Tile calculation: a practical guide for floors and walls

Before purchasing tiles for your project, it is essential to accurately calculate the quantity required. An accurate calculation not only helps you set a correct budget but also guarantees the success of your floor or wall cladding project.

A precise calculation is crucial to:

Avoid unexpected costs from additional purchases
Ensure color consistency (as production batches may have slight differences)
Correctly estimate project timelines

When planning your project, keep in mind that:

An additional percentage must be added to the base calculation (we will discuss this in detail later)
The tile size influences the total amount of material required
It is always best to purchase all tiles needed in one go

How to calculate the number of tiles needed for a floor

Choosing the right floor tiles is just the first step. Before purchasing, you need to calculate the exact area to be tiled in order to achieve a perfect result.

Measuring the area to be tiled - a simple guide

To accurately measure the floor area in square meters, take accurate measurements of the room. Use professional tools such as a laser or tape measure, paying close attention to any irregularities in the walls.

Example calculation for a rectangular room:

Room dimensions: 4.30 meters × 3.80 meters
Calculation: 4.30 × 3.80 = 16.34 square meters
Result: total area to be tiled = 16.34 m²

For irregular or L-shaped rooms:

Divide the space into smaller rectangular areas
Calculate each area separately
Add the results together to obtain the total area

How to calculate the exact number of tiles needed

Once you have defined the area to be covered, you can calculate the exact number of tiles needed for your project.

Calculation of a single tile area (60×60 cm format):

Conversion to meters: 60 cm = 0.60 m
Area calculation: 0.60 m × 0.60 m = 0.36 m²
Result: each tile covers 0.36 square meters

Calculation of number of tiles needed:

Total surface area: 16.34 m²
Single tile area: 0.36 m²
Formula: 16.34 ÷ 0.36 = 45.39 tiles
Final result: 46 tiles (rounded up)

This calculation gives you the minimum quantity required. In the following chapters, we will discuss how to calculate the extra tiles needed to accommodate cuts and contingencies during installation.

How to calculate the square meters of wall surface to be tiled

Unlike floors, walls require additional considerations for an accurate calculation:

Elements to be subtracted from the total surface area:

Doors: height × width of each door
Windows: height × width of each window
Fixed furniture (e.g. kitchen wall units)
Fixed mirrors or decorative elements

Example calculation for tiling a wall with a window:

Wall dimensions: 3.80 meters × 2.70 meters (height)
Total surface area: 3.80 × 2.70 = 10.26 m²
Window dimensions: 1.20 × 1.40 = 1.68 m²
Surface to be tiled: 10.26 - 1.68 = 8.58 m²

Choosing the right wall tiles is essential for achieving both a functional and aesthetically pleasing result, ensuring resistance and durability. Additionally, it's important to account for extra tiles to accommodate cuts and joints, which we will explore in more detail in the next chapter.

Calculation of extra tiles: comparing sizes and laying patterns

After calculating the base area to be covered, it is essential to consider some key factors that influence the final amount of material needed. Our catalogue of porcelain stoneware tiles offers different solutions, but each project requires a careful evaluation of the necessary surplus, which varies depending on the tile size and the desired laying pattern. Including extra tiles is essential to ensure a perfect installation and to manage any unforeseen problems during installation.

Laying pattern and extra tiles recommended:

Standard (straight) laying: 10% extra.

This is the most economical in terms of waste
Suitable for all tile sizes, from the smallest to largest

Diagonal laying: 15% extra

Requires more cutting, especially in corners
Waste increases as the tile size increases

Herringbone laying: 18-20% extra

This involves numerous cuts to achieve the pattern
Best for small and medium sized tiles

Practical example of calculation:

Surface to be tiled: 25 m²
Type of laying: standard (10% extra)
Calculation: 25 m² + (25 × 10%) = 27.5 m²
Final quantity to order: 28 m²

Impact of size on quantity required

Small and medium-sized tiles (e.g., 30x60 cm or 60x60 cm) are generally easier to handle and more versatile. They follow the standard extra tile allowance, which varies based on the chosen laying pattern. These sizes offer greater flexibility for handling cuts and are well-suited to irregular spaces.

Large tiles (e.g., 120x120 cm or 120x278 cm), on the other hand, require special attention. For these sizes, it is advisable to increase the standard extra tile allowance by 5% since each cut affects a larger surface, and installation requires more precision.

Design your space: from simulation to reality

Once you have completed the technical calculations for your tiling project, it is essential to visualize the final result. With the Match App tile simulator, you can preview how your choices will look in your space, allowing you to experiment with different effects, colors, sizes and laying patterns.

For customized advice and more detailed information, contact us for a consultation. Our experts are ready to help you find the best solution for your specific needs.