Tile Calculator: Estimate Tile Quantities for Your Project

Tile calculator UK

With a tile calculator, you will be able to find out the required quantity of those tiles that you have always dreamed about. This makes life easier for interior design projects because we can be sure that we have all the required materials to complete the works.

Additionally, the materials calculations let us have an accurate handle on the cost before embarking on the works. This is key when setting out home improvements. Find out how to make precise calculations with our tile calculator.

Master tile estimation: Different calculation methods for different tiles

We use a different tile calculator method for different types of tiles. The standard approach for calculating different tile quantities is listed below:

• Floor & Wall tiles. Calculate the total square area (metres or feet) for tiling. Separate calculations are needed for wall tiles and floor tiles. Then, divide that total by the area of the corresponding tile.
• Border, trim and skirting tiles. Typically, we calculate it by linear metres rather than area.
• Decorative or hand-painted tiles. These tiles are sold on an individual basis. This is because it’s not usual to tile an entire wall or floor with highly decorative tiles.
• Mosaic tiles. Nowadays, tile mosaics are available as preassembled sheets with specific measures. This approach ensures consistency in pattern and uniform distance or separation of individual tiles.

Tiling Calculator

With a tile calculator, we can work out the exact quantity of tiles required to cover walls and floors. Once we pin down the number of tiles, then we can figure out the necessary adhesive and grouting. All together this gives us a very accurate idea of the overall cost of materials.

There are two different methods for tile calculator estimation: traditional pen and paper calculation using simple addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Alternatively, we can use an online calculator, like the Porcelanosa one that does all the maths for you.

Traditional tile calculator method. It has the advantage of being intuitive. Doesn’t require sophisticated maths skills. But mistakes can be made.

Online tile calculator method. It’s more straightforward. Just enter the measurements into the online calculator. Has the advantage of providing extra information such as the number of boxes of specific tiles.

Using Tile Calculators: Test Case

Let’s calculate the tiles required for a test case, with a square metres tile calculator.

Our test project is a linear shape kitchen with an already installed island in the middle. There is a laundry space on the opposite wall. Additionally to the floor, we need to tile the backsplash area and the adjacent wall of the kitchen cabinets, where a large window is installed.

How many tiles do I need?

Follow these steps to calculate the total floor and wall tiles required. The online calculator will automatically include 10% extra for wastage.

Floor Tile Calculator

In this example, we will tile the entire floor area. We will be using the Smart Tanzania Nut wood effect tiles. It measures 22 x 90 cm.

• Divide the area into rectangles. For this case, we can consider the entire kitchen rectangular floor area and add the small laundry area.
• Then, subtract the areas that will not be tiled. Specifically for this test case that refers to the island kitchen area.
• Our floor tile measures 22 cm x 90 cm so each tile measures 0.198 sq. m.
• When you have the total area minus the areas where no tiles are required, divide the area by the tile area.
• Add 10% to the total for breakage and replacement tiles to be stored for the future.
• Finally, calculate the exposed linear dimensions for the skirting tile.

Wall Tile Calculator

Our test case features a decorative backsplash tile (Antique Blue, measuring 33.3 x 100 cm) over the kitchen cooking area and a standard tile in the adjacent wall.

• Because we have two different wall tiles, we will need to calculate two different areas.
• The decorative backsplash rectangle is divided by the area of the selected tile. This provides the number of individual decorative tiles. This example features 5 tiles per box covering a wall area of 1.67 sq.m.
• Carry out the same calculation for the other area that features the standard tile. Make sure to subtract the area of the window.
• Divide the total wall area by the tile area. Then check the number of the chosen tiles in a box to order the correct amount.
• N.B. Allow 10% extra for breakage and replacement tiles for future works.

How many tiles do I need?

From the above example we now have three total quantities of tiles:

• Floor tiles
• Decorative wall tiles
• Standard wall tiles

The beauty of the online tile calculator is that we have a cost for the total tiles. We will now be able to purchase the exact number of boxes of the specific tile, including an allowance for contingency.

Nevertheless, for all tiling jobs, we must ensure that the substrate can support the wall and floor tile weight. So, we always recommend consulting with an expert.

Finally, with the number of tiles, we can estimate the amount of adhesive and grout required for a tiling project. This is an extra cost and we should include it to avoid budget overruns.

UK Tile Calculator

With so many options available to fulfil your tiling dreams, we highly recommend spending some time on your project tile calculator.

Either the traditional or the online method, both are easy to use and work intuitively. However, no matter how careful and accurate your calculations are, you will probably have questions. Don’t worry, we have a team of professionals that will set your mind even more at ease.

Consult with your nearest showroom, where tiling experts will review your calculations and explain what to expect with the finished project.

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