How Many Tiles Do I Need for My Bathroom?

Working out how many tiles you need for a bathroom can be confusing, particularly when you're calculating both floor and wall tiles.

Our free Bathroom Tile Calculator helps you calculate the approximate square metres of tiles required for your bathroom floor and walls, add an allowance for wastage and estimate how many individual tiles you may need.

Enter your bathroom measurements, tile size and preferred wastage percentage into the calculator above to get started.

How to Calculate Bathroom Floor Tiles

To calculate the basic floor area, multiply the length of your bathroom by the width.

For example, a bathroom measuring 2.4m × 2m has a floor area of:

2.4m × 2m = 4.8m²

You'll generally need to allow additional tiles for cuts, wastage and breakages rather than ordering exactly 4.8m².

How to Calculate Bathroom Wall Tiles

Wall tiles require a little more measuring.

Measure the total length of the walls you intend to tile and multiply that by the height the tiles will reach.

For example:

Total wall length: 8.8m
Tile height: 2.4m

8.8m × 2.4m = 21.12m²

If you're not tiling behind doors or windows, you can subtract those areas from the total.

Our calculator lets you enter the combined area of those openings separately.

How Much Extra Should You Allow for Tile Wastage?

Ordering exactly the measured square metres usually isn't advisable.

Tiles may need to be cut around corners, plumbing, niches, windows and other features. There can also be breakages, damaged tiles or pieces that simply can't be reused elsewhere.

The amount of wastage required depends on the tile, room and layout.

A straightforward installation may require less additional material than a complex pattern, diagonal layout, bathroom with numerous cuts or a design incorporating niches and detailed tile work.

We've set the calculator to 10% by default, but you can adjust this figure to suit your project.

Always confirm the final quantity with your renovator, tiler or tile supplier before placing your order.

Does Tile Size Change How Many Tiles I Need?

Yes.

The total square metre area remains the same, but the number of individual tiles required changes dramatically depending on tile size.

For example, covering the same area with 600 × 600mm tiles will require far fewer individual tiles than using 300 × 300mm tiles.

Enter the dimensions of your chosen tile into the calculator and it will estimate the number of individual tiles required after your wastage allowance has been added.

Don't Forget About Tile Layout

Quantity is only one part of choosing bathroom tiles.

Tile size, grout lines, niches, floor wastes, wall dimensions and where cuts will appear can all influence the finished result.

A good tile layout should be considered before installation begins rather than simply starting in one corner and hoping everything works out at the other end.

Discuss the proposed layout with your renovator or tiler before installation, particularly if you've chosen feature tiles, large-format tiles, mosaics or tiles that require detailed cutting.

Planning a Bathroom Renovation?

Tiles are just one of dozens of decisions you'll make before and during a bathroom renovation.

Own Your Reno | Bathroom Edition was created to help Australian homeowners understand the renovation process before work begins, with practical guidance on budgeting, layouts, fixtures, showers, tiles, selections, contracts, variations and more.

Plan smarter. Ask better questions. Avoid costly mistakes. Renovate with confidence.