Free calculator
Tile calculator
Enter the area, the tile size and the grout gap, and get the number of tiles to buy with waste, and how many boxes.
Result
- Area to tile
- 12 m²
- Tiles (exact)
- 131
- To buy with 10% waste
- 144
- Boxes
- enter tiles per box
Keep a few spare tiles from the same batch for future repairs; colours vary between batches.
How it works
Each tile takes up its own size plus one grout joint along each side. Tiles = area ÷ ((tile length + grout) × (tile width + grout)). The result is rounded up, then the waste allowance is added and rounded up again.
Ten percent waste is usual for a straight layout in a rectangular room. Use 15% for a diagonal or herringbone pattern, or for rooms with many corners and pipes. Large-format tiles waste more per cut, so keep the allowance even if the tile count is small.
Buy all boxes from the same batch number; shade and size can differ between batches. Keep a few spare tiles for future repairs.
Frequently asked questions
- How many 30 x 30 cm tiles do I need for 10 m²?
- With a 3 mm grout gap, about 109 tiles. With 10% waste, buy 120, which is 12 boxes of 10.
- How many 12 x 12 inch tiles per square foot?
- One, before waste, if you ignore the grout gap; slightly less than one with a normal gap. For 100 sq ft with 10% waste, buy 110.
- What waste percentage should I use for tiles?
- 10% for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal or patterned layouts, and more for small or awkward rooms.
Guides
- How many tiles per square metre? 30x30, 60x60 and other sizes
Tiles per square metre for the common sizes with a 3 mm grout gap, how many to order for 10 m² with cutting waste, and when to allow more than 10%.