Enter your floor and tile details
Sample inputs and expected outputs
| Scenario | Net area (m2) | Tile size | Waste | Tiles needed | Boxes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garden patio rectangle | 12.000 | 600x600 mm | 10% | 38 | 4 (10 tiles/box) |
| Walkway with cutouts | 7.500 | 300x600 mm | 12% | 48 | 5 (10 tiles/box) |
| L-shape seating corner | 9.200 | 400x400 mm | 15% | 67 | 7 (10 tiles/box) |
How the calculator estimates tile quantities
| Gross area | Area1 + Area2 |
| Net area | Gross area - Openings area |
| Module area | (Tile L + Grout) x (Tile W + Grout) |
| Tiles before waste | Net area / Module area |
| Tiles including waste | ceil(Tiles before waste x (1 + Waste%)) |
| Boxes needed | ceil(Tiles including waste / Tiles per box) |
| Thinset bags | ceil(Net area / Thinset coverage) |
| Grout bags | ceil(Net area / Grout coverage) |
Steps for accurate outdoor tile planning
- Choose the floor shape and unit.
- Enter length and width for the first area.
- Add the second area only for L-shape floors.
- Subtract openings for drains, planters, and obstructions.
- Set tile size, grout joint, and waste allowance.
- Enter tiles-per-box and optional prices.
- Press Calculate to view results above the form.
- Download CSV or PDF to keep a project record.
Outdoor floor area planning improves purchasing accuracy
This calculator converts common site measurements into square meters, then subtracts optional openings. Accurate net area reduces overbuying on patios, walkways, and garden seating zones where borders and cutouts are frequent. Most projects benefit from measuring at two points and using the larger value for safety. For slabs with slopes, measure along the walking surface, not the projection. When using pavers or outdoor porcelain, confirm intended joint width from spacers. If you plan borders, deduct their strip width or model them as openings to avoid double counting.
Tile module sizing accounts for grout spacing
Quantity estimates use a planning module: (tile length + grout gap) x (tile width + grout gap). A 600x600 mm tile with a 3 mm joint creates a 603x603 mm module, slightly increasing tile counts versus face area. This approach supports layout decisions when joints are consistent across the field.
Waste allowances reflect cuts, patterns, and edge work
Waste is applied after base tiles are calculated. Typical straight-lay work often falls between 8% and 12%. Diagonal layouts, mixed sizes, and tight curves can push waste to 15% or higher, especially on narrow garden paths. Always keep extra tiles for future repairs and color matching.
Boxes and costs support quick budget comparisons
Boxes are computed by dividing total tiles (including waste) by tiles per box, then rounding up. You can price by box or by tile to compare retailers. The total also adds optional setting materials, using coverage rates such as 5 m2 per thinset bag and 20 m2 per grout bag as editable assumptions.
Outputs help validate decisions before ordering
Review net area, tiles, and boxes together. If boxes seem high, confirm units, openings, and grout gap. For manufacturer cartons labeled by coverage, cross-check by dividing net area by the carton coverage value. Downloading CSV or PDF creates a shareable record for installers, suppliers, and job files. Record batch codes, and order one spare box for perfect long-term matching.
How do I measure an L-shaped patio correctly?
Split the space into two rectangles, measure each length and width, then enter both areas. The calculator adds them and subtracts openings to produce a single net area.
Why does grout gap change tile quantity?
The estimate uses a planning module that includes grout spacing. Larger joints increase the module size and can slightly change counts, especially across large floors.
What waste percentage should I choose?
Use 8–12% for straight layouts with simple edges. Use 12–15% for patterns, diagonals, or many cuts. Increase further for stone with breakage risk.
Can I enter measurements in feet and tiles in millimeters?
Yes. Room and opening units are converted to meters internally, while tile sizes are converted separately. Mixed units still produce consistent results.
How are thinset and grout bags estimated?
Bags are calculated from net area divided by your coverage inputs, then rounded up. Coverage varies by trowel, joint width, tile texture, and substrate flatness.
Are CSV and PDF downloads saved for later?
Downloads reflect your most recent calculation stored in the session. Recalculate after changing inputs, then download again to capture the updated values.