The calculation comes from converting all measurements to the same unit (meters) and dividing the total area by the tile area. Here’s the precise math:

• 60 cm = 0.6 meters
• Tile area = 0.6 m × 0.6 m = 0.36 square meters
• Tiles per m² = 1 m² ÷ 0.36 m² = 2.777… tiles

This means you need 2 full tiles and approximately 78% of a third tile to cover one square meter. In practice, you’ll need to cut tiles to fit the space, which is why we round up and add waste allowance. The 2.78 tiles per m² is the mathematical minimum, not the practical purchase quantity.

For a room measuring 4 meters by 5 meters:

1. Calculate room area: 4 m × 5 m = 20 square meters
2. Calculate tile area: 0.6 m × 0.6 m = 0.36 m² per tile
3. Basic tile quantity: 20 m² ÷ 0.36 m² = 55.56 tiles
4. Add 15% waste allowance: 55.56 × 1.15 = 63.89 tiles
5. Round up to practical quantity: 64 tiles
6. If tiles come in boxes of 4: 64 ÷ 4 = 16 boxes

So for a 4m × 5m room, you should purchase approximately 64 tiles or 16 boxes (assuming 4 tiles per box). Always verify with your supplier how many tiles come in a box, as packaging varies by manufacturer and tile type.

Ceramic vs. porcelain tiles have several key differences:

• Composition: Ceramic tiles are made from natural clay mixed with water and fired at lower temperatures. Porcelain tiles use finer clay and are fired at higher temperatures, making them denser.
• Water absorption: Porcelain has less than 0.5% water absorption, making it ideal for wet areas. Ceramic absorbs 3-7% water.
• Durability: Porcelain is more durable, scratch-resistant, and suitable for heavy traffic areas.
• Cost: Porcelain tiles are generally 20-50% more expensive than ceramic.
• Cutting difficulty: Porcelain is harder to cut and requires specialized wet saws.
• Weight: Porcelain tiles are heavier (18-22 kg each) compared to ceramic (14-18 kg).

For most flooring applications, porcelain is recommended due to its durability. For walls or light-traffic areas, ceramic may be more cost-effective.

Calculating tiles for walls follows similar principles but with additional considerations:

1. Measure wall area: Height × Width for each wall, subtract windows and doors
2. Account for starting point: Walls typically start with a full tile at eye level, with cuts at top and bottom
3. Consider pattern: Wall layouts may require more cuts around fixtures, outlets, and corners
4. Higher waste factor: Walls typically require 15-20% waste due to more cuts
5. Check load capacity: Ensure wall can support tile weight (18-22 kg per tile)

For a bathroom wall measuring 2.5 m high × 3 m wide:

• Wall area: 2.5 × 3 = 7.5 m²
• Subtract window (1 m × 1 m = 1 m²): 6.5 m²
• Tiles needed: 6.5 ÷ 0.36 = 18.06 tiles
• With 20% waste: 18.06 × 1.2 = 21.67 tiles → 22 tiles

Remember that wall tiling often requires more skill and time than floor tiling, and the adhesive requirements differ.

Yes, 60×60 tiles can work in small bathrooms, but with considerations:

• Visual effect: Large tiles can make small spaces appear larger by reducing grout lines
• Cutting requirements: Small bathrooms require more cuts, increasing waste to 20-25%
• Slope for drainage: For shower floors, larger tiles may not conform well to the required slope
• Layout planning: Center the layout to minimize small cuts at edges
• Professional installation recommended: Precise cutting and layout are crucial in small spaces

For a typical small bathroom of 2 m × 2.5 m (5 m²):

• Floor area: 5 m²
• Tiles needed: 5 ÷ 0.36 = 13.89 tiles
• With 20% waste: 13.89 × 1.2 = 16.67 tiles → 17 tiles
• Walls (assuming 2.4 m height): Approximately 40-50 tiles depending on layout

Many designers recommend using the same tile on walls and floor in small bathrooms to create a cohesive, spacious feel.