceilings installed decades ago may use imperial modules: tiles of 605mm x 605mm (nominally 2ft x 2ft) or 1210mm x 605mm (2ft x 4ft) tiles are 10mm larger than the equivalent metrics, meaning a metric tile will sit loose and drop through an imperial grid, while an imperial tile will be too tight to fit a metric grid. This difference is tough to spot and is why imperial ceilings are frustratingly easy to get caught out on.
Imperial tiles can still be sourced as RCT can provide imperial 605mm x 605mm and 1210mm x 605mm tiles, so an old imperial ceiling can be retained without having to replace the grid. Do not attempt to fit a metric tile into an imperial grid as it will not sit properly. If you are replacing the grid then you can change to the current modern metric standard, however, for a patch repair, match the existing imperial dimensions.
Most other requirements can be achieved by cutting standard tiles to size at the perimeter, or by using custom-made tiles for non-standard modules. If your ceiling has an atypical module, the RCT team can guide you on whether a standard tile can be cut or a special one is required. However, in the great majority of ceilings, it is a matter of 595 mm or 1195 mm metric modules, or their 605 mm/1210 mm imperial equivalents.
What size are standard ceiling tiles?
The two regular current sizes in the UK are 595mm x 595mm and 1195mm x 595mm, made for grids at 600mm and 1200mm centres. The tile is 5mm smaller than the module so it drops into the grid.
Why is a ‘600 x 600’ tile actually 595mm?
The 5mm difference is for the tile to fit within a 600mm grid module. A true 600mm tile would not drop in, so authentic modern tiles are 595mm and should be specified to that size.
How can I find out if my tiles are imperial?
When ordering tiles, be sure to measure the tiles themselves. The sizes for tiles would be around 605mm x 605mm or 1210mm x 605mm, which would indicate an imperial measurement, while around 10mm larger than metric means it would be imperial. The imperial and metric tiles are not interchangeable.
Can I still get imperial ceiling tiles?
Yes. RCT can supply Imperial 605mm x 605mm and 1210mm x 605mm tiles specially, so an old imperial ceiling can be matched without replacing the grid.
Determine the proper dimensions for your ceiling from our Suspended Ceiling Tiles range.
Can’t tell if your ceiling measurements are in metric or imperial? Send measurements or call 01939 251 450 We will check the dimensions and provide either standard or imperial tiles. Request a quote.
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