🧱 Interactive Flooring & Tile Calculator
Enter your floor dimensions and individual tile dimensions below.
How to use the tile calculator
- Measure the floor: Enter the length and width of the area you plan to tile. For an L-shaped room, split it into two rectangles, calculate each one and add the results together.
- Select feet or metres: The tool converts everything to square metres internally and shows square feet as well.
- Enter the tile size in centimetres: Common sizes are 30 × 30, 60 × 60, 60 × 120 and 80 × 80 cm. Use the actual tile size, not the nominal one printed on some catalogues.
- Choose a wastage percentage: Ten percent is the standard figure for a simple, straight layout.
- Optional: enter tiles per box: Tiles are usually sold in boxes, and the tool will round up to the number of full boxes you must buy.
The formula in plain words
- Floor area = room length × room width
- Tile area = tile length × tile width
- Tiles needed = (floor area × (1 + wastage ÷ 100)) ÷ tile area, rounded up
- Boxes needed = tiles needed ÷ tiles per box, rounded up
Remember that the tile area must be in the same unit as the floor area. A 60 × 60 cm tile equals 0.36 square metres, so a 12 square metre room holds exactly 33.3 of them before wastage.
Worked example: a 4 m × 3 m room
You want to tile a 4 m by 3 m room with 60 × 60 cm tiles. You choose 10% wastage, and the tiles come in boxes of four.
| Step | Working | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Floor area | 4 × 3 | 12 m² (about 129 sq ft) |
| Tile area | 0.6 × 0.6 | 0.36 m² |
| Add wastage | 12 × 1.10 | 13.2 m² |
| Tiles needed | 13.2 ÷ 0.36 = 36.7, round up | 37 tiles |
| Boxes | 37 ÷ 4 = 9.25, round up | 10 boxes (40 tiles) |
Ten boxes give you 40 tiles, which leaves three spare tiles for future repairs. That is a healthy result, because a few spare tiles from the same batch are worth keeping in case one cracks years later.
How much wastage should you allow?
Wastage covers cut tiles, broken pieces and mistakes. The right figure depends on the layout and the room shape.
| Layout Style | Suggested Wastage Allowance |
|---|---|
| Straight (grid) layout in a simple rectangle | 5 to 10% |
| Brick or offset layout | 10 to 12% |
| Diagonal layout | 15% |
| Herringbone or complex chevron patterns | 15 to 20% |
| Rooms with many corners, pillars or alcoves | Add 3 to 5% more |
| Large-format tiles (60 × 120 cm and above) | Add 3 to 5% more, because a single cut wastes more |
Practical tips before you buy
- Buy all tiles from the same batch: Colour and size can shift slightly between production runs. Check the batch or shade number printed on every box.
- Do a dry layout: Lay a row of tiles without adhesive from the main door to the far wall. It shows how the cuts will fall and prevents thin slivers along the edges.
- Do not forget the skirting: If you will tile the skirting as well, calculate its length times its height separately.
- Allow for grout joints: Joints are small, but on a large room they add up. If you use wide joints (5 mm or more), the calculator's wastage figure usually covers it.
- Check subfloor flatness: A bumpy floor uses more adhesive and can make tiles crack. Level it before tiling.
- Estimate adhesive and grout: A rule of thumb for a 60 × 60 cm tile is about 4 to 5 kg of adhesive per square metre.
- Waterproof wet areas: Bathrooms and balconies need a waterproofing membrane layer under the tiles.
Choosing the right tile size
Large tiles make small rooms look bigger because there are fewer grout lines, and they give a clean, modern look. Small tiles offer better grip on wet floors and are easier to fit around curves. In a bathroom, consider 30 × 30 cm or mosaic tiles for the shower floor and larger ones for the walls. In living areas, 60 × 60 cm or 80 × 80 cm vitrified tiles are popular, thanks to their durability and easy maintenance. Keep in mind that larger tiles need a flatter subfloor and more skill to lay.
Common mistakes to avoid
Mixing units: Entering the room in feet and the tile in inches without conversion is the classic error. Our calculator asks for tile size in centimetres to keep it consistent.
Ignoring built-in furniture: Do not subtract areas under fixed cabinets unless you are certain they will never be moved, because tiles under a removed cabinet can leave an ugly gap.
Not counting spares: Discontinued tiles are difficult to match. Keep at least one box of spare tiles after the job is done.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2 × 2 ft tiles do I need for 100 sq ft?
A 2 × 2 ft tile covers 4 sq ft. For 100 sq ft, that is 25 tiles, or 28 tiles when 10% wastage is included.
How many 60 × 60 cm tiles fit in one square metre?
Each tile covers 0.36 m², so 1 m² needs about 2.78 tiles. That is why a room of 12 m² needs around 34 tiles before wastage.
Do I need extra tiles for a diagonal layout?
Yes. Diagonal patterns require many angled cuts at the perimeter edges, so plan on about 15% wastage.
Should I count grout lines?
For normal joints of 2 to 3 mm, the effect is very small and your wastage allowance covers it. For wide joints, tiles cover slightly less area than the tile size suggests, so consider adding an extra one or two percent.
How do I convert square feet to square metres?
Divide the square feet by 10.764. For example, 200 sq ft equals about 18.6 m². Our calculator does this for you and shows both results.
Can I use this for wooden or laminate flooring?
Yes. Enter the plank size in the tile length and width fields, or simply use the floor area result and add 5 to 10% for wastage. The boxes field also works with packs of planks if you know the number per pack.
More tools for your home project
Planning a full makeover? Try our Rug Size Guide to choose the right rug for your new floor, and our Paint Calculator to work out how much wall paint you need.