Tile Spacer Size Chart: Grout Joint by Tile Size and the Leveling Clip to Use
Find the grout joint for your tile size and edge, then the Next Level clip that sets it: 1/32″ (1 mm), 1/16″ (1.5 mm) or 1/8″ (3 mm).
What size tile spacer should I use?
Use the grout joint your tile allows. A 1/32″ (1 mm) spacer suits rectified porcelain with almost no size variation, 1/16″ (1.5 mm) suits most porcelain and ceramic, and 1/8″ (3 mm) gives a narrow but visible line on ceramic and porcelain from 12″x12″ to large format. The tile maker’s minimum joint always wins over any chart.
Tile spacer size is simply the width of the grout joint between two tiles. With the Next Level tile leveling system, the leveling clip is the spacer: a 1/16″ clip makes a 1/16″ joint and also holds the two tile faces flush. So choosing a spacer size and choosing a clip size are the same decision.
Tile spacer size chart
Typical grout joints by tile type and edge, and the Next Level clip that sets each one. Treat it as a starting point: the joint printed on the tile box or spec sheet comes first.
| Tile | Edge | Typical grout joint | Next Level clip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12″x24″ porcelain (floor) | Rectified | 1/16″ to 1/8″ | 1/16″ or 1/8″ |
| 24″x24″ and 24″x48″ porcelain | Rectified | 1/16″ to 1/8″ | 1/16″ or 1/8″ |
| Large format and thin panels | Rectified | 1/32″ to 1/8″ (follow the tile maker) | 1/32″, 1/16″ or 1/8″; clip about every 8″ |
| Wood-look plank (6″x36″, 8″x48″) | Rectified | 1/16″ to 1/8″ | 1/16″ or 1/8″ |
| 12″x12″ ceramic | Pressed (cushion) | 1/8″ or wider | 1/8″ |
| Subway 3″x6″ / 3″x12″ (wall, backsplash) | Pressed or rectified | 1/16″ to 1/8″ | 1/16″ or 1/8″ |
| Rustic or handmade look | Irregular | 1/8″ or wider | 1/8″ |
| Mosaic on mesh | Set by the sheet | Set by the sheet | Not needed |
Ready to order? See the tile leveling clips in 1/32, 1/16 and 1/8 inch, and the reusable wedges that go with them.
How to determine the size of spacers for tiles
Four checks, in this order, before you pick a clip.
1. Check the tile edge
Rectified (cut square) tile allows a tighter joint; pressed or cushion edges need a wider one.
2. Measure the size variation
Lay three tiles face to face and compare the edges. The larger the variation, the wider the joint.
3. Read the tile maker's minimum
It is printed on the box or the spec sheet and overrides any chart, this one included.
4. Pick the clip
Match the clip to the joint: 1/32″, 1/16″ or 1/8″.
What is the standard grout joint size?
There is no single standard, but two widths cover most US floors and walls: 1/16″ (1.5 mm) on rectified porcelain and walls, and 1/8″ (3 mm), a common grout joint spacing for ceramic and porcelain from 12″x12″ to large format. Wider joints suit rustic or handmade tile.
The narrower the joint, the more the tile has to be flat and uniform in size, because a thin joint leaves no room to hide differences between tiles.
12x24 tile: which grout joint and clip?
Most rectified 12″x24″ porcelain is set with a 1/16″ or 1/8″ grout line. Use 1/16″ when the tile is flat and the maker allows it; use 1/8″ when the tile shows edge warpage or you set it in a 1/3 offset, where a slight bow in long tiles shows most.
Long rectangular tile is where leveling clips help most, because the center of a long tile tends to sit a little higher or lower than its ends.
For floor vs wall, running bond offsets and calibrated tile, see what size grout line for 12×24 tile.
What size grout line for 24x24 tile?
A 1/16″ to 1/8″ grout joint is typical for rectified 24″x24″ porcelain. Go wider if the tiles vary in size or the floor is not flat within the tolerance the tile maker asks for. On tile this size, place a leveling clip about every 8 inches along each edge.
What size grout joint for subway tile and backsplash?
Subway tile on walls and backsplashes is usually set with a 1/16″ joint for a tight, modern line, or 1/8″ for a classic look, especially with pressed edges. Leveling clips are optional on small wall tile, but they help on long 3″x12″ pieces and on tile with a slight bow.
What is the minimum grout joint size?
The practical minimum is the joint the tile manufacturer specifies for that tile, printed on the box or the spec sheet. Next Level’s smallest clip is 1/32″ (1 mm), meant only for rectified porcelain with very consistent edges, when the maker allows a joint that tight.
Does grout line size matter?
Yes. The joint absorbs small differences in tile size and lets the floor move a little without stress. A joint that is too tight for the tile shows crooked lines and lippage; a joint that is too wide changes the look of the room and needs more grout and more cleaning.
How many tile spacers do I need?
For large format tile and thin panels, place a leveling clip about every 8 inches along each edge, so the count depends on tile size and layout. Smaller tile needs fewer clips per edge. Tell us the tile size and the square footage when you ask for a quote, and the team will size the order.
Related pages
The clips
The three Next Level clip sizes and how to use them.
The system
How clips and reusable wedges keep tile flat.
Questions
Answers about the system, ordering and trade accounts.
Not sure which clip size fits your tile?
Send us the tile size, the edge type and the joint on the spec sheet, and the Next Level team will tell you which clip to use. Call (813) 426-6875 or email info@nextleveltilesupplies.com.