Enter area, tile size, and grout width quickly. Pick boxes, costs, and layout complexity easily. Get a smart waste factor for diagonal installs instantly.
First, the tool finds total area. Rectangle uses Area = L × W. L-shape adds two rectangles. Next, it estimates the coverage of one tile including grout, using a module size:
The recommended waste starts at 10–20% for diagonal layouts, then adds optional factors. It is capped at 35% to keep orders realistic for most garden projects.
| Scenario | Area | Tile | Grout | Complexity | Waste | Tiles/Box | Boxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patio rectangle | 4.0 m × 3.0 m | 30 cm × 30 cm | 3 mm | Moderate | 15% | 10 | 16 |
| Garden path L-shape | 3.0 m × 1.2 m + 1.5 m × 1.0 m | 20 cm × 20 cm | 4 mm | Complex | 23% | 25 | 2 |
| Shed entry pad | 8 ft × 6 ft | 12 in × 12 in | 1/8 in | Simple | 10% | 11 | 5 |
Example outputs assume typical diagonal cutting loss and full-box rounding. Your results can differ by layout, cuts, and tile availability.
Diagonal patterns create more edge triangles than straight-set layouts, so ordering must account for offcuts. This calculator estimates overage using your area, tile size, and grout width, then adds a waste factor tuned for diagonal cuts. Use the add-on checkboxes when your garden patio includes borders, accent bands, or frequent interruptions, because each break in the field layout multiplies trimming and rework.
Recommended waste starts at 10% for simple spaces, 15% for typical work, and 20% for complex footprints. Add-ons raise that baseline to reflect real-world challenges such as posts, drains, planters, and transition strips. If your tile has long lead times, increase spares slightly for future repairs. If you have an experienced installer and a predictable perimeter, a custom waste value can reduce excess.
Coverage is calculated with a tile “module” that includes grout width. Wider joints slightly increase module area, which reduces computed tile count, while tight joints push counts upward. This approach keeps estimates consistent across different formats and standards. When tiles are textured or irregular, expect additional fitting time and slightly higher breakage, especially along diagonal perimeters where many pieces are small and fragile.
Suppliers sell full boxes, so the tool rounds total tiles up to the next box. This is where projects overspend if rounding is ignored. Enter tiles-per-box and either per-box or per-tile pricing to see the budget impact. For mixed lots or dye batches, buying all boxes together reduces shade variation. Store leftover cartons indoors to protect adhesive labels and keep returns possible.
Outdoor garden installs face temperature swings, moisture, and staining. Confirm that your substrate is stable, sloped, and compatible with the tile type. Dry-lay a few diagonal rows to validate the layout and identify tight cuts before setting mortar. Keep spare tiles from the same batch for future swaps, and note the manufacturer code on the carton for matching replacements.
The calculator computes tiles needed from area and tile module size, then applies a diagonal waste percentage based on complexity and optional add-ons. It also adds a separate spare percentage for future repairs.
Use the recommended option for most projects. Choose custom when you have installer guidance, confirmed layout drawings, or you are matching an existing pattern and already know your typical cutting loss.
Grout is included in the module size. Wider joints slightly increase module coverage, which can reduce the calculated tile count. The effect is small, but it keeps estimates consistent across different joint standards.
Select L-shape and model the space as two rectangles. For curves and angles, use the closest rectangular approximation and choose a higher complexity or add-ons to reflect extra trimming and breakage.
Yes. A small spare allowance helps with future chips, repairs, or discontinued lines. Keep spares from the same batch and store them dry. Many installers recommend 1–3% spares for outdoor work.
Yes. After calculating total tiles, it rounds up to whole boxes using tiles-per-box. This prevents under-ordering and helps you see the true purchase quantity and cost, which is important when boxes are the only sellable unit.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.