Convert japanese tatami to square meter easily.
1 tatami x 1.65289 = 1.65289 m²
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Ever wondered how big a "six-tatami room" really is? Whether you're browsing a Kyoto guesthouse listing or designing a minimalist tea ceremony space, converting tatami mats to square meters helps bridge tradition and modernity. Let’s unravel this uniquely Japanese unit – and why it’s more than just flooring.
Unit definitions
What is a japanese tatami (畳)?
- Description: A traditional Japanese floor mat made of woven rush grass over compressed rice straw.
- Symbol: 畳 (jō) – though often written as "tatami" in English contexts.
- Common uses: Measuring room sizes in homes, tea houses, and ryokan inns. Also defines spatial layouts in traditional architecture.
- Definition: Historically, one tatami mat sized to fit one person seated comfortably. Modern standards vary regionally: Kanto (Tokyo) uses 1.653 m², Kansai (Kyoto) 1.82 m².
What is a square meter (m²)?
- Description: The SI unit for area, representing a square with 1-meter sides.
- Symbol: m²
- Common uses: Global standard for real estate, construction, and interior design.
- Definition: 1 m² = 10.7639 square feet. Universally recognized in scientific and commercial contexts.
Conversion formula
To convert tatami mats to square meters:
square meters = tatami mats × 1.65289
(Using the Kanto region standard)
For reverse calculations:
tatami mats = square meters ÷ 1.65289
Example calculations
- A 6-tatami room in Tokyo:
6 × 1.65289 = 9.917 m² → Rounded to 9.92 m² - Converting 15 m² to tatami:
15 ÷ 1.65289 ≈ 9.07 tatami mats
(So, a "9-mat room" plus a small alcove)
Conversion tables
Japanese tatami to square meters (Kanto standard)
| Tatami | Square Meters |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.653 |
| 2 | 3.306 |
| 3 | 4.959 |
| 4 | 6.612 |
| 5 | 8.265 |
| 6 | 9.917 |
| 7 | 11.57 |
| 8 | 13.22 |
| 9 | 14.88 |
| 10 | 16.53 |
Square meters to japanese tatami
| Square Meters | Tatami (approx) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.03 |
| 10 | 6.05 |
| 15 | 9.08 |
| 20 | 12.11 |
| 25 | 15.14 |
| 30 | 18.16 |
Historical background
Tatami mats emerged during Japan’s Nara period (710-794 CE), initially as luxury items for nobility. By teh Edo period (1603-1868), they became widespread in samurai residences. The standardization efforts began in 1891 with the Japanese Weights and Measures Act, though regional preferences persisted. Fun fact: Traditional mat thickness (5.5 cm) was designed to insulate against cold floors – a practical feature before central heating!
Interesting facts?
- Lucky numbers matter: Rooms avoid 4.5 or 6.5 tatami counts, as uneven mats symbolize instability.
- Acoustic perks: Tatami’s natural fibers absorb sound, making rooms quieter – perfect for meditation.
- The 'new tatami smell': Fresh rush grass emits a grassy scent, cherished like the aroma of new books.
- Sunlight rotation: Historically, mats were flipped seasonally to ensure even wear from sunlight.
- Modern hybrids: Some Tokyo apartments use half-tatami "nijiriguchi" entries – blending old and new.
FAQ
No – tatami sizes vary by region. In Kyoto (Kansai region), one mat is roughly 1.82 m², while Tokyo (Kanto) uses 1.653 m². Our tool uses the Kanto standard.
Historical land measurement systems and regional carpentry traditions led to variations. Larger mats in Kansai reflect older architectural styles.
Yes, but verify the local tatami standard. Modern apartments often list sizes in m² alongside tatami counts for clarity.
Multiply 4.5 by 1.653 to get ≈7.44 m². Use decimals freely – our calculator handles partial mats.
Yes, but often mixed with Western-style rooms. Tatami areas remain popular for tea ceremonies, bedrooms, and cultural aesthetics.