How Many Tiles Do You Need?
Enter your room dimensions and tile size in metres to instantly calculate the total area and number of tiles required — with a 10% waste allowance already included.
Always add 10% for waste — cuts, breakages, and future repairs. This calculator includes it automatically.
+10%
waste allowance automatically included — covers cuts, breakages, and future repairs
600mm
square tiles are the most popular size for contemporary floors and large format walls
3 quotes
recommended from local tilers before committing — labour rates vary significantly
Tiling tips to get it right first time
Measure twice, order once
The most common tiling mistake is ordering too few tiles — especially problematic if you need to re-order from the same batch (dye lots vary between batches). Always round up to the nearest full box and add one extra box beyond the calculated 10% waste. Most tile retailers accept returns of unopened boxes, so the risk of over-ordering is low compared to the risk of running short.
Tile layout planning before you start
Before laying a single tile, do a dry run: lay tiles without adhesive across the room to check the pattern, ensure cuts at opposite walls are symmetrical, and confirm the layout is visually balanced. Starting from the centre of the room and working outward produces the most symmetrical result. Avoid starting from a wall — walls are rarely perfectly square, and it creates uneven cuts on the opposite side.
Substrate preparation is everything
The best tiles can't compensate for a poorly prepared floor. The substrate must be structurally sound, flat to within 3mm over 2 metres, and free from flex (timber floors need additional boarding). Use flexible tile adhesive in wet areas and ensure a consistent bed thickness. Adequate substrate prep is what separates a tiling job that lasts 20 years from one that lifts within 2.
How the Tile Calculator Works
Formula
Room Area = Room Length × Room Width\nTile Area = Tile Length × Tile Width\nTiles Needed = ⌈(Room Area ÷ Tile Area) × 1.10⌉Enter room dimensions and tile dimensions in metres. The calculator divides total room area by single tile area to get the base count, multiplies by 1.10 to add the 10% waste allowance, then rounds up to the nearest whole tile.
Always buy by the box rather than individual tiles — this ensures you have consistent dye lot matching. Round up to the nearest full box and consider keeping any spares for future repairs.