How many suspended ceiling tiles do I need per m²?

For 600x600mm tiles you need approximately 2.78 tiles per m² (before wastage). For 1200x600mm tiles you need approximately 1.39 tiles per m². Always add 10% extra for cuts at the edges of the room, as perimeter tiles are almost always cut to fit.

What spacing should main runners be at?

Main runners (also called main tees) should be spaced at 1200mm centres. They run parallel to the longest wall to minimise the number of joins. Standard main runners come in 3600mm or 3000mm lengths and are joined end-to-end with splice connectors.

How many suspension wires do I need?

The general rule is one suspension wire or hanger per 1.2 m² of ceiling area. For a typical 4m x 5m room (20 m²) you would need approximately 17 hangers. Wires should be no more than 1200mm apart in any direction and within 600mm of any wall.

What is wall angle trim and how much do I need?

Wall angle (also called perimeter trim or wall channel) is an L-shaped metal strip fixed around the room perimeter to support the edges of the suspended ceiling grid. You need enough to cover the full perimeter of the room. It typically comes in 3m lengths.

Can I install a suspended ceiling in a bathroom?

Yes, but you must use moisture-resistant ceiling tiles rated for high-humidity environments. Standard mineral fibre tiles will sag and deteriorate in humid conditions. Look for tiles with a RH95 rating. The grid system itself is galvanised steel and is suitable for wet areas. Ensure adequate ventilation above the ceiling void.

Suspended Ceiling Calculator — Tiles, Grid & Hangers UK

Suspended Ceiling Calculator — Tiles, Grid & Hangers

Calculate ceiling tiles, main runners, cross tees, wall angle trim and suspension hangers for a suspended ceiling installation.

Room Length

Internal room length in metres

Room Width

Internal room width in metres

Tile Size

Standard suspended ceiling tile dimensions

Grid Type

Exposed grid is most common; concealed hides the grid

Main Runner Length

Standard runner lengths available from suppliers

Height Drop (Void Depth)

Distance from original ceiling to suspended ceiling (min 100mm)

Tile Wastage

Extra tiles for edge cuts (10% recommended)

How We Calculate This

This calculator works out all the components needed for a suspended ceiling grid system. It calculates based on standard grid layouts with main runners at 1200mm centres and cross tees sized to match your chosen tile format.

How the grid works

Main runners: Run parallel to the longest wall, spaced 1200mm apart
Cross tees: Connect between main runners at 600mm centres (for 600x600 tiles) or 1200mm centres (for 1200x600 tiles)
Wall angle: L-shaped trim fixed around the full perimeter
Suspension wires: One hanger per 1.2 m² of ceiling, fixed to the structure above

Key calculations

Tiles: Grid layout based on room dimensions, plus wastage for edge cuts
Main runners: Number of rows at 1200mm spacing, each spanning the room length
Cross tees: Between each pair of main runners at tile-width spacing
Hangers: Ceiling area / 1.2 m²

Wastage of 10% is recommended for tiles as perimeter tiles require cutting. Complex room shapes or rooms with many columns may need higher wastage allowances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.

Suspended Ceiling Calculator — Tiles, Grid & Hangers

How We Calculate This

How the grid works

Key calculations

Frequently Asked Questions

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