Which leveling clip size do I need?
Pick the clip by the grout joint you want, not by the tile size. Use 1.5 mm clips for a 1/16" joint (common with rectified porcelain), 2.0 mm clips for a joint a little wider than 1/16", and 3.0 mm clips for a 1/8" joint (common with pressed-edge tile and planks). The clip's tab sits in the joint, so it sets the gap.
Clip size chart
| Clip | Grout joint | Typical tile | Matching spacer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 mm | About 1/16" | Rectified porcelain, large-format floors and walls | 1/16" U spacer |
| 2.0 mm | Between 1/16" and 1/8" | Modern floors wanting a clean line with a bit more room | — |
| 3.0 mm | About 1/8" | Pressed-edge (non-rectified) tile, planks, running bond | 1/8" U spacer |
How to choose
- Start with the tile maker's recommended joint. It is printed on the box or the spec sheet, and it wins over any rule of thumb.
- Rectified tile has ground, square edges and is made to tight tolerances, so it can take a narrow 1/16" joint.
- Pressed-edge tile varies more in size and has softer edges. A 1/8" joint hides that variation better.
- Planks and long tile are rarely perfectly flat along their length. A slightly wider joint is more forgiving.
- Keep one clip width per room so every joint lines up.
Every clip width uses the same reusable wedges and plier, so you only change the clip when the joint changes.
Not sure yet?
If you lay a mix of tile, keep two widths on the truck: 1.5 mm for rectified porcelain and 3.0 mm for pressed-edge tile and planks. The three-width trial pack has 200 clips of each width, so a crew can try all three on real jobs.
Frequently asked questions
Does the clip size change the grout line width?
Yes. The clip's thin tab sits in the joint between the tiles, so its thickness sets the gap. A 1.5 mm clip gives about a 1/16" joint and a 3.0 mm clip about a 1/8" joint.
Can I use 1.5 mm clips with 1/8" spacers?
Not in the same joint. Mixing them leaves the joint at the width of the thicker part, and the clip tab won't hold the tile edge properly. Match the clip to the joint you want.
What clip size for 12×24 rectified porcelain?
Usually 1.5 mm for a 1/16" joint, or 2.0 mm if you want a touch more room. Check the tile maker's recommended joint first.
What clip size for wood-look plank tile?
Many installers use 3.0 mm (about 1/8") on planks because long tile has more bow. Follow the tile maker's minimum joint.
