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Setting out

Wall tile batten (datum) height and top cut

B=g+t+jct=H−B−m(t+j)cb=H−g−j−k(t+j)2Bb=g+cb+j
where
B
batten height for a whole bottom row (mm)
g
gap at the floor (mm)
t
tile height (mm)
j
joint width (mm)
ct
top cut with a whole bottom row (mm)
H
tiled height above the lowest floor point (mm)
m
whole rows above the batten, ⌊(H − B)/(t + j)⌋
cb
equal top and bottom cut (mm)
k
whole rows between the cuts (largest giving cuts of at least half a tile)
Bb
batten height for equal cuts (mm)
Explain this equation

Gives the height to fix the starting batten above the lowest point of the floor or bath, and the cut you will end up with at the top. It also gives the batten height for equal top and bottom cuts.

H is the tiled height from the lowest floor point, t the tile height, j the joint and g the gap left at the floor. B is the batten height for a whole bottom row, m the whole rows above the batten and ct the top cut. k is the number of whole rows when cuts are shared, cb the equal top and bottom cut, and Bb the matching batten height.

With a whole bottom row the batten sits one gap, one tile and one joint up. Each row above steps up by t + j, and what is left is the top cut. For equal cuts, the whole rows and their joints are taken off the height and the remainder is split in two; k is reduced by one if the cuts would otherwise be under half a tile.

Sense check: 300 mm tiles with 2 mm joints and a 3 mm floor gap give a batten at 305 mm; on a 2.4 m wall the top cut is 283 mm.

Watch out: always measure from the lowest point of the floor or bath, not the doorway.

Height to fix the starting batten above the lowest point of the floor (or bath), and the cut that results at the top. Gives the batten height for a whole bottom row and for equal top and bottom cuts.

Enter your values to see the result.

Good to know

Find the lowest point of the floor or bath with a level and measure up from there. A batten at g + t + j leaves room for a whole bottom row at the lowest point, cut to suit where the floor rises. The rows above the batten step by tile plus joint; the remainder is the top cut. For equal cuts, the batten moves so the leftover is shared top and bottom. The TTA and Topps both set out from the lowest point and avoid small cuts.

Common mistake

Measuring the batten height from the floor at the doorway, not the lowest point, so the bottom row needs packing or a tapering sliver.

Limits

Assumes the tiled height ends at a fixed line (ceiling, trim) with no joint above the top cut. For window sills and feature bands, set out from the feature and work up and down.

Sources

Results are calculations from the published methods and manufacturer figures shown, and depend on the data you enter. Always follow the tile, adhesive and grout manufacturers’ instructions, BS 5385 and the Tile Association guidance. Coverage rates vary by product and substrate. Check prices and VAT rules with your own records and HMRC.

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