Tile Calculator: Calculate Tiles Needed for Floors, Walls & Any Surface

  • Adam
  • November 5, 2025

Free tile calculator with gap adjustment, waste allowance, and cost estimation. Calculate exact tiles needed for floors, walls, backsplashes, and roofing projects.

Tile Calculator

Calculate Tiles Needed for Floors, Walls, Backsplashes & Any Surface

📏 Pro Tips for Accurate Tile Calculations: Measure surface area carefully (length × width). Account for grout gaps (typically 0.25-1 cm). Add 10-15% waste for cutting and breakage. Larger tiles require fewer pieces but more waste. Use negative gap value for overlapping tiles. Check tile dimensions on packaging for accuracy.

Basic Tile Calculator

Tile Size
Area to Cover
Grout & Additional Options
Formula:
Tile Area (with gap) = (Tile Length + Gap) × (Tile Width + Gap)
Tiles Needed = (Surface Area ÷ Tile Area) × (1 + Waste%)

Example: 20m² ÷ (0.30+0.0025m)² ≈ 222 tiles + 10% waste = 244 tiles

✅ Tile Calculation Results:

Advanced Tile Calculator

✅ Advanced Results:

Common Tile Types & Sizes

Tile Type Common Sizes Tiles Per Box Best For Typical Grout Gap
Ceramic 10×10, 20×20, 30×30 cm 50-100 Indoor floors, backsplash 0.25-0.5 cm
Porcelain 30×30, 60×60 cm 4-12 High-traffic, wet areas 0.25-1 cm
Glass 10×10, 20×20 cm 50-100 Backsplash, accents 0.25-0.5 cm
Natural Stone 20×20, 40×40 cm 10-25 Rustic, luxury projects 0.5-1.5 cm
Mosaic 1×1, 5×5 cm 100-200 Artistic, accents 0.25-0.5 cm
Marble 30×30, 60×60 cm 4-10 Premium, decorative 0.5-1 cm
Granite 30×30, 60×60 cm 4-10 Durable, decorative 0.5-1 cm
Subway 10×20, 7.5×15 cm 30-50 Classic, trendy 0.5-1 cm
Large Format 90×90, 120×240 cm 1-4 Modern, minimal grout 1-2 cm
🔨 Tile Installation & Gap Information
Gap Size (Grout Spacing):

Typical gaps: 0.25-1 cm (0.1-0.4 inches). Affect tile appearance and functionality. Smaller gaps (0.25 cm): modern look, less visible grout, difficult to cut tiles. Larger gaps (1+ cm): traditional look, easier installation, more visible grout. Use negative value for overlapping tiles or minimal gap designs.

Tile Size Selection:

Small tiles (10×10 cm): increase visual texture, more cutting waste. Medium tiles (30×30 cm): balanced, most common choice. Large tiles (60×60+ cm): modern appearance, fewer pieces, easier cleaning, more waste during installation. Choose based on room size and aesthetic preference.

Layout Patterns:
  • Linear/Grid: Straight alignment, minimal waste (5-10%), traditional look
  • Running Bond: Offset rows like brickwork, adds 5-10% waste, classic appearance
  • Diagonal: 45° angle, adds 10-15% waste due to cuts, dynamic look
  • Herringbone: V-shaped pattern, adds 15-20% waste, high visual impact
Waste Allowance by Complexity:
  • Simple rectangular room, linear layout: 5% waste
  • Standard room with minor cuts: 10% waste
  • Complex layout with many cuts: 15% waste
  • Very intricate design or pattern: 20%+ waste
📦 Tile Material Characteristics
Ceramic Tiles:

Affordable, available in many colors. Water-resistant but can absorb moisture. Best for: kitchens, bathrooms, decorative accents. Lifespan: 10-20 years.

Porcelain Tiles:

Durable, low-absorption, stain-resistant. More expensive than ceramic. Best for: high-traffic areas, wet areas, outdoor use. Lifespan: 20+ years.

Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Slate):

Premium appearance, unique patterns, requires sealing and maintenance. Expensive. Best for: luxury projects, accent walls. Lifespan: 50+ years with proper care.

Glass Tiles:

Decorative, light-reflecting, water-proof. Fragile, shows fingerprints. Best for: backsplashes, accents, artistic applications. Lifespan: indefinite.

Mosaic Tiles:

Small decorative pieces, highly artistic. Labor-intensive installation. Best for: artistic projects, borders, focal points. Various materials available.

💰 Tile Project Cost Considerations
Material Costs:
  • Ceramic tiles: $1-5 per tile or $10-50 per square meter
  • Porcelain tiles: $2-10 per tile or $20-100 per square meter
  • Glass tiles: $2-8 per tile or $30-150 per square meter
  • Natural stone: $5-20+ per tile or $50-300+ per square meter
  • Mosaic tiles: $15-50 per sheet or $100-500 per square meter
Additional Costs:
  • Grout: $0.25-1 per square meter
  • Adhesive/Mortar: $0.50-2 per square meter
  • Underlayment/Substrate: $0.50-3 per square meter
  • Sealer (stone/porous): $0.50-2 per square meter
  • Installation labor: $5-20+ per square meter (varies by region)
  • Removal of old tiles: $2-8 per square meter
Ways to Save:
  • Choose standard sizes to minimize cutting waste
  • Use ceramic instead of porcelain for non-high-traffic areas
  • Linear patterns reduce waste vs. diagonal or herringbone
  • Larger tiles reduce labor (fewer grout joints to finish)
  • DIY installation if you have the skills
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is the tile calculator? +
Very accurate when using exact measurements. Always round up (never down) to ensure sufficient tiles. Add waste percentage for safety. Real-world variables (cuts, breakage, misalignment) make 10-15% waste mandatory for any project.
What is negative grout gap value used for? +
Negative gap values account for overlapping tiles (like roof shingles or roofing tile). Example: -5 mm means tiles overlap by 5 mm. Reduces total tiles needed compared to separated tiles. Useful for seamless or continuous appearances.
Should I buy extra tiles for future repairs? +
Definitely! Buy 1-2 extra boxes beyond calculated amount. Tiles may fade, break, or become unavailable in future. Store extras in cool, dry location. Label box with project date, tile name, and batch number for matching repairs.
How do I account for irregular room shapes? +
Break irregular areas into rectangles. Calculate each section separately using calculator. Add all section areas together, then add 15-20% waste (complex shapes need more). Example: L-shaped room = two rectangles = sum both areas.
What grout gap should I use? +
Standard recommendation: 0.25-0.5 cm for most ceramic and porcelain tiles. Large format tiles: 1-2 cm. Natural stone: 0.5-1.5 cm. Smaller gaps = modern/seamless appearance. Larger gaps = traditional/rustic appearance. Check tile manufacturer recommendations.
Do larger tiles require less grout than small tiles? +
Yes! Large tiles (60×60 cm) have fewer grout joints than small tiles (10×10 cm). Fewer joints = less grout = easier maintenance and cleaner appearance. However, large tiles require more careful installation and show imperfections more easily.
Can I use this calculator for DIY projects? +
Perfect for DIY projects! Provides accurate tile quantity estimates. Helps budget materials and costs. Simplifies ordering process. Add extra waste (15-20%) for DIY since professional installers waste less. Don't rush—accurate measurement saves money.
What's the difference between tiles per box values? +
Small tiles (10×10 cm): 50-100+ per box. Large tiles (60×60 cm): 4-10 per box. Huge tiles (120×240 cm): 1-2 per box. Depends on tile size and weight. Always check actual packaging for exact count. Larger tiles per box because they're physically bigger and heavier.

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