Tile Calculator
Room Dimensions
Tile Specifications
Obstacles & Deductions
How to Measure Your Space
Accurate measurements are crucial for ordering the correct quantity of tiles. Follow these steps for best results:
- Measure Walls: Use a tape measure to record the width and height of each wall in metres. Measure at multiple points as walls may not be perfectly straight.
- Measure Floors: Record the length and width of the floor area. For irregular shapes, divide the space into rectangles and measure each section separately.
- Account for Obstacles: Measure doors, windows, fitted units, and any other areas that won’t require tiling. Subtract these from your total area.
- Check for Level: Uneven surfaces may require additional tiles for cutting and fitting.
- Double-Check: Always verify measurements before ordering to avoid costly mistakes.
Grout Gap Guide
| Tile Size | Recommended Gap | Grout Type | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mosaic (under 50mm) | 1-2mm | Fine grout | Backsplashes, feature walls |
| Small (50-150mm) | 2-3mm | Standard grout | Bathroom walls, small floors |
| Medium (150-300mm) | 3-5mm | Standard grout | Kitchen walls, general flooring |
| Large (300-600mm) | 3-5mm | Wide-joint grout | Large format floors, feature walls |
| Extra Large (600mm+) | 5-10mm | Wide-joint grout | Commercial spaces, large areas |
| Rectified Tiles | 1.5-2mm | Fine grout | Contemporary seamless look |
Wastage Recommendations
Including extra tiles for wastage prevents project delays and accounts for cuts, breakages, and future repairs. The required wastage percentage depends on several factors:
| Scenario | Wastage % | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Simple rectangular room, straight layout | 5-10% | Minimal cutting required |
| Room with few obstacles | 10-15% | Standard cuts around fixtures |
| Complex room shape | 15-20% | Multiple cuts and angles |
| Diagonal/diamond pattern | 15-20% | Corner cuts on every tile |
| Herringbone/chevron pattern | 20-25% | Complex cutting patterns |
| Large format tiles (600mm+) | 15-20% | Higher breakage risk |
Tile Layout Patterns Explained
Straight/Grid Layout: The most economical pattern where tiles align in straight rows and columns. Minimal wastage and easiest installation make this ideal for beginners.
Diagonal Pattern: Tiles rotated 45 degrees create visual interest and can make small rooms appear larger. Requires cutting along all edges, increasing wastage by approximately 5-10%.
Brick/Running Bond: Each row offsets by half a tile width, mimicking brickwork. Popular for metro and subway tiles. Expect 10-15% additional wastage.
Herringbone: Rectangular tiles arranged in a V-shaped weaving pattern. Creates striking visual impact but requires precise cutting and planning. Wastage increases by 15-20%.
Material Quantities Checklist
Beyond tiles, you’ll need these materials for a successful tiling project:
- Tile Adhesive: Calculate 3-5kg per m² for wall tiles, 5-8kg per m² for floor tiles. Heavy tiles require more adhesive.
- Grout: Estimate 0.5-1kg per m² for 3mm joints, 1-2kg per m² for 5mm joints. Wide joints and textured tiles require more.
- Primer: Essential for porous surfaces. One litre typically covers 5-8m². Check manufacturer specifications.
- Tile Spacers: Purchase 100-150 spacers per m². Reusable spacers save money on larger projects.
- Movement Joints: Required every 3-5 metres on floors, around perimeters, and at junctions between different materials.
- Sealant: Flexible sealant for wet areas. One tube covers approximately 10-15 linear metres for standard 5mm gaps.
Common Tiling Calculations
Tile Size Selection
| Tile Size (mm) | Best Application | Coverage per Tile | Visual Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 x 100 | Backsplashes, small accents | 0.01 m² | Busy, textural |
| 150 x 150 | Bathroom walls, splashbacks | 0.0225 m² | Traditional, detailed |
| 200 x 200 | Walls, small floors | 0.04 m² | Balanced, versatile |
| 300 x 300 | Floors, large walls | 0.09 m² | Modern, clean |
| 300 x 600 | Feature walls, floors | 0.18 m² | Contemporary, spacious |
| 600 x 600 | Large floors, commercial | 0.36 m² | Minimal grout, expansive |
| 75 x 150 (metro) | Kitchen backsplashes | 0.01125 m² | Classic, subway style |
Cost Planning
Budget effectively for your tiling project by considering all associated costs:
- Tiles: Prices range from £10-£100+ per m² depending on material, size, and quality. Ceramic and porcelain offer the best value.
- Adhesive & Grout: Budget £5-£10 per m² for quality products. Specialist adhesives for large tiles or wet areas cost more.
- Tools & Equipment: Tile cutters (£30-£200), spacers (£5-£15), trowels (£10-£25), and spirit levels (£15-£40) are essential.
- Surface Preparation: Backing boards, primer, and levelling compound add £10-£20 per m² but prevent future failures.
- Professional Installation: Tilers typically charge £20-£40 per m² for labour, varying by region and complexity.
Installation Sequence
Proper planning prevents waste and achieves professional results:
- Dry Lay First: Arrange tiles without adhesive to plan cuts and identify issues. Start from the centre of the room or the most visible wall.
- Plan Cut Tiles: Position cut tiles in less visible areas like doorways or under units. Avoid thin slivers under 25mm which are difficult to cut and install.
- Mark Reference Lines: Use chalk lines and spirit levels to create perfectly straight guidelines. Check square using the 3-4-5 triangle method.
- Mix Boxes: Draw tiles from multiple boxes during installation to blend any slight shade variations naturally across the surface.
- Check Alignment Regularly: Verify straight lines and consistent spacing every few rows. Small deviations compound quickly.
- Allow Proper Drying: Wait 24-48 hours before grouting floors, 12-24 hours for walls. Premature grouting causes adhesive failure.
Specialist Applications
Wet Rooms & Showers: Require tanking (waterproofing) before tiling. Use smaller tiles (under 200mm) on shower floors for better drainage gradients. Anti-slip ratings (R10-R13) are essential for safety.
Underfloor Heating: Use flexible adhesive and grout to accommodate thermal expansion. Porcelain tiles conduct heat efficiently. Allow heating systems to cure fully before activation.
External Tiling: Frost-resistant tiles with water absorption under 3% prevent cracking. Use exterior-grade adhesive and wider grout joints (5-10mm) for expansion.
Swimming Pools: Require specialist pool-grade tiles and epoxy adhesives. Professional installation is essential due to constant water pressure and chemical exposure.
Quality Checks
Inspect materials upon delivery to avoid installation problems:
- Batch Numbers: Verify all boxes share the same batch code. Different batches may have noticeable colour variations.
- Damage Assessment: Check for chips, cracks, and warping. Reputable suppliers replace defective tiles.
- Size Calibration: Measure several tiles from different boxes. Variations over 1mm indicate quality issues.
- Shade Variation: Lay tiles from different boxes together in natural light. Excessive variation affects the finished appearance.
- Surface Finish: Glossy tiles show imperfections more readily. Matte and textured finishes are more forgiving.