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Tile Calculator

Estimate tiles, boxes and cost with grout gap. Switch between room dimensions or total area.

Tile Size

Same unit as tile (mm/cm/in). Set 0 to ignore.

Area to Cover

Box Size & Price (optional)

Results

Enter values and click Calculate.

Table of Contents

🔹 How the Tile Calculator Works

This calculator estimates the number of tiles you need from effective tile size (tile plus grout gap) and the area to cover. If you choose a laying pattern (e.g., Diagonal or Herringbone), a small allowance is added to reflect typical cutting loss.

🔹 Formulas

  • Effective tile dimensions (convert all to meters first):
    Leff = L + gap, Weff = W + gap
  • Area per tile: Atile = Leff × Weff
  • Room/Total area (in m²): Acover from dimensions or total area input
  • Pattern multiplier (optional): Mpat = 1.00 (Straight), 1.10 (Diagonal), 1.12 (Herringbone)
  • Effective cover area: Aeff = Acover × Mpat
  • Exact tiles: Tilesexact = Aeff / Atile
  • Tiles needed (rounded up): Tiles = ceil(Tilesexact)
  • Boxes needed (if tiles/box given): Boxes = ceil(Tiles / tilesPerBox)
Pattern Multiplier (Mpat) When to use
Straight 1.00 Most standard layouts with minimal cutting.
Diagonal 1.10 Diagonal set; more corner cuts typically required.
Herringbone 1.12 Complex interlocking pattern; higher cutting allowance.

🔹 Worked Example

You have a 5 m × 4 m room (area = 20 m²). Tile size is 30 × 30 cm with a 3 mm gap, laid Straight.

  • Convert to meters: L=0.30 m, W=0.30 m, gap=0.003 m
  • Effective tile: Leff=0.303 m, Weff=0.303 m
  • Area/tile: Atile=0.303×0.303 ≈ 0.0918 m²
  • Pattern multiplier: Mpat=1.00 (Straight)
  • Effective area: Aeff=20 × 1.00 = 20 m²
  • Exact tiles: 20 / 0.0918 ≈ 218
  • Tiles needed: ceil(218) = 218 tiles
  • If 10 tiles/box: ceil(218 / 10) = 22 boxes

Tip: If you’re still planning the room size, try our Square Footage Calculator to measure area quickly before estimating tiles.

🔹 Practical Applications of the Tile Calculator

The Tile Calculator is not just for estimating flooring. It helps homeowners, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts avoid under-ordering or overspending on tiles. Here are some of the most common scenarios where this tool is applied:

  • Flooring Projects: Calculate tiles for kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, or entire homes.
  • Wall Tiling: Estimate materials for showers, backsplashes, or accent walls.
  • Outdoor Areas: Plan patio or balcony tiling with accurate counts for boxes and costs.
  • Commercial Jobs: Ensure accurate budgeting for offices, restaurants, or retail spaces.
  • Renovations & Repairs: Calculate how many tiles are required to replace damaged sections.

For projects involving cement or grout volume, try our Concrete Calculator to pair your tile estimates with the right amount of base material.

🔹 Common Tile Sizes & Coverage

Quick reference for how many tiles cover 1 m² and 100 ft² (approximate, no grout gap). Your calculator above adds gap and pattern effects for a more precise result.

Tile Size Units Area per Tile (m²) Tiles per m² Tiles per 100 ft²
10 × 10 cm 0.0100 100.00 ≈ 929
20 × 20 cm 0.0400 25.00 ≈ 232
30 × 30 cm 0.0900 11.11 ≈ 103
60 × 60 cm 0.3600 2.78 ≈ 26
30 × 60 cm 0.1800 5.56 ≈ 52
75 × 75 cm 0.5625 1.78 ≈ 17
120 × 60 cm 0.7200 1.39 ≈ 13
4 × 4 inches 0.01032 96.88 900
6 × 6 inches 0.02323 43.06 400
12 × 12 inches 0.09290 10.76 100
12 × 24 inches 0.18581 5.38 50
24 × 24 inches 0.37161 2.69 25

Note: Counts above assume no grout gap and a straight layout on a perfectly rectangular area. Real projects need extra tiles for cuts, waste, and layout pattern. The calculator on this page already factors in grout gap and offers pattern multipliers to get closer to reality.

Planning in feet and inches but ordering in metric? Use our Length Conversion Calculator before entering sizes.

🔹 Tips for Accurate Tile Estimation

Even with a reliable tile calculator, following best practices ensures you buy the right amount of tiles, avoid costly mistakes, and reduce material waste.

  • Always order extra tiles: Add 5–15% depending on pattern complexity and cut wastage.
  • Check box coverage: Manufacturers list coverage per box. Compare with calculator results to confirm.
  • Mix from different boxes: Helps avoid shade variation on large surfaces.
  • Account for irregular layouts: Rooms with alcoves or obstacles may need extra cuts.
  • Buy spares for future repairs: Tiles may be discontinued; a few extra today saves hassle later.

For projects where budget is tight, you can cross-check tile costs with our Budget Calculator to plan your expenses more effectively.

🔹 Cost Considerations

Tile cost is influenced not only by the price per tile or box but also by extras such as grout, adhesive, and labor. Factoring in these additional expenses ensures your budget reflects the true total cost of the project.

Cost Component Typical Share Notes
Tiles 50–70% Varies with material (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, etc.)
Grout & Adhesive 10–15% Depends on tile size, spacing, and type of adhesive used
Labor 20–30% Higher for complex patterns like herringbone or mosaics
Extras 5–10% Includes spacers, trims, tools, and protective sealants

Tip: Always compare prices in per square meter or per square foot terms for apples-to-apples budgeting.

If your project involves financing or larger home upgrades, check out our Loan Calculator to estimate monthly repayments alongside material costs.

🔹 Advantages of Using a Tile Calculator

Using a tile calculator saves time, prevents errors, and ensures that your project stays within budget. Instead of relying on rough estimates or guesswork, you get precise, data-driven numbers.

  • Accuracy: Converts between units automatically and accounts for grout gaps.
  • Budget control: Estimates total cost in your preferred currency per tile, box, or area.
  • Flexibility: Switch between room dimensions or total area inputs.
  • Realistic results: Adds allowances for diagonal and herringbone patterns.
  • Time-saving: Eliminates manual calculations and reduces planning time.
Illustration of tile calculator benefits such as accuracy, budgeting, and time savings
Tile calculators simplify planning and make budgeting predictable.

If you’re estimating multiple home improvement costs, pair this tool with our Mortgage Calculator to better understand the overall financial impact of your renovation.

🔹 Limitations and Considerations

While a tile calculator is an excellent planning tool, there are several real-world factors that can affect the final number of tiles needed. Understanding these limitations helps you prepare for potential adjustments.

  • Irregular room shapes: Calculators assume rectangular or square rooms; angled walls and alcoves may require manual adjustment.
  • Tile breakage: Accidents during transport or installation can increase your tile requirement beyond estimates.
  • Batch differences: Shade and size variations can occur between batches — always order from the same lot.
  • Complex cuts: Patterns around fixtures, corners, or stairs often waste more material than standard layouts.
  • Human factor: Installer skill impacts waste; professional tilers usually need fewer extras than DIY projects.

A good rule of thumb is to add 5–15% extra tiles depending on complexity. The calculator on this page includes allowances for patterns but cannot anticipate every on-site adjustment.

If you’re measuring multiple surfaces like stairs or irregular walls, our Stair Calculator can help you plan more accurately before calculating tile requirements.

🔹 Different Tile Materials

Not all tiles are created equal. The type of material you choose affects durability, price, and installation needs. Below is a quick comparison of the most common tile materials.

Material Durability Cost Level Best For
Ceramic Moderate Low–Medium Kitchens, bathrooms, walls
Porcelain High Medium–High High-traffic floors, outdoor patios
Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Slate) Very High High–Premium Luxury bathrooms, feature walls
Glass Fragile Medium–High Backsplashes, decorative accents
Mosaic Moderate Medium–High Showers, detailed decorative work
Vinyl / PVC Tiles Moderate Low Budget renovations, DIY projects

Tip: Some materials, like marble and granite, may require sealing and special adhesives. This increases installation cost and time compared to standard ceramic tiles.

Planning a mixed-material renovation? Use our Area Conversion Calculator to quickly convert measurements before ordering different types of tiles.

🔹 Tile Calculator vs Manual Calculation

Traditionally, tile estimation was done manually using pen, paper, and a calculator. While still possible, manual calculations are prone to unit errors, rounding mistakes, and overlooked gaps or patterns. A digital tile calculator removes these risks and provides instant, accurate results.

Aspect Manual Calculation Tile Calculator
Accuracy Depends on user skill; errors more likely High accuracy with unit conversion and pattern adjustments
Time Required Slow, requires multiple steps Instant results in seconds
Unit Conversion Manual conversion needed (cm → m, ft → m², etc.) Automatic conversion included
Waste Allowance Must be added manually Built-in allowances for patterns and cuts
Cost Estimation Extra step; must multiply by price/box or tile manually Integrated price fields for cost per tile, box, or area

For small, simple projects, manual methods may suffice. But for larger or patterned installations, the calculator provides faster, more reliable, and stress-free estimates.

If you are comparing multiple project costs, also try our Salary Calculator to understand how much of your income can realistically be allocated to home renovations.

🔹 When to Hire a Professional

While DIY tiling can save money, certain situations benefit from hiring a skilled tile installer. A professional ensures precise cuts, perfect alignment, and long-lasting results.

  • Complex patterns: Diagonal, herringbone, or mosaics require advanced cutting and layout skills.
  • Large spaces: Professional installers work faster and reduce wasted tiles in bigger projects.
  • Uneven surfaces: Floors and walls that need leveling should be handled by experts.
  • Luxury materials: Natural stone and marble are expensive to replace if mistakes happen.
  • Time-sensitive projects: Hiring pros ensures deadlines are met without compromising quality.

If you’re comparing costs between DIY and professional services, our Retirement Calculator can help balance long-term savings with current renovation spending.

🔹 Summary

The Tile Calculator is a powerful planning tool that saves time, reduces waste, and helps budget effectively for flooring, wall, and outdoor projects. By entering tile size, gap, room area, and pattern, you can quickly calculate how many tiles and boxes you’ll need — along with total cost if you enter pricing.

  • Accurate tile counts with unit conversion and pattern allowance.
  • Optional cost estimation per tile, box, or square meter/foot.
  • Guidance on extra tiles to account for cuts, waste, and future repairs.
  • Comparison of materials, patterns, and costs to fit any project.

Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or a contractor managing multiple projects, the Tile Calculator ensures you have the right numbers before ordering. Pair it with our other tools like the Concrete Calculator and Square Footage Calculator for a complete project planning experience.

🔹 Frequently Asked Questions

▼ How many extra tiles should I order?
It’s recommended to order 5–15% more tiles depending on the complexity of the layout and the amount of cutting required.
▼ Can I use this calculator for walls as well as floors?
Yes, the calculator works for both floor and wall tiling projects. Simply enter the wall area as you would for flooring.
▼ Does the grout gap really make a big difference?
Yes. Even a small grout gap increases the effective pitch of each tile, changing the total tile count significantly in larger projects.
▼ How does pattern choice affect tile quantity?
Diagonal and herringbone patterns typically require 10–12% more tiles than straight layouts due to extra cuts and waste.
▼ Can I calculate cost without knowing tiles per box?
Yes. If you don’t know the box size, you can enter price per tile or price per square meter/foot instead of per box.
▼ Should I mix tiles from different boxes during installation?
Yes, mixing tiles from different boxes helps reduce noticeable shade variations, giving a more uniform final look.
▼ Can I use imperial and metric units together?
The calculator allows inputs in different units and automatically converts them to square meters for accurate results.

🔹 References & Sources

Source Link / Reference
Calculator.net – Tile Calculator calculator.net/tile-calculator
Floor & Decor – How to Calculate Tile flooranddecor.com/how-to/calculate-tile
Home Depot – Tile Buying Guide homedepot.com/tile-buying-guide
Lowe’s – Tile Installation Basics lowes.com/tile-installation
Wikipedia – Tile en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tile