Work out how many tiles and boxes you need for a floor or wall, including grout joints and a wastage allowance that suits your laying pattern. Add each area (deducting doors, windows or the shower base as needed), enter the tile size and box quantity, and the calculator gives you tiles, boxes and adhesive. Add the price per box or per m² and it estimates the cost too.
Tile calculator (metric)
Add each floor or wall area to be tiled. Deduct doors, windows, baths or cabinets in “deductions”. Pick the laying pattern to set a sensible wastage allowance, or type your own.
Tile settings
Each tile covers (length + grout) × (width + grout). Tiles = area including wastage ÷ that coverage, rounded up. Adhesive coverage depends on the trowel notch and tile size (typically about 3–6 kg/m² for cement-based adhesive), so check the bag. Keep a few spare tiles from the same batch for future repairs. Waterproofing in wet areas must comply with AS 3740.
Need floor and wall tiling measured for a whole project?
Measure Manage prepares tiling take-offs for Perth bathrooms, kitchens, apartments and commercial fit-outs, including wastage, adhesive and waterproofing areas. Call Alastair on 0498 202 445 for a professional take-off.
How the tile calculator works
- Area = length × width (floors) or length × height (walls), less any deductions.
- Coverage per tile = (tile length + grout) × (tile width + grout).
- Tiles = area plus wastage ÷ coverage per tile, rounded up.
- Boxes = tiles ÷ tiles per box (or area ÷ m² per box), rounded up.
How much wastage should I allow?
| Laying pattern | Typical wastage |
|---|---|
| Straight lay | 10% |
| Brick bond / offset | 10% |
| Diagonal | 15% |
| Herringbone | 20% |
Small rooms with lots of cuts, and large-format tiles, may need more.
Tiling tips
- Buy all tiles from the same batch, and keep a few spares for future repairs.
- Wet areas need waterproofing to AS 3740 before tiling.
- Adhesive use depends on the trowel notch and tile size. Check the coverage on the bag.
- When renovating, allow for removing old tiles, disposal and patching the substrate.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate the number of tiles I need?
Work out the area in m², add wastage, and divide by the area one tile covers including the grout joint. For example, 12 m² of 600 × 300 mm tiles with 3 mm grout and 10% wastage needs 73 tiles.
How much tile adhesive do I need?
Multiply the area by the adhesive coverage in kg per m² shown on the bag, then divide by the bag size.
Tiling a whole project? Measure Manage prepares tiling and wet-area take-offs for Perth and WA builders. Call 0498 202 445 or see our material take-off services.