Tile Calculator
Calculate how many tiles and boxes to buy for any floor or wall. Works with US inch sizes (12×12, 18×18) and metric sizes (300×300mm, 600×600mm). Accounts for pattern waste.
| Market | Popular Floor Tile Sizes | Wall Tile Sizes | Typical Coverage/Box |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | 12×12 in, 18×18 in, 24×24 in | 4×4 in, 4×16 in subway | 15–25 ft²/box |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 300×300mm, 600×600mm, 900×900mm | 300×600mm, 75×300mm metro | 1–2 m²/box |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 300×300mm, 600×600mm, 600×1200mm | 300×600mm | 1–2.16 m²/box |
| 🇩🇪 Germany / EU | 300×300mm, 600×600mm, 800×800mm | 250×500mm | 1–2 m²/box |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much waste should I add for tiles?
Straight lay (parallel to walls): 10% waste. Diagonal (45°): 15–20% waste. Herringbone or brick pattern: 15–20%. Large format tiles (600mm+): 5% for straight, 10% for diagonal. Extra waste is needed in L-shaped rooms, rooms with alcoves, or rooms with many cuts around fixtures.
Why do tile sizes differ between the US and UK/EU?
US tiles are measured in inches because the US retained the imperial system. UK, EU, and Australian tiles are measured in millimetres because these countries use metric. A US 12×12 in tile is approximately 305×305 mm — close but not identical to the metric 300×300 mm tile. Always verify with the actual tile specification rather than converting, as production tolerances differ.