Tile Calculator - Tiles, Grout & Adhesive
Calculate exactly how many tiles you need for your UK flooring or wall project. Our calculator includes waste allowance, grout and adhesive quantities, box calculations, and cost estimates. Works for ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles.
How to Use the Tile Calculator
Follow these steps to calculate tiles for your project:
- Select tile type - Choose ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, or mosaic
- Choose tile size - Select a standard size or enter custom dimensions in millimetres
- Measure your space - Enter room length and width in metres (measure at the widest points)
- Select layout pattern - Different patterns require different waste allowances
- Enter tiles per box - Check the packaging for accurate box calculations
- Get complete requirements - Tiles, boxes, adhesive, and grout quantities
UK Tile Types Explained
Understanding the different tile types will help you choose the right material for your project and budget.
Ceramic Tiles
- Made from clay, fired at lower temp
- Water absorption: 3-10%
- Easier to cut with standard tools
- Best for: walls, light-traffic floors
- Lifespan: 20-25 years
- Price: £10-40/m²
Porcelain Tiles
- Denser clay, fired at higher temp
- Water absorption: <0.5%
- Requires diamond tools to cut
- Best for: high-traffic, outdoor, wet areas
- Lifespan: 30-50 years
- Price: £25-100/m²
Natural Stone
- Marble, slate, travertine, limestone
- Each tile unique in pattern
- Requires sealing and maintenance
- Best for: luxury flooring, feature walls
- Lifespan: 50+ years
- Price: £40-200/m²
Mosaic Tiles
- Small tiles on mesh backing
- Glass, ceramic, or stone
- Flexible for curved surfaces
- Best for: splashbacks, shower floors
- More grout = more maintenance
- Price: £30-80/m²
Encaustic/Patterned
- Pattern goes through tile thickness
- Cement-based or porcelain
- Victorian, Moroccan, geometric
- Best for: feature floors, hallways
- Cement types need sealing
- Price: £60-150/m²
Anti-Slip Tiles
- R10-R13 slip rating
- Textured or structured surface
- Required for wet rooms, pools
- Best for: bathrooms, outdoor, commercial
- Meets UK H&S requirements
- Price: £30-80/m²
Standard UK Tile Sizes
Reference table for common tile sizes available in the UK market:
| Size (mm) | Tiles/m² | Area/Tile | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75 × 150 | 88.9 | 0.01125m² | Metro/Subway walls |
| 100 × 100 | 100.0 | 0.01m² | Mosaic, splashbacks |
| 150 × 150 | 44.4 | 0.0225m² | Small bathrooms |
| 200 × 200 | 25.0 | 0.04m² | Traditional floors |
| 300 × 300 | 11.1 | 0.09m² | Standard floors/walls |
| 300 × 600 | 5.6 | 0.18m² | Modern bathrooms |
| 450 × 450 | 4.9 | 0.2025m² | Living spaces |
| 600 × 600 | 2.8 | 0.36m² | Large format floors |
| 800 × 800 | 1.6 | 0.64m² | Open-plan living |
| 200 × 1200 | 4.2 | 0.24m² | Wood-effect planks |
Tile Layout Patterns & Waste Allowance
Different laying patterns create different looks but require varying amounts of waste for cuts:
Straight/Grid
10% waste
Simplest pattern, tiles aligned in rows. Easiest to install, least waste.
Brick/Offset
12% waste
Each row offset by 1/3 or 1/2. Popular for metro tiles and planks.
Diagonal
15% waste
Tiles at 45° angle. Makes rooms appear larger. More cuts at edges.
Herringbone
18% waste
Zig-zag pattern. Elegant but complex. Popular for wood-effect tiles.
Chevron
20% waste
V-shaped pattern. Requires specially cut tiles. High-end look.
Basket Weave
15% waste
Pairs of rectangles alternating direction. Classic look.
Tile Adhesive & Grout Requirements
Choosing the right adhesive and grout is essential for a successful tiling project.
Tile Adhesive Guide
| Adhesive Type | Coverage | Best For | Price/20kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Grey | 4-5m² | Small ceramic tiles on walls | £12-18 |
| Standard White | 4-5m² | Light/translucent tiles | £15-22 |
| Flexible | 3-4m² | Floors, underfloor heating | £18-28 |
| Rapid Set | 3-4m² | Quick grouting (3-6 hours) | £20-30 |
| Large Format | 2.5-3.5m² | 600mm+ porcelain tiles | £25-35 |
| Natural Stone | 2-3m² | Marble, travertine, slate | £28-40 |
Adhesive Calculation
Adhesive (kg) = Area (m²) × Coverage rate × 1.1 (10% extra)
Example: 15m² floor with large format tiles (3m²/20kg): 15 ÷ 3 × 20 × 1.1 = 110kg = 5.5 bags (round to 6)
Grout Guide
| Grout Type | Joint Width | Best For | Price/2.5kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsanded | 1-3mm | Rectified tiles, walls | £8-12 |
| Sanded | 3-12mm | Floors, rustic tiles | £10-15 |
| Flexible/Anti-Crack | 2-6mm | Underfloor heating | £12-18 |
| Epoxy | 1-15mm | Wet rooms, showers, commercial | £35-60 |
| Anti-Mould | 2-6mm | Bathrooms, kitchens | £12-20 |
UK Tiling Costs 2024-2025
Typical prices for tiles and installation in the UK:
Tile Prices (Supply Only)
| Tile Type | Budget | Mid-Range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic Wall Tiles | £10-15/m² | £15-30/m² | £30-50/m² |
| Ceramic Floor Tiles | £15-25/m² | £25-45/m² | £45-70/m² |
| Porcelain Tiles | £25-40/m² | £40-70/m² | £70-120/m² |
| Natural Stone | £40-60/m² | £60-100/m² | £100-200+/m² |
| Mosaic Tiles | £30-45/m² | £45-70/m² | £70-100/m² |
| Metro/Subway Tiles | £15-25/m² | £25-45/m² | £45-80/m² |
Installation Costs (Labour Only)
| Service | Per m² | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Floor tiling (standard) | £25-40 | Simple layout, prepared substrate |
| Floor tiling (large format) | £35-55 | 600mm+ tiles, levelling required |
| Wall tiling (standard) | £30-45 | Straight walls, simple cuts |
| Wall tiling (complex) | £45-65 | Windows, niches, boxing |
| Mosaic installation | £40-60 | More grout, precise alignment |
| Herringbone/Pattern | £50-75 | Complex layout, more cuts |
Total Project Cost Example
Standard bathroom floor (4m²) with mid-range porcelain:
- Tiles (4m² @ £50/m²): £200
- Adhesive (1 × 20kg bag): £25
- Grout (1 × 2.5kg bag): £12
- Silicone sealant: £8
- Installation (4m² @ £35/m²): £140
- Total: £385 (approximately £96/m² fitted)
Where to Buy Tiles in the UK
UK sources for quality tiles:
Tile Specialists
- Topps Tiles (nationwide)
- Tile Giant
- CTD Tiles (trade)
- Expert advice and samples
- Wide range of styles
DIY Stores
- B&Q, Wickes, Homebase
- Convenient locations
- Good budget options
- Often on offer
- Tile cutting service
Online Retailers
- Walls and Floors
- Direct Tile Warehouse
- Tile Mountain
- Compare prices easily
- Free sample service
Trade Suppliers
- CTD Architectural
- Johnson Tiles (UK made)
- Domus Tiles
- Trade discounts available
- Large project specialists
Essential Tiling Tips
Before You Start
- Order samples - View in your room's lighting
- Calculate properly - Add 10-20% for cuts and waste
- Check substrate - Must be flat, dry, and stable
- Prepare surfaces - Prime plaster, use tanking in wet areas
- Plan your layout - Avoid narrow cuts at edges
During Installation
- Mix tiles from boxes - Blend for colour consistency
- Start from centre - Work outwards for symmetry
- Use spacers - Consistent grout lines throughout
- Check level frequently - Use a straight edge
- Remove adhesive squeeze-out - Before it sets
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong adhesive - Match to tile type and location
- Poor surface prep - Causes tiles to lift
- Grouting too soon - Wait 24 hours minimum
- No movement joints - Required at room perimeters
- Using silicone not grout - In corners and at floor
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tiles do I need per square metre?
The number of tiles per m² depends on tile size. Common examples: 600×600mm tiles = 2.78 per m², 450×450mm = 4.94 per m², 300×300mm = 11.11 per m², 100×100mm = 100 per m². Always add 10-15% extra for cuts and waste. Use our calculator to get exact quantities for your project.
How much tile waste should I allow for?
Allow 10% waste for straight/grid layouts in simple rectangular rooms. Add 15% for diagonal patterns, complex rooms with many cuts, or herringbone layouts. Add 20% for natural stone tiles (which may have defects) or very large format tiles. Always buy extra tiles from the same batch for future repairs.
How much tile adhesive do I need?
Coverage depends on trowel notch size and tile type. Standard ceramic tiles (up to 300×300mm): 4-5kg adhesive per m². Large format porcelain (600×600mm+): 5-6kg per m². Natural stone: 6-8kg per m². A 20kg bag covers 4-5m² for standard tiles. Always back-butter large format tiles for full coverage.
How much grout do I need for tiles?
Grout quantity depends on tile size, grout joint width, and tile thickness. For 300×300×10mm tiles with 3mm joints: approximately 0.5kg per m². For 100×100×6mm tiles with 2mm joints: approximately 0.3kg per m². A 2.5kg bag typically covers 3-5m². Use narrow joints (2-3mm) for rectified tiles, wider joints (4-5mm) for rustic tiles.
What is the difference between ceramic and porcelain tiles?
Porcelain tiles are denser, harder, and more water-resistant than ceramic tiles. Porcelain absorbs less than 0.5% water (vs 3-10% for ceramic), making it suitable for outdoor use, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. Porcelain is harder to cut and requires diamond-tipped tools. Ceramic is easier to work with and cheaper, suitable for walls and low-traffic floors.
What size tiles should I use for a small bathroom?
For small bathrooms in the UK (under 4m²), use medium-sized tiles (300×600mm or 400×400mm) to minimize grout lines and create an illusion of space. Avoid very small tiles (creates busy look) or very large tiles (too many cuts, overwhelming). Light colours and glossy finishes also help. Large format tiles (600×600mm) can work but require more cutting.
How much do tiles cost in the UK?
UK tile prices (2024-2025) per m²: Budget ceramic £10-20, mid-range ceramic £20-40, porcelain £25-60, premium porcelain £50-100, natural stone £40-150+, mosaic £30-80. Installation costs £25-45 per m² for floors, £30-50 for walls. Total fitted cost typically £50-150 per m² depending on tile choice and complexity.
Can I tile over existing tiles?
Yes, you can tile over existing tiles if they are firmly bonded, level, and sound. Clean thoroughly, lightly sand for adhesion, and use flexible rapid-set adhesive designed for tile-on-tile application. Check floor height at doors and ensure substrate can take the additional weight. Not recommended for walls if existing tiles are loose or if adding significant height.
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Understanding Your Results
Our Tile Calculator provides:
- Instant calculations - Results appear immediately
- Accurate formulas - Based on official UK standards
- Clear explanations - Understand how results are derived
- 2025/26 updated - Using current rates and regulations
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