{
    "name": "Tile Calculator",
    "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/tile-calculator",
    "markdown": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/tile-calculator.md",
    "category": "Construction",
    "description": "Work out how many tiles you need for a floor or wall from its size, the tile size and grout joint, with a waste allowance and boxes to buy.",
    "summary": "Divide the area by the space each tile takes up, including its share of the grout joint, then add a waste allowance for cuts and breakages.",
    "also_called": [
        "Floor tile calculator",
        "Wall tile calculator",
        "Tiling calculator"
    ],
    "applies_to": "Worldwide",
    "last_updated": "2026-10-29",
    "computation": "Results are computed in the visitor’s browser on the HTML page. This API describes the calculator; it does not compute results.",
    "inputs": [
        {
            "name": "units",
            "label": "Units",
            "type": "segmented",
            "default": "metric",
            "options": {
                "metric": "Metric (m, cm, mm)",
                "imperial": "Imperial (ft, in)"
            }
        },
        {
            "name": "length",
            "label": "Area length",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "4"
        },
        {
            "name": "width",
            "label": "Area width",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "3"
        },
        {
            "name": "tile_length",
            "label": "Tile length",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "30"
        },
        {
            "name": "tile_width",
            "label": "Tile width",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "30"
        },
        {
            "name": "grout",
            "label": "Grout joint",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "3",
            "optional": true
        },
        {
            "name": "waste",
            "label": "Waste allowance",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "10",
            "unit": "%",
            "optional": true
        },
        {
            "name": "per_box",
            "label": "Tiles per box",
            "type": "number",
            "default": "10",
            "optional": true
        }
    ],
    "outputs": [
        {
            "key": "tiles",
            "label": "Tiles to buy",
            "format": "integer"
        },
        {
            "key": "boxes",
            "label": "Boxes",
            "format": "integer"
        },
        {
            "key": "tiles_net",
            "label": "Tiles that exactly cover the area",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "area_m2",
            "label": "Area",
            "format": "number"
        },
        {
            "key": "area_ft2",
            "label": "Area",
            "format": "number"
        }
    ],
    "formula": {
        "text": "Tiles = Area ÷ ((Tile length + Joint) × (Tile width + Joint)) × (1 + Waste%), rounded up;  Boxes = Tiles ÷ Tiles per box, rounded up",
        "variables": {
            "Area": "length × width of the surface",
            "Joint": "grout joint width",
            "Waste%": "extra for cuts, breakages and spares"
        }
    },
    "worked_example": {
        "inputs": {
            "units": "metric",
            "length": "4",
            "width": "3",
            "tile_length": "30",
            "tile_width": "30",
            "grout": "3",
            "waste": "10",
            "per_box": "10"
        },
        "steps": [
            "Area = 4 × 3 = 12 m². Each tile with a 3 mm joint takes 0.303 × 0.303 = 0.0918 m².",
            "12 ÷ 0.0918 = 130.7 tiles; plus 10% = 143.8, so 144 tiles.",
            "144 ÷ 10 per box = 14.4, so buy 15 boxes."
        ],
        "result": "A 4 × 3 m floor in 30 × 30 cm tiles with 3 mm joints needs 144 tiles (15 boxes of 10) including 10% waste."
    },
    "interpretation": "Buy all tiles from the same batch (shade and size can vary between batches) and keep a few spares for future repairs.",
    "assumptions": [
        "A rectangular area. For L-shaped rooms, split into rectangles and add the results."
    ],
    "limitations": [
        "The count does not optimise cut pieces; patterned or diagonal layouts typically need 15% or more extra.",
        "Adhesive and grout quantities are not included."
    ],
    "rules": null,
    "faqs": [
        {
            "question": "How much extra tile should I buy?",
            "answer": "Around 10% for a straight lay in a simple room is a common allowance; diagonal and herringbone patterns, or rooms with many corners, need more."
        },
        {
            "question": "Does the grout joint really matter?",
            "answer": "For small tiles, yes. A 3 mm joint on 10 cm tiles adds about 6% to each tile’s footprint, so you need fewer tiles than area ÷ tile size suggests."
        }
    ],
    "sources": [],
    "related": [
        {
            "name": "Roofing Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/roofing-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Concrete Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/concrete-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Mulch Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/mulch-calculator"
        },
        {
            "name": "Floor Tile Waste Calculator",
            "url": "https://calculators.geekmidst.com/calculators/floor-tile-waste-calculator"
        }
    ],
    "disclaimer": "Quantities are estimates. Confirm requirements with your engineer or supplier before ordering materials.",
    "publisher": "GM¹X CalcVerse"
}