Tile Calculator

Tile Calculator for Floors and Walls

Calculate how many tiles you need for your flooring or wall project. This calculator accounts for room dimensions, tile size, and waste from cuts and breakage. Always buy 10-15% extra tiles for waste and future repairs.

How to Calculate Tiles Needed

1. Measure room: Length × Width = Area in square feet
2. Calculate tile area: Tile length × Tile width (convert inches to feet)
3. Divide: Room area ÷ Tile area = Number of tiles
4. Add waste: Multiply by 1.10-1.15 (10-15% extra)
5. Round up: Always round up to whole tiles

Waste Percentages

Simple Layout (10% waste)

Straight installation, rectangular rooms, minimal cuts. Standard for most projects.

Diagonal/Herringbone (15% waste)

Pattern installations create more cuts and waste. Account for extra material.

Complex Patterns (20% waste)

Intricate designs, multiple tile sizes, curved cuts. Higher waste percentage needed.

Common Tile Sizes

Square Tiles

• 6×6 inches: 0.25 sq ft each, 20-24 tiles/box
• 12×12 inches: 1 sq ft each, 10-12 tiles/box (most common)
• 18×18 inches: 2.25 sq ft each, 5-6 tiles/box
• 24×24 inches: 4 sq ft each, 3-4 tiles/box

Rectangular Tiles

• 6×12 inches: 0.5 sq ft each, 12-15 tiles/box
• 12×24 inches: 2 sq ft each, 5-6 tiles/box
• 18×36 inches: 4.5 sq ft each, 2-3 tiles/box

Example Calculations

10' × 12' Room, 12×12" Tiles

Room area: 10 × 12 = 120 sq ft

Tile area: 1 sq ft (12×12" = 1×1')

Tiles needed: 120 ÷ 1 = 120 tiles

With 10% waste: 120 × 1.10 = 132 tiles

Boxes: 132 ÷ 10 = 14 boxes

8' × 10' Bathroom, 6×6" Tiles

Room area: 8 × 10 = 80 sq ft

Tile area: 0.25 sq ft (6×6" = 0.5×0.5')

Tiles needed: 80 ÷ 0.25 = 320 tiles

With 10% waste: 320 × 1.10 = 352 tiles

Boxes: 352 ÷ 20 = 18 boxes

Why Buy Extra Tiles?

• Waste from cuts: Tiles must be cut to fit edges and corners
• Breakage: Some tiles may break during installation
• Future repairs: Keep extra for matching replacements
• Dye lot variations: Different batches may have slight color differences
• Discontinued products: Tiles may not be available later

Tile Installation Tips

1. Buy all tiles at once: Ensures same dye lot and availability
2. Check box quantities: Tile count per box varies by size and manufacturer
3. Mix boxes: Open multiple boxes and mix tiles for color consistency
4. Plan layout: Start from center for balanced appearance
5. Account for grout: Grout lines reduce tile count slightly (usually negligible)
6. Store extras: Keep leftover tiles in storage for future repairs

Grout Considerations

Grout lines (typically 1/8" to 1/4") slightly reduce the number of tiles needed, but this is usually offset by waste. For precise calculations with grout lines:

• Account for grout width in tile spacing
• Most calculators ignore grout as it's minimal
• Waste percentage covers grout line variations

Cost Estimates

Ceramic Tile

$1-5 per sq ft installed. Budget-friendly, durable, many style options.

Porcelain Tile

$3-10 per sq ft installed. More durable, water-resistant, higher cost.

Natural Stone

$5-20+ per sq ft installed. Marble, travertine, slate. Premium option.

Labor Costs

$4-12 per sq ft for professional installation. DIY saves money but requires skill.

Preparation Checklist

• ✓ Measure room accurately (length and width)
• ✓ Choose tile size and style
• ✓ Calculate tiles needed (with waste)
• ✓ Buy all tiles at once (same dye lot)
• ✓ Purchase grout and adhesive
• ✓ Prepare subfloor (level, clean, dry)
• ✓ Have tools ready (tile cutter, trowel, spacers)

Common Mistakes

• Not buying enough: Running short mid-project is frustrating
• Ignoring waste: 10% waste is minimum, not optional
• Wrong measurements: Measure twice, calculate once
• Forgetting extras: No tiles for future repairs
• Different dye lots: Color variations between batches