Tile Calculators

Use these tile calculators to estimate tile quantities, adhesive, grout, and materials for flooring and wall tiling jobs. Built for tilers, renovators, and DIYers who need accurate material estimates without waste.

Tile Tools

Which Calculator Should I Use?

I want to… Use this calculator
Calculate total tile quantity for any room Tile Calculator
Calculate tiles for a floor Floor Tile Calculator
Estimate labour for a bathroom renovation Bathroom Renovation Labour Cost Calculator
Estimate labour for a kitchen renovation Kitchen Renovation Labour Cost Calculator
Estimate labour for a fit-out job Fit-Out Labour Cost Calculator

Who These Tile Tools Are For

  • Professional Tilers — quote accurately and order the right quantities first time
  • Builders & Renovators — calculate materials for bathroom, kitchen, and floor tiling
  • Flooring Contractors — estimate tiles, adhesive, and grout for large-format jobs
  • DIY Homeowners — avoid expensive mistakes when tiling your own bathroom or kitchen

How to Use These Calculators for a Real Job

  1. Start with the Tile Calculator to calculate how many tiles you need based on room dimensions and tile size.
  2. Choose the Floor Tile Calculator for floor-specific estimates.
  3. Add waste — 10% for straight lay, 15–20% for diagonal or herringbone patterns.
  4. Estimate labour using the Bathroom Renovation Labour Cost Calculator or Kitchen Renovation Labour Cost Calculator depending on your job.

💡 Pro Tips from Tradies

  • Always add waste — 10% for straight lay, 15% for brick bond, 20% for diagonal or herringbone. More waste saves you from running out mid-job.
  • Order from the same batch — tile shades vary between batches. Order all tiles at once and check batch numbers match.
  • Buy extra for future repairs — order 5–10 extra tiles to store for future repairs or replacements.
  • Adhesive trowel size matters — larger tiles need bigger trowels (12mm notched) for full coverage. Small tiles use smaller trowels (6mm).
  • Mix grout correctly — too much water weakens grout. Follow manufacturer ratios exactly.

Tiling Job-Specific Quick Tips

🪙 Floor Tiling

  • Ensure subfloor is flat — variations over 3mm per meter need levelling compound
  • Use a decoupling membrane for concrete floors to prevent cracking
  • Start from the centre of the room for symmetrical layout
  • Leave 10mm expansion gap around walls (covered by skirting)

🧱 Wall Tiling

  • Use a laser level for straight lines — walls are rarely square
  • Start from the second row up using a batten, then fill bottom row last
  • Waterproof wet areas (showers, splashbacks) before tiling
  • Use spacers consistently for even grout lines

🔲 Large-Format Tiles (600mm+)

  • Use a 12mm or larger trowel for full coverage
  • Back-butter each tile for 100% adhesive coverage
  • Use a levelling system to prevent lippage
  • Larger tiles need flatter substrates — check with a straight edge

🛁 Bathroom & Wet Areas

  • Waterproofing is critical — use tanking membrane on all wet walls
  • Fall to floor waste — minimum 1:100 slope
  • Use epoxy grout for shower floors (waterproof and stain-resistant)
  • Plan niche and feature tile locations before starting

🎨 Pattern Waste Guide

  • Straight lay: 5–10% waste
  • Brick bond: 10–15% waste
  • Diagonal: 15–20% waste
  • Herringbone: 20–25% waste

Common Tiling Questions

How many tiles do I need?

Multiply length × width to get area in square meters, then divide by the area of one tile. Add 10–20% waste depending on layout. Example: a 4m × 3m floor = 12m². With 0.25m² tiles, you need 48 tiles plus 10% waste = 53 tiles. Use the Tile Calculator for instant results.

What tile spacing should I use?

  • Rectified tiles: 1–2mm joints (clean, modern look)
  • Standard ceramic tiles: 3–5mm joints
  • Natural stone: 3–5mm joints (allows for variation)
  • Outdoor tiles: 5–10mm joints (expansion)

What’s the difference between floor and wall tiles?

Floor tiles are rated for foot traffic (PEI rating), thicker (8–12mm), and have higher slip resistance. Wall tiles are thinner (6–9mm), lighter, and often have a gloss finish. Don’t use wall tiles on floors — they’ll crack and be slippery.

How do I calculate tiles for a bathroom with obstacles?

Measure each wall section separately, subtract areas for doors, windows, and shower niches. Calculate each plane individually, then add 15–20% waste to account for cuts around obstacles.

Why Getting Tiling Estimates Right Matters

Tiling jobs are detail-intensive. Under-order tiles and you risk batch variations or delays. Miscalculate adhesive or grout and you’re making extra trips to the supplier. Accurate estimates help you:

  • Avoid running out of tiles mid-job and batch mismatches
  • Reduce waste and protect profit margins
  • Quote accurately and professionally
  • Minimise client delays and extra site visits