Calculate the exact number of tiles you need for any room. Supports all common African tile sizes with wastage allowance and grout spacing.
Tiling is one of the most common finishing works in African construction. Whether you're building a new home in Lagos, renovating a flat in Nairobi, or tiling a commercial space in Johannesburg, getting the right number of tiles is crucial to avoid costly shortages or excess waste.
This free tile calculator helps you determine exactly how many tiles you need based on your room dimensions, chosen tile size, and laying pattern. It accounts for grout spacing and adds an appropriate wastage allowance so you buy the right quantity the first time.
The most popular floor tile size across West Africa is 40 x 40 cm, which requires approximately 6.25 tiles per square metre. In East and Southern Africa, 60 x 60 cm tiles have become increasingly popular for their modern look, requiring only 2.78 tiles per square metre. For wall tiles, 25 x 40 cm and 30 x 60 cm are the standard sizes used in kitchens and bathrooms.
When buying tiles in Nigeria, they typically come in boxes of 8-12 pieces depending on the size. In South Africa, CTM and Italtile sell by the square metre. Always buy all tiles from the same batch to ensure colour consistency, as different batches can have slight shade variations.
Never buy the exact number of tiles you calculate. Tiles break during transport and cutting, and you need extra for cuts around doors, windows, and irregular edges. For a simple rectangular room with a straight-lay pattern, 10% extra is sufficient. For diagonal patterns, increase to 15%. Keep a few spare tiles for future repairs, as matching tiles years later can be impossible.
It depends on tile size: 30x30cm = 11.1 tiles/m2, 40x40cm = 6.25 tiles/m2, 45x45cm = 4.94 tiles/m2, 60x60cm = 2.78 tiles/m2. Always add 10-15% for wastage and cutting.
The most common floor tile sizes in Nigeria are 30x30cm, 40x40cm, and 60x60cm. Wall tiles are typically 25x40cm or 30x60cm. Popular brands include Goodwill, Royal, and Vitoria.
Allow 10% wastage for simple rectangular rooms with straight-lay patterns. For diagonal (diamond) patterns, allow 15%. For L-shaped rooms or complex layouts, allow 15-20%.
Larger tiles (60x60cm) typically cost more per tile but cover more area, so the cost per square metre can be similar. However, larger tiles require a flatter substrate and experienced installation, which may increase labour costs.
Measure the wall height and room perimeter (2 x length + 2 x width). Multiply to get total wall area, then deduct door openings (approx 1.68 m2 each) and windows (approx 1.44 m2 each). Divide by single tile area to get the count.