Measure net area
Length × width gives the base area, with large doors and exclusions deducted.
Free South African tile calculator
Tile calculator.
Buy full boxes.
Work out how many tiles and full boxes to buy, plus adhesive, grout, waste and an indicative installed cost.
Start your tile estimate ↓Floors + walls. Metric.
01Rounds up to
full boxes
full boxes
02Allows for
cuts + breakage
cuts + breakage
03Includes adhesive
and grout
and grout
04Prices in
South African rand
South African rand
01
Your project
What are you tiling?
Measure each simple rectangle separately. Add the areas together, then deduct large openings or sections that will not be tiled.
03
Why it works
A practical tile take-off
The estimate separates the area you measure from the full boxes you actually need to buy.
Add cutting waste
Ten percent suits many straight layouts. Diagonal patterns and complicated rooms often need more.
Round to boxes
Tiles are sold by full box, so the result rounds upward using the supplier’s printed coverage.
Plan the system
Adhesive and grout are estimated separately because tile format, substrate and trowel choice matter.
Before the tiles
Wet areas need the right waterproofing first.
A beautiful finish will not compensate for a leaking shower, balcony or bathroom. Plan the substrate, falls and waterproofing system before tiling begins.
Use the waterproofing calculator →Good to know
Tile calculator FAQs
How much extra tile should I buy?+
Ten percent is a common allowance for straightforward rooms and grid layouts. Consider 12–15% for diagonal patterns, many corners, large-format tiles or tiles that may be difficult to match later.
Should I calculate by tiles or by boxes?+
Use the square-metre coverage printed on the actual box. Tile counts help with planning, but box coverage accounts for the manufacturer’s packing quantity and must be rounded up to full boxes.
How much tile adhesive do I need?+
Consumption depends on the substrate, tile size, notch trowel and whether back-buttering is required. The adjustable rate provides a planning allowance; the adhesive data sheet governs.
Does the estimate include waterproofing?+
No. Waterproofing, screeds, levelling compounds, primers, trims, delivery and repairs are separate. Wet areas and exposed balconies should be assessed before tiles are installed.