What Sizes Do Drop Ceiling Tiles Come In?
Written by Milan Jara on 3rd May 2022
What Sizes Do Drop Ceiling Tiles Come In?
Drop ceiling tiles come in a variety of sizes to fit different suspended ceiling grids, with some of the most common being 2-by-2-foot and 2-by-4-foot tiles. A drop ceiling is a perfect solution when you want to conceal unsightly construction features like ductwork, wiring, and pipes. And since these ceilings use standard grid sizes, it's easy to find drop ceiling tiles in a size that will fit perfectly.
Ceiling Tile Dimensions and Grid Sizes
The broad answer to "(what sizes do drop ceiling tiles come in)?" is that they come in sizes to match common grid sizes. When you're installing drop ceiling tiles, the tiles you choose must be compatible with the T-bars in your grid system. The two most common grid sizes are:
- 15/16" Grid:
Also called a 1-inch-face T-bar grid or 1-inch-wide grid, a 15/16" grid system is the most common type. It works well with 2-by-2-foot and 2-by-4-foot ceiling tiles.
- 9/16" Grid:
A 9/16" grid system is a more modern option that's increasingly common in many places. These are also called fine-line or narrow suspended ceiling tile systems.
Drop Ceiling Tile Sizes
2-by-2-Foot Ceiling Tiles
The standard drop ceiling tile size for most manufacturers is 2 feet by 2 feet. These 24-by-24-inch tiles have an area of 4 square feet or 576 square inches. These tiles are square and fit well in a grid system with square T-bars.
Some of our best-selling faux tin ceiling tiles in this size include:
2-by-4-Foot Ceiling Tiles
Another common drop ceiling tile size is 2 feet by 4 feet. These tiles are rectangular and have an area of 8 square feet or 1,152 square inches. Measured in inches, the tiles are 24 inches by 48 inches.
Popular styles of 2-by-4-foot drop ceiling tiles include:
- Cubism Shanko Tin-Plated Steel Tiles
- Rhine Valley Faux Tin Coffered Drop Ceiling Tiles
- Shanko Tin-Plated Steel Wall and Ceiling Tiles
24-by-1-Inch Ceiling Tiles
Our 24-by-1 inch ceiling tiles are peel-and-stick tiles used for covering ceiling tile grids and seams. They're finished in various colors to match the ceiling tiles, light fixtures, or other ceiling items. These hand-painted and washable 24-by-1-inch tiles are compatible with 15/16" grids and are made of long-lasting PVC. The tiles come with a limited lifetime warranty.
24-by-12-Inch Ceiling Tiles
Rectangular 24-by-12-inch ceiling tiles have an area of 288 square inches or 2 square feet. These 2-by-1-foot tiles are compatible with 9/16" grid systems and measure 24 3/8" by 12 3/8" for both drop-in and nail-up installation methods.
Our 24" by 12" tiles are available in colors such as copper and aluminum. They are compatible with other surfaces like furring strips and plywood. Top models in the 24-by-12-inch tile size category include:
23 3/4-by-23 3/4-Inch Ceiling Tiles
Our 23 3/4-by-23 3/4" ceiling tiles have an area of 4 square feet but are marketed as slightly smaller to account for the ¼" projection allowance.
PVC 23 3/4-by-23 3/4-inch tiles can be installed on surfaces like drywall, concrete, plywood, and plaster. Some tiles in the 23 3/4-by-23 3/4-inch category include:
- Alhambra IV FAD Hand-Painted Ceiling Tile
- Milan II FAD Hand-Painted Ceiling Tile
- La Scala VIII FAD Hand-Painted Ceiling Tile
- Rustic Lattice V FAD Faux Patina Hand-Painted Ceiling Tile
23 3/4-by-47 3/4-Inch Ceiling Tiles
Our 23 3/4-by-47 3/4" tiles cover 8 square feet each and are available in colors like teal, antique copper, Olympic gold, and antique bronze. The PVC tiles are compatible with 15/16" T-bar ceiling systems for a durable ceiling. These tiles may be marketed as 24-by-48-inch tiles, with the slight difference being because of installation allowances in the grid strips that are installed before the tiles. The Valencia FAD Hand-Painted Ceiling Tiles belong to this category.
Custom-Size Ceiling Tiles
Precut tiles are available in many sizes, but if your grid system is not the usual 15/16" or 9/16", you might want custom tiles that will fit more precisely with few to no cuts and little wastage. Decorative Ceiling Tiles can make custom-size tiles for you upon your request.
How Thick Are Drop Ceiling Tiles
Like the length and width, the thickness of drop ceiling tiles varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. For example, some have tiles measuring 0.625 inches thick. At Decorative Ceiling Tiles, our drop-in ceiling tiles come in a variety of thicknesses, like 0.12 inches and 0.028 inches. How thick are drop ceiling panels depends on the type and material of the tiles.
