Tile Calculator Australia — Quantity, Wastage & Area
Enter area and tile details
Typical: rectified tiles 1.5–3 mm · standard tiles 3–5 mm · natural stone 5–10 mm
Tiles to order
This tile calculator works out how many tiles to order for any floor or wall area, accounting for tile size, grout joint width, lay pattern, and an Australian-standard wastage allowance. Tile sizes are entered in millimetres as marked on Australian product packaging. Wastage varies by lay pattern: straight grid requires a minimum 10% buffer; a 50% brick offset or diagonal pattern should carry 15–20% due to increased edge cuts. Always order from the same batch number to ensure colour consistency — Australian tilers recommend purchasing all tiles for a job in one order and returning any unopened boxes rather than under-ordering and re-purchasing from a different dye lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much wastage should I allow for tiling in Australia?
The Australian tile industry standard is 10–15% wastage for a straightforward square room with a straight lay pattern. Increase to 15–20% for diagonal, herringbone, or brick-offset patterns, and for rooms with lots of cut-outs (toilets, vanities, kitchen islands). Never order exactly the calculated amount — you'll almost always need extras for cuts and breakage.
What is a rectified tile and how does it affect grout joint size?
Rectified tiles are mechanically cut to exact dimensions after firing, giving a precision edge. They can be laid with a very narrow grout joint of 1.5–3 mm. Standard pressed tiles have dimensional variation of ±0.5–1 mm and need a minimum 3–5 mm joint to accommodate this. Using too-narrow a joint on non-rectified tiles causes lippage (uneven edges between tiles).
Does lay pattern affect how many tiles I need?
Yes. A diagonal (45°) lay increases tile consumption by approximately 15% because every edge tile must be cut at an angle, wasting more of each tile. A brick-offset (50% stagger) adds around 10% wastage compared to a straight grid. The calculator adjusts the wastage recommendation based on the pattern you select.
Why is it important to order from the same batch number?
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are fired in batches. Even the same product code can vary slightly in shade and calibre (dimensional size) between production batches. Mixing batches in the same area creates visible colour variation that cannot be fixed after grouting. Always check that all boxes share the same batch or lot number before purchase.
Can I use this calculator for wall tiles as well as floor tiles?
Yes. The calculation method is the same for floor and wall tiles. For wall tiles, measure the total wall area in square metres (height × width of each wall section) and deduct any openings such as windows, doors, or large fixtures before entering the total into the calculator.