Tile CalculatorFree online other calculator — instant results, no sign-up
Tiles needed for a floor or wall.
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About the Tile Calculator
The Tile Calculator determines the total number of individual tiles required to cover a specified floor or wall surface area. It accounts for tile dimensions measured in centimeters, total coverage area in square meters, and an added percentage for cuts and breakage. Homeowners, tilers, and contractors use it to estimate tile quantities prior to purchasing.
- Area
- Total surface area of the floor or wall to be covered, measured in square meters (m²). Typical values range from 1 to 500 m².
- Tile length
- Length of a single tile, entered in centimeters (cm). Typical values range from 5 to 120 cm.
- Tile width
- Width of a single tile, entered in centimeters (cm). Typical values range from 5 to 120 cm.
- Waste
- Allowance percentage added to cover cutting waste, pattern matching, and breakage. Typical values range from 5% to 20%.
Formula and method
Tile Area (m²) = (Tile length × Tile width) / 10,000 Tiles needed = ceil((Area / Tile Area) × (1 + Waste / 100))
- AreaTotal surface area to be tiled, in square meters (m²)
- Tile lengthLength of one tile, in centimeters (cm)
- Tile widthWidth of one tile, in centimeters (cm)
- WasteExtra percentage factored in for cuts, breakage, and errors (%)
- ceilCeiling function that rounds up to the nearest whole integer
The tool converts the individual tile dimensions from centimeters to square meters by dividing the product of length and width by 10,000. It then divides the total room area by this single-tile area to get the base tile count. Finally, it multiplies by the waste factor and rounds up to the nearest whole tile using the ceiling function.
Worked example
These are the calculator's starting values and the results it actually produces for them.
Inputs
- Area20 m²
- Tile length30 cm
- Tile width30 cm
- Waste10 %
Results
- Tiles needed245
How to use the Tile Calculator
- 1Multiply the tile length by tile width and divide by 10,000 to determine the surface area of a single tile in square meters.
- 2Divide the total project area by the single-tile area to find the minimum number of tiles needed without waste.
- 3Multiply that base count by (1 + Waste / 100) to account for cuts, edge fitting, and damaged pieces.
- 4Round the final figure up to the next whole number to ensure you do not run short.
Reading your result
The result displays the total number of whole tiles you need to purchase for the project. Because tile vendors sell by whole units or whole boxes, this rounded-up count ensures sufficient material for installation. You can divide this count by the number of tiles per box to determine how many full boxes to order.
Limitations
The calculation does not subtract area for grout line widths, meaning slightly fewer tiles might be needed depending on joint spacing. It also assumes a uniform rectangular layout; complex room perimeters, diagonal herringbone patterns, or niches may generate higher actual waste than standard estimates. Tile box packaging increments are not automatically calculated.
Common questions
What waste percentage should I choose?+
A standard grid layout typically requires 10% extra for straight cuts and accidental breakage. Diagonal layouts, herringbone patterns, or rooms with many obstacles and corners generally require 15% to 20% waste.
Does this calculation include grout joint width?+
No, the formula calculates coverage based purely on the nominal face dimensions of the tile. In practice, grout lines slightly reduce the number of tiles needed, which provides an extra small buffer against shortages.
How do I convert tiles needed into boxes?+
Check the product packaging for the number of tiles contained in one box, then divide the calculated tile count by that number and round up to the nearest whole box.
Does the calculator save my information?+
Calculations run in your browser. While signed in, inputs and results are automatically recorded in account history; saving a result creates a separate saved record.
Further reading
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Results are estimates for informational purposes and are not financial, medical or legal advice.