Measure the area that will receive tiles
For a rectangular area, multiply length by width using the same unit. A 3.2 × 2.4 m floor is 7.68 m². If the shape is an L, divide it into two rectangles and add their areas without counting the join twice. Only deduct an area if it will not receive tiles.
The tile box calculator accepts separate units for each measurement and lets you add more than one area.
Add waste, then round to whole boxes
In this hypothetical example, choosing a 10% allowance adds 0.768 m², bringing the required area to 8.448 m². If one box covers 1.8 m², the calculation is 8.448 ÷ 1.8 = 4.6933… boxes. Round up to 5 boxes, which provide 9 m².
Waste allowance and box rounding are different. The allowance accounts for the extra material you choose to include; pack rounding is the extra coverage you purchase because the product comes in whole boxes. Read how tile waste differs from box rounding for a closer look.
What the shopping list should say
Record the tile reference, box coverage and number of boxes. At a hypothetical AUD 45 per box, 5 boxes cost AUD 225. That figure excludes adhesives, grout, delivery and labour.
An area estimate does not confirm a cutting layout. Check the pattern and allowance with your supplier or installer, then calculate and print your tile list with those assumptions included.