When planning a tiling project, one of the most important steps is calculating how many tiles you’ll need. Whether you're working on a kitchen backsplash, bathroom floor, or feature wall, figuring out the square metres helps you budget effectively. Knowing the exact amount of tiles required also helps you answer key questions like, "How much can I spend on tiles?" and "What is my tile budget?" Here's a straightforward guide to help you calculate both the area and your budget for tiles.

Step 1: Measure the Area (m²)

To calculate the square metres of a room or surface:

1. Measure the width and length of the area in metres using a tape measure.
2. Multiply the width by the length to get the total area in square metres.

Example:
A wall that’s 3 metres wide and 2.5 metres high would be:
3 metres (width) × 2.5 metres (height) = 7.5 m²

Step 2: Subtract Windows and Doors

If the area you’re tiling includes windows or doors, subtract their areas to avoid over-ordering.

1. Measure the width and height of each window or door.
2. Multiply width by height for the area, then subtract it from your total wall area.

Example:

If you wall is 2.5m x 2.5m = 6.25 m²

Making your wall 6.25 m²

The door is 0.8m x 2m = 1.6 m²

The window is 0.8m x 1m = 0.8 m²

Add the door and window m² together

1.6 m² + 0.8 m² = 2.4 m²

Subtract door and window m² total from wall total

So, the actual tile area becomes:
6.25 m² - 2.4 m² = 3.85 m² of tile required.

Step 3: Measure Irregularly Shaped Rooms

For irregularly shaped spaces, break the room down into smaller sections and measure each as if it were a square or rectangle. Add the areas together to get the total.

Example:
An "L" shaped room can be divided into two sections:

• Section 1: 3m × 5m = 15 m²
• Section 2: 2.5m × 2.5m = 6.25 m²

Add the totals:
15 m² + 6.25 m² = 21.25 m²

Step 4: Account for Wastage

It’s important to include extra tiles for wastage, which occurs from cutting, breakages, or tricky layouts. Here’s how much extra you should generally allow:

• 10% wastage for standard tile layouts (for spaces like splashbacks)
• 15% for patterned layouts like herringbone
• 30%+ for larger areas that involve tiles 600x600 and larger.

A big factor in wastage is the tile size; depending on the layout larger tiles can have higher wastage, even 30%+ in some cases. For rooms with larger tiles, we recommend drawing the tiles on the plan to calculate how many exactly are required.

Example:
If your tiling area is 20 m², you’d add 10% for wastage:
20 m² × 1.10 = 22 m² of tiles to order.

Step 5: Budget for Tiles

Now that you know how much tile you’ll need, it’s time to calculate your budget. Tiles vary in price depending on origin, style, and size, so knowing your total square metreage helps set your spending limits. To estimate your budget:

1. Multiply the total m² (including wastage) by the cost per square metre of your chosen tiles.
2. Don’t forget to include costs for extras like grout, adhesive, and any professional installation fees.

Example:
If your project requires 22 m² of tiles and your tile costs $50 per m²:
22 m² × $50 = $1,100 for tiles.

Always Get a Tiler’s Final Measurements

While these steps will give you a good estimate, it’s always a good idea to have a professional tiler measure your space for accuracy. Every space is unique, and final measurements from an expert will ensure you don’t over or under order tiles.

Pro Tip: Order Extra Tiles for the Future

Ordering an extra box of tiles beyond the wastage allowance is a smart move. In the future, if a tile gets cracked or damaged, it can be hard (or impossible) to find the exact same tile. Many people find themselves having to replace all the tiles, which can be very costly. Store a box in case of repairs.

Finally, visit a Tile Space showroom and chat with a Design Consultant. They’ll not only help you calculate your rough m² but also guide you through selecting tiles that suit your style and fit your budget. Whether you're aiming for a sleek modern look or a timeless classic vibe, they'll point you in the right direction, showing you tile options that meet your vision without breaking the bank. Plus, with their expertise, you can feel confident that you’re making the right choice for both design and practicality!