Standard Tile Sizes: Find the Best One for Your Tile Installation Project

Unless you have experience working on a tiling project, you might not realize how significantly different tile sizes can affect the look and feel of a room. For example, long subway tiles are great at elongating a space, while smaller mosaic tiles draw your attention to a particular focal point. So, how do you figure out which tile size you need? Let’s break it down.

What Is the Standard Tile Size?

Both floor and wall tiles come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from a quarter-inch to several feet. You’ll often see smaller tiles on backsplashes or shower niches, while bigger tiles are commonly found on kitchen floors and shower walls. However, these aren’t strict rules, because choosing tile sizes is often a matter of personal preference.

Tile Size by Shape

Tile is available in different shapes, including squares, rectangles, hexagons, and octagons. Each tile shape comes in various sizes, which we’ll cover below.

Square Tile Sizes

Square tiles come in small, medium, and large sizes, which you can mix and match for a unique look. Typically, designers arrange square tiles in straight rows or diamond patterns.

Small Square Tile Sizes

The smallest square tiles—which are less than 2 inches on each side—are known as mosaic tiles and often come in sheets so you don’t have to apply them individually. They’re a popular pick for bathroom and shower floors because they add slip resistance, as well as texture and style. Interior designers also use mosaic tiles to highlight a certain part of a room, such as a kitchen backsplash.

Common square mosaic tile sizes include: 

• 1/4 x 1/4 inch

• 1/2 x 1/2 inch

• 1 x 1 inches

• 2 x 2 inches

Medium Square Tile Sizes

DIYers often use mid-sized square tiles because they’re easier to install than small mosaic tiles or large, bulky tiles. Plus, it’s fairly simple to fix cracked tiles of this size. You’ll most often see medium square tiles on backsplashes, bathroom walls, and countertops. Popular sizes include: 

• 3 x 3 inches

• 4 x 4 inches

• 5 x 5 inches

Large Square Tile Sizes

You’ll usually spot tiles of this size on floors and walls. In fact, oversized tiles have been a trend in bathroom design in recent years. However, using huge tiles in a compact space may look odd, so you may want to consult a designer or tile pro when choosing tile for small bathrooms. Large square tile sizes include: 

• 6 x 6 inches

• 8 x 8 inches

• 12 x 12 inches

• 16 x 16 inches

• 24 x 24 inches

Rectangular Tile Sizes

There is also a range of rectangular tile sizes, each of which adds its own feeling and flair to a room. You might lay rectangular tiles horizontally to lengthen a space or arrange them in a herringbone pattern for a bolder look.

Rectangular Mosaic Tile Sizes

Like their square counterparts, you’ll notice rectangular mosaic tiles on backsplashes, in showers, and as highlighting features on counters and walls. Typical sizes include: 

• 1 x 2 inches

• 1 x 3 inches

• 1 x 4 inches

• 2 x 3 inches

• 2 x 4 inches

• 2 x 5 inches

• 2 x 6 inches

• 2 x 8 inches

Subway Tile Sizes

These mid-sized rectangular tiles take their name from the classic tiles used in New York City subway stations. Subway tiles work well on floors and walls and often pair nicely with mosaic tiles. You’ll find them in the following sizes: 

• 3 x 4 inches

• 3 x 6 inches

• 3 x 8 inches

• 6 x 8 inches

Plank Tile Sizes

The longest rectangular tiles are called planks. Many styles mimic the look of hardwood flooring, so you’ll see them on kitchen and bathroom floors. However, some people choose to install plank tiles on their walls as a sturdier alternative to shiplap. Plank tile comes in several sizes, including: 

• 4 x 24 inches

• 6 x 24 inches

• 8 x 32 inches

• 12 x 24 inches

• 12 x 48 inches

Custom Tile Sizes

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, then an unconventional tile shape—like a star-and-cross or scallop—might be the right option. You can pair these custom shapes with squares and rectangles or use them on their own to create an eye-catching aesthetic.

Hexagonal and Octagonal Tile Sizes

These six- and eight-sided tiles fit together to bring more texture into your space. When measured across, common sizes include: 

• 3 inches

• 4 inches

• 6 inches

• 8 inches

• 12 inches

Star-and-Cross Tile Sizes

You might spot star-and-cross tiles in entryways, kitchens, and patios. Sometimes, you’ll find the smaller varieties in backsplashes, as well. Standard sizes include: 

• 2 x 6 inches

• 3 x 3 inches

• 3 x 6 inches

• 6 x 6 inches

• 7 1/4 x 7 1/4 inches

Arabesque Tile Sizes

This curved tile shape is delicate and visually striking, making it an interesting choice for accent areas, including backsplashes and shower walls. It comes in several sizes, including: 

• 2 x 2 inches

• 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches

• 2 1/2 x 3 inches

• 3 x 3 inches

• 5 x 5 inches

• 9 x 11 inches

• 11 x 11 inches

Scallop Tile Sizes

Scallop tiles have a nature-inspired shape that resembles shells or leaves. When arranged together, they add depth and sophistication to bathroom, kitchen, or shower walls. Size options include: 

• 1/2 x 1/2 inch

• 3/4 x 3/4 inch

• 1 x 1 inches

• 1 x 1 3/4 inches

• 2 x 2 inches

• 6 x 7 inches

• 9 x 13 inches

How to Calculate the Right Tile Size

There’s no “right” or “wrong” tile size. However, depending on the purpose of the tile and the layout of your space, certain tile sizes might make more sense than others. For example, large tiles can make your space feel bigger and require less maintenance since there’s less grout to clean. On the other hand, smaller tiles create dimension, highlight specific areas, and can help prevent falls in slippery areas.

No matter which size you pick, you’ll have to measure the square footage of the space you’re tiling so you can order the right amount of tile. Once you have that figure (and your preferred tile size), you can crunch the numbers to determine how much tile you’ll need.

Don’t worry about this step if you’re hiring a local tile pro to install tile. They can recommend the best tile sizes for your space and handle the measurements for you.

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Tile Size

Ultimately, choosing the right tile size will depend on a handful of factors, including personal preference and budget.

Preference

As we’ve mentioned, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to tile sizes. Sure, there may be common design guidelines and principles (like using mosaic tiles for accent walls and backsplashes rather than kitchen flooring), but you’re free to install whatever size tile you like, anywhere in your home.

Location

With that said, you might want to consider the location of where you’re installing tile when choosing a size. For instance, there’s a reason that mosaic tiles are commonly found on bathroom and shower floors: They’re better at improving grip and reducing slip risks than large, smooth tiles.

By comparison, you’re more likely to notice big tiles on shower walls because they have less grout—and in a shower, that’s a good thing. It means that water is less likely to wear down the grout and leak behind your walls.

Budget

Tiny tiles and intricate patterns usually take longer to install than medium and large tiles in standard shapes. As a result, the labor costs—and your overall project costs—will be higher.

Maintenance

After installation, your tile will need ongoing maintenance—especially in terms of cleaning the grout and keeping it in good shape. Smaller tiles, in particular, require more regular grout upkeep and occasional regrouting.

What to Do if You Have the Wrong Tile Size

Let’s say you’ve ordered tile for your project, and it’s just arrived at your door. You take it into the room you’re planning to tile, hold it up against the wall or floor, and—oh no!—it’s not what you envisioned.

Don’t panic: Depending on the company’s policy, you may be able to return or exchange it for a different size (as long as you haven’t installed it yet). Otherwise, if the tiles are larger than you wanted, you may be able to cut them into smaller pieces.

To prevent this from happening again, request a tile sample before placing a full order. It’s also smart to ask a tile pro for size suggestions based on your project and preferences.