Switching units converts your existing inputs.
Pattern affects cutting waste, not the base tile count.
Areas
Add each room or section separately. The calculator sums all areas.
Tile & Layout
Floors: 2–4 mm typical
Diagonal patterns typically need 15–20%.
How to Calculate Tiles for Any Room
Tile quantity is calculated from area. The total floor or wall area is divided by the module area of a single tile, which is the tile's face dimensions plus the grout joint width on each edge. That gives you a base count. Add your waste allowance on top, and round up to a whole number. The result is what to order. The calculator also shows tiles per square metre so you can cross-check against supplier box coverage figures.
Grout joint width has a small but real effect. A 3 mm joint on a 600 x 300 mm tile increases the module area by about 1%, which slightly reduces the tile count. The effect is more pronounced on smaller tiles with wider joints, so entering your actual joint width gives a more accurate result than ignoring it.
Pattern, Waste, and What to Order
A straight stack bond is the most efficient pattern in terms of material use. Each tile aligns directly with the next, edge cuts are simple, and waste is predictable. Brick bond (running bond) introduces offset cuts at the ends of each row, which adds 10 to 12% waste in most rooms. Diagonal (45-degree) layouts are the most wasteful because every edge of the room requires a 45-degree angled cut, and the triangular offcuts are rarely reusable. For diagonal work, 15 to 20% waste is realistic.
When buying, always round up to whole boxes rather than to the exact tile count. Tiles are sold in boxes and individual tiles are rarely available separately. Keep at least one full box after the job for future repairs. Tile colours vary between batches, and a damaged tile replaced from a different batch years later will often be a visible mismatch.
Tile Size and Application Guide
| Tile Size | Tiles per m² | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 100 x 100 mm (4" x 4") | ~90 | Mosaic accents, small areas |
| 300 x 300 mm (12" x 12") | ~11 | Bathrooms, laundry floors |
| 600 x 300 mm (24" x 12") | ~5.5 | Kitchen floors, hallways |
| 600 x 600 mm (24" x 24") | ~2.8 | Living areas, large open floors |
| 900 x 900 mm (36" x 36") | ~1.2 | Large format floors, commercial |
| 300 x 600 mm (wall tile) | ~5.5 | Bathroom walls, shower recesses |
Tiles per m² figures are approximate at a 3 mm joint. Use the calculator for exact counts based on your tile and joint dimensions.
Grout and Adhesive
As a rough guide, floor tile adhesive covers about 4 to 5 m² per 20 kg bag when applied with a notched trowel. Grout consumption depends on tile size, joint width, and tile thickness. Smaller tiles with wider joints use significantly more grout per square metre than large format tiles with tight joints. Your tile supplier can usually provide a grout coverage calculator specific to the products they stock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tile Project Planning Checklist
Before ordering, confirm your substrate is flat and suitable for tiling, check the batch numbers match across boxes, and plan your starting point to avoid narrow cuts at visible edges.
Download Checklist (PDF)Planning use only. See Methodology and Data Sources. View all project checklists →
Related Calculators
Disclaimer
Results are provided for general planning and budgeting purposes only. Actual tile quantities may vary based on room shape, layout complexity, substrate condition, installer technique, and product specifications.
Always confirm quantities with your tile supplier before ordering. Batch and dye lot numbers should be verified across all boxes to ensure consistent colour.
See our Methodology and Data Sources for details.