Tile calculator
Calculate the number of tiles and boxes for floors or walls.
Tile calculator
Calculate how many tiles you need for a floor or wall based on dimensions, tile size and waste.
Room or wall length
Room or wall width/height
Typically 2–5 mm
Allowance for cutting and defects
Check packaging — typically 4–12 pcs/pack
Your tile project
39 tiles (60×60 cm) → 10 packs for 12 m²
Area
12 m²
Tiles/m²
2.8
Tiles
39 pcs
Packs
10
Materials
14.04 m² for 12 m² (incl. waste)
10 × 4 = 40 pcs (surplus: 1 pcs)
ℹThe result is an estimate based on your dimensions, tile size, joint width and waste.
ℹFor diagonal patterns or many cutouts the actual waste may be higher than 10 %.
Example: 12 m² floor
If you lay 60×60 cm tiles on a 12 m² floor (4 × 3 metres) with 3 mm joints and 10 % waste, you need about 39 tiles or 10 packs.
The calculation looks like this:
The calculator always rounds up so you won't run short. Consider buying a few extra for future replacements.
How to calculate tiles
Why waste matters
Tiles must be cut along walls, corners and around pipes. Some also break during cutting. 10 % extra is a good starting point, but for diagonal patterns or many cutouts you should allow 15 %. The calculator automatically adds your chosen waste percentage.
Joint width affects tile count
The grout joint between tiles takes up space. With a 3 mm joint on a 600 mm tile the effective tile width becomes 603 mm. Across a whole floor this means you use fewer tiles than without joints — the calculator accounts for this so you get the precise count.
Larger tiles mean fewer joints
A 60×60 cm tile covers 0.36 m² each, while a 30×30 cm tile only covers 0.09 m². That means 4 times as many tiles and joints for the same area. Larger tiles give a cleaner look and fewer joints to maintain, but require a more level substrate.
How to use this calculator
Four quick steps – you don't need to be a tradesperson to follow them.
- Measure the room or area you're tiling – floor and walls if both.
- Enter the tile size (e.g. 30 × 30 cm) and how many tiles come in a box.
- Add 5–10 % for waste – more if you're laying staggered or diagonally.
- Check the number of boxes and round up – tiles are sold by the box.
Common mistakes
Small things that often cost an extra trip to the hardware store.
- Forgetting waste, especially on diagonal layouts or awkward rooms.
- Buying a few boxes too few and getting a different batch later (the colour shade can shift).
- Not checking the floor is level – small dips become big problems with large-format tiles.
- Forgetting that the grout joint takes up 2–5 mm per tile.
Example: a 6 m² bathroom floor
A 6 m² bathroom floor with 30 × 30 cm tiles needs 67 tiles by area. Add 10 % waste and that's 74 tiles – at 11 tiles per box you'll need 7 boxes. A bit of leftover is handy if a tile cracks later.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions we hear most often about this calculator.
How much waste should I budget for?
5 % is fine for straight grid layouts in a simple room. 10 % is safer for staggered patterns, and 15 % is realistic for diagonal layouts.
Should I buy an extra box as a spare?
Yes, it's smart. If you crack a tile later, matching the exact batch shade is almost impossible.
Does the calculator include grout?
It focuses on tiles and boxes. Grout and adhesive depend on tile type and joint width – check the coverage info on the bag.
What about wall tiles?
Run the walls as a separate calculation – just take the area (height × length) and use the same approach.
Use the results in a real project
With MyPlanDIY you can save materials, create budgets, track tasks and bring everything together in one project.
No credit card required. Free demo project included.
See also
Keep going with one of these – they pair well with what you just read.
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