To measure a wall for tile, you calculate its area by multiplying its width by its height. You repeat this process for each wall you plan to tile and add the individual areas together to get the total square meter area needed.
Essential Steps for Measuring Wall Tile Area
Calculating the correct amount of tile needed starts with accurate measurements. Unlike floor tiling which uses width and depth, for walls, you measure the width of each wall and multiply it by the height. This calculation gives you the area of that specific wall section in square meters (m²) or square feet (ft²), depending on your units.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:
- Measure Wall Width: Use a tape measure to find the total horizontal distance of the wall section you intend to tile. Measure from edge to edge.
- Measure Wall Height: Measure the vertical distance from the bottom where the tile will start (e.g., floor or top of a counter/fixture) to the top where it will end (e.g., ceiling or specific tile line).
- Calculate Wall Area: Multiply the measured width by the height (Area = Width x Height). This gives you the square area of that wall.
- Repeat for Additional Walls: If you are tiling multiple walls, perform steps 1-3 for each separate wall or section.
- Sum Total Area: Repeat for each wall you're tiling and simply add the measurements together to calculate your total area.
Example Measurement Calculation
Let's say you have two walls to tile in a bathroom:
- Wall 1: Width = 3 meters, Height = 2.5 meters
- Wall 2: Width = 2 meters, Height = 2.5 meters
| Wall | Width (m) | Height (m) | Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall 1 | 3 | 2.5 | 3 * 2.5 = 7.5 |
| Wall 2 | 2 | 2.5 | 2 * 2.5 = 5.0 |
| Total | 12.5 m² |
In this example, your total measured wall area is 12.5 square meters.
Practical Considerations
While the core measurement is Width x Height, keep these points in mind:
- Areas Not Tiled: For accurate material estimates, you may deduct areas like windows, doors, or large fixtures that will not be covered in tile. Measure these openings (Width x Height) and subtract their area from the total wall area.
- Adding Waste: It's standard practice to add an allowance for waste due to cuts, breakage, and layout adjustments. A common percentage for waste is 10-15% of the total calculated area. Multiply your total area by 1.10 or 1.15.
By following these steps, including measuring width by height for each section and summing the results, you can accurately determine the square area of wall needing tile.
