Tile Adhesive Calculator 2026
Calculate exactly how much tile adhesive you need in kilograms and 20kg bags. Perfect for walls, floors, and any tile size with UK coverage rates.
Project Specifications
Enter your tiling dimensions and select tile details to estimate adhesive
Accounts for spillage, trowel residue, and uneven surfaces.
Adhesive Estimate
Kilograms and 20kg bags required
Enter your tiling dimensions and click Calculate Adhesive to see the breakdown.
UK Tile Adhesive Coverage Rates
Approximate coverage rates for standard 20kg bags of powder adhesive. Actual coverage may vary by manufacturer, trowel notch size, and surface texture.
| Tile Size | Surface | Avg kg/m² | m² per 20kg Bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mosaics & Small | Wall | 2.5 kg | 8.0 m² |
| Medium (up to 30×30) | Wall | 3.5 kg | 5.7 m² |
| Large Format (30×60+) | Wall | 5.0 kg | 4.0 m² |
| Extra Large (>60×60) | Wall | 7.0 kg | 2.8 m² |
| Mosaics & Small | Floor | 3.0 kg | 6.6 m² |
| Medium (up to 30×30) | Floor | 4.5 kg | 4.4 m² |
| Large Format (30×60+) | Floor | 6.0 kg | 3.3 m² |
| Extra Large (>60×60) | Floor | 8.0 kg | 2.5 m² |
Tile Adhesive Calculator FAQ
Everything you need to know about estimating and applying tile adhesive in the UK, from coverage rates to surface preparation.
The amount of tile adhesive needed per square metre depends on the tile size and surface. As a general rule, small mosaics require about 2.5 kg/m², medium tiles (up to 30x30cm) need 3.5–4.5 kg/m², and large format tiles (30x60cm+) require 5–8 kg/m². Floor tiling generally requires a thicker bed than wall tiling.
No, you should never use standard wall tile adhesive on a floor. Wall adhesives are not formulated to withstand the compressive forces and foot traffic of a floor. For floors, always use a flexible, polymer-modified floor adhesive (classified as C2 or C1T) to prevent tiles from cracking or loosening.
The trowel notch size depends on the tile size. For mosaics and small tiles, use a 3mm or 4mm notched trowel. For medium tiles (up to 30x30cm), a 6mm or 8mm trowel is ideal. For large format tiles (30x60cm and above), use a 10mm or 12mm notched trowel, and always back-butter the tile.
Standard set tile adhesive typically takes 12 to 24 hours to dry sufficiently before grouting, depending on temperature and humidity. Rapid set adhesives can be grouted in as little as 3 to 4 hours. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions on the bag for specific drying times.
Yes, priming is highly recommended for most surfaces. Porous surfaces like new plaster, cement, or timber should be primed with an acrylic primer to prevent the adhesive from drying out too quickly. Non-porous surfaces like existing tiles or painted walls require a specialized primer (like a bonding agent or blue grit) to ensure proper adhesion.