Tile Calculator
How many tiles for a floor or wall
Tiling a floor, wall, backsplash or shower? Enter the area in feet or metres to see how many tiles you need in common sizes, with waste for cuts and breakage.
How many tiles do I need?
Divide your area by each tile's coverage. We show common sizes so you can compare. Always add 10% waste (15% for diagonal or herringbone layouts) and keep a few spare tiles from the same batch for repairs.
Tiles per square metre and square foot
Switch the units toggle to work in feet or metres. As a quick reference, a 30×30 cm tile (about 12×12 in) gives roughly 11 tiles per square metre, a 45×45 cm tile about 5 per m², and a 60×60 cm tile about 2.8 per m² — before waste. In imperial terms a 12×12 in tile is one tile per square foot. The calculator handles the conversion and the waste percentage for you, so you can order in whichever unit your supplier sells.
Floor tile vs. wall tile
Floor tiles are rated for foot traffic (look for a PEI rating of 3 or higher) and slip resistance; wall tiles are thinner and lighter. Don't put wall tile on a floor. For showers and wet areas, choose porcelain or glazed ceramic with a low water-absorption rating.
Don't forget thinset and grout
Beyond the tiles, budget for thinset mortar (a 50 lb bag sets roughly 40–60 ft² depending on tile size and trowel notch) and grout — larger tiles and wider joints use more. Order tile and setting materials together so you're not stalled mid-job waiting on supplies.
Tile Calculator: frequently asked questions
How many tiles per square metre?
About 11 for a 30×30 cm tile, 5 for a 45×45 cm tile, and roughly 2.8 for a 60×60 cm tile, before adding waste. Switch the units toggle to metres to enter your room directly in m².
How much extra tile should I buy?
10% for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal or patterned layouts, plus a few spares for future repairs.
How do I figure tiles for an odd-shaped room?
Break the space into rectangles, calculate each, and add them together using the 'number of areas' field.
How much thinset do I need?
Roughly one 50 lb bag per 40–60 ft² of standard tile, but it depends on tile size and trowel notch — bigger tiles need a deeper notch and more mortar. Back-butter large-format tiles for full coverage.