UnitConv

Tile Calculator

Estimate how many tiles and boxes you need for a floor or wall

Tiles needed
147
tiles
Surface area
12
m²
Tile area
0.09
m²
Waste applied
10
%
Surface area12 m²

Bar scaled to a 50 m² (≈540 ft²) reference.

Formula

Tiles = ceil( area / tile area × (1 + waste% / 100) )

Boxes = ceil( tiles / tiles per box )

Tile dimensions are converted to meters first, then the tile area is divided into the surface area. Waste is added as a percentage and the result is rounded up.

What is a Tile Calculator?

A tile calculator works out how many tiles you need to cover a floor or wall and how many boxes that adds up to. Enter the surface area directly, or the length and width of the room, plus the size of a single tile. The tool divides the surface area by the area of one tile, adds a waste allowance for cuts and breakages, and rounds up to whole tiles. If you enter the number of tiles per box it also tells you how many boxes to buy. Both metric (m, cm) and imperial (ft, in) units are supported, making it handy for kitchens, bathrooms, backsplashes and patios.

How to Use

1. Choose metric or imperial units. 2. Enter the surface area, or switch to dimensions and enter length and width. 3. Enter the size of a single tile (length and width). 4. Set a waste percentage (10% is typical, more for diagonal layouts). 5. Optionally enter tiles per box to get the number of boxes. 6. Read the tiles and boxes you need to buy.

Formula & Definition

Tiles = ceil( surface area / tile area × (1 + waste% / 100) ) Boxes = ceil( tiles / tiles per box ) For example, a 12 m² floor with 30 × 30 cm tiles (0.09 m² each) needs 12 / 0.09 ≈ 134 tiles; with 10% waste that is about 147 tiles.

Interpreting Results

The big number is the tiles you should buy, including the waste allowance. Always order a little extra: tiles get cut at edges, some break during handling, and keeping spares from the same batch means you can replace a damaged tile later without a colour mismatch. Boxes are rounded up to whole boxes, so the box count may include a few more tiles than the bare tile count. Increase the waste percentage for diagonal or herringbone patterns and for rooms with many cut-ins.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tiles do I need? ▾

Divide the surface area by the area of one tile, then add 10% for waste. This calculator does it for you and rounds up to whole tiles and boxes.

How much waste should I add for tiles? ▾

10% is typical for a straight layout. Use 15% or more for diagonal and herringbone patterns or rooms with lots of cuts around fixtures.

How do I find the area of one tile? ▾

Multiply the tile's length by its width in the same units, then convert to square meters or square feet. A 30 × 30 cm tile is 0.09 m².

Why buy extra tiles? ▾

Cuts, breakages and future repairs. Spares from the same production batch match the colour and finish, which later batches may not.

Does this work for walls too? ▾

Yes. Enter the wall area or its height and width the same way you would for a floor; the math is identical.

This tool provides general estimates for planning only. Measure carefully and confirm quantities with your tile supplier before purchasing.