How many tiles do I need for a bathroom?
Multiply the area by 1.10 for a straight lay (1.15 for diagonal or herringbone), then divide by the area of one tile. A standard 1.8 × 2.4 m bathroom needs about 14 floor tiles at 600 × 600 and 113 wall tiles at 300 × 600 for walls tiled to 2.4 m.
The formula
- Floor area = length × width.
- Wall area = (length + width) × 2 × tiled height, minus doors and windows. A standard door is about 0.82 × 2.04 m = 1.7 m².
- Add waste: 10% for a straight lay, 15% for diagonal or herringbone, 20% for chevron or lots of cuts.
- Divide by one tile: a 600 × 600 tile is 0.36 m², a 300 × 600 is 0.18 m², a 100 × 300 subway is 0.03 m².
- Round up to whole boxes and keep one spare box for repairs later.
Worked examples
Floor in 600 × 600 tiles (4 per box, 1.44 m²), walls in 300 × 600 tiles (8 per box, 1.44 m²), tiled to 2.4 m, one door, 10% waste. Box sizes vary by brand, so check the label.
| Bathroom | Floor area | Floor tiles | Wall area | Wall tiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small ensuite (1.5×2.0 m) | 3.0 m² | 10 tiles · 3 boxes | 15.1 m² | 93 tiles · 12 boxes |
| Standard bathroom (1.8×2.4 m) | 4.3 m² | 14 tiles · 4 boxes | 18.5 m² | 113 tiles · 15 boxes |
| Family bathroom (2.4×2.7 m) | 6.5 m² | 20 tiles · 5 boxes | 22.8 m² | 140 tiles · 18 boxes |
| Large bathroom (3.0×3.0 m) | 9.0 m² | 28 tiles · 7 boxes | 27.1 m² | 166 tiles · 21 boxes |
Tiles per square metre
| Tile size | Tiles per m² | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 100 × 300 subway | 33.3 | Shower and feature walls |
| 300 × 300 | 11.1 | Floors, shower bases |
| 300 × 600 | 5.6 | Walls and floors |
| 600 × 600 | 2.8 | Floors |
| 600 × 1200 | 1.4 | Floors and walls, fewer grout lines |
Want the number for your own room? The bathroom tile visualiser does it in 3D, free, no sign-up.
Open the bathroom tile visualiserQuestions people ask
How many tiles do I need for a bathroom?
About 14 floor tiles (600 × 600) and 113 wall tiles (300 × 600) for a standard 1.8 × 2.4 m bathroom with walls tiled to 2.4 m, including 10% for cuts.
How much extra tile should I buy for waste?
Buy 10% extra for a straight lay, 15% for diagonal or herringbone and about 20% for chevron. Keep one spare box for future repairs.
How many 600×600 tiles are in a square metre?
2.78 tiles. Each 600 × 600 tile covers 0.36 m², so 10 m² of floor needs about 28 tiles before waste.
Do I subtract the shower or vanity from the floor area?
Tile under freestanding items and in the shower. Only leave out areas under built-in bath hobs or cabinetry that will never move.
How do I work out wall tiles for a bathroom?
Add the length and width, double it, multiply by the tiled height, subtract about 1.7 m² per door, then add 10% waste and divide by the area of one tile.
Related guides
Sources
These are guide prices for planning, not a quote. Quantities and costs depend on the room, the products you choose and what is found once work starts. Confirm waterproofing, falls and permits against the National Construction Code, Australian Standards and your council with a licensed tradesperson or building practitioner before you buy or build.