Tile Calculator

Last updated: June 2026

Area type

Length

Width

Tile size

Grout gap

Waste allowanceTiles per pack

tiles

Room area

12 m²

Tile size

600 x 600mm

With waste

38 tiles

Packs needed

10 packs

Formula

Effective tile area = (tile width + grout gap) x (tile height + grout gap). Tiles = ceiling(room area / effective tile area), then add waste.

About this calculator

Estimate tiles for floors or walls using area dimensions, tile size, grout gap, waste allowance, and tiles per pack. It is useful for bathrooms, kitchens, splashbacks, utility rooms, and hallway floors.

Tile quantity method

The calculator uses metric dimensions and practical UK planning assumptions. Results are estimates, so check product labels, site conditions, and supplier guidance before ordering materials.

room area = length x width
effective tile area = (tile width + grout gap) x (tile height + grout gap)
tiles with waste = ceiling(base tiles x (1 + waste percentage))

How to use the tile calculator

Choose the project type or measurement mode where the calculator offers one.
Enter all dimensions in metric units.
Add allowances such as coats, waste, pattern repeat, roll width, or bag size where relevant.
Review the main highlighted result first.
Check secondary results such as packs, bags, rolls, posts, or tin combinations.
Round up to supplier pack sizes and confirm the label coverage before buying.

Worked examples

600mm floor tiles

Input: 12m² floor, 600mm x 600mm tiles, 10% waste

Calculation: Each tile is about 0.36m². 12 / 0.36 = 33.4 tiles. Add 10%.

Result: About 37 tiles before pack rounding.

Herringbone waste

Input: 8m² wall with 20% waste

Calculation: Base tile count x 1.20.

Result: The higher waste allowance covers extra cuts and pattern loss.

Tile waste allowances explained

Straight lay often needs around 10% waste. Diagonal layouts, herringbone patterns, small cuts, niches, and awkward corners need more because more tiles are cut and discarded.

Grouting tips

The grout gap slightly changes the effective tile coverage. It will not usually transform the estimate, but including it makes large wall and floor calculations more realistic.

Common mistakes

Mixing centimetres, millimetres, and metres without converting first.
Ordering exact quantities with no allowance for cuts, waste, damage, or uneven surfaces.
Forgetting that products are sold in tins, packs, bags, rolls, or boards rather than exact calculated quantities.
Using average deductions or coverage rates when the project has unusual shapes, textures, slopes, or access limits.
Not checking manufacturer instructions before final ordering.

Home improvement estimate disclaimer

This calculator is for general DIY planning only. It is not a substitute for a professional survey, structural design, building control advice, manufacturer instructions, or installer measurement.

Actual product coverage and pack sizes vary by supplier.
Site conditions can change material quantities.
Structural, roofing, electrical, gas, and regulated building work may need qualified advice.

Frequently asked questions

Should I include tile cuts?

Yes. The waste allowance is there to cover cuts, breakages, pattern matching, and future repairs.

Does grout gap reduce tile count?

A grout gap slightly increases the coverage per tile module, but you still need enough full tiles for cuts and edges.

How many spare tiles should I keep?

Keeping a few spare tiles is sensible because batch colours and tile ranges can change.

Can I use this for walls?

Yes. Enter wall width as length and wall height as width, or choose Both for a rough floor-plus-wall estimate.

What if tiles are sold by m²?

Use the room area with waste figure, then compare it with the pack coverage shown by the retailer.

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Flooring Calculator
Paint Calculator
Area Calculator
Square Feet to Square Metres Converter

What does this mean?

This calculator is designed to help you understand the likely number before you make a decision or start an application.

Your result should be checked against official UK guidance, especially if your circumstances include dependants, exemptions, prior leave, or a complex immigration history.

Treat the figure as a planning tool rather than legal advice. Where the answer affects an application deadline or major payment, speak to an authorised adviser.