Tile Calculator
Estimate how many tiles and boxes you need for flooring, backsplashes, or wall tile projects. Account for rectangular tile size, layout pattern, tiles per box, and waste before ordering.
Floor Dimensions
Tile Results
If the store lists box coverage in sq ft instead of tile count, divide by box coverage and round up.
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💡 Did you know? Saving this calculation connects it to our Project Planner, allowing you to bundle multiple estimates (concrete, paint, tile, etc.) into a unified shopping list with shared measurements.
How to Calculate Tile Quantity
Calculating tile quantities requires measuring the floor area, choosing a tile size and layout pattern, and accounting for waste from cuts. Here is the step-by-step method.
- Measure the floor area: Multiply room length by width to get the total square footage. For L-shaped or irregular rooms, divide into rectangles, calculate each, and sum them.Area (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
- Calculate tiles needed: Divide the area by the area of one tile. For 12×12 inch tiles, each covers 1 sq ft. For 12×24 inch tiles, each covers 2 sq ft.Tile Count = Total Area ÷ (Tile Width in × Tile Length in ÷ 144)
- Apply waste factor by pattern: Grid layouts waste ~10%, diagonal ~15%, herringbone ~20%. Multiply the tile count by (1 + waste) to get the total.Total with Waste = Tile Count × (1 + Waste %)
- Convert to boxes: Divide by the number of tiles per box (typically 10, 12, or 15) and round up.
Example Calculation
12×12 ft bathroom with 12×24 in tiles on a diagonal pattern
- Floor area: 12 × 12 = 144 sq ft
- Tile area: 12 in × 24 in = 2 sq ft per tile
- Base tile count: 144 ÷ 2 = 72 tiles
- Waste (diagonal 15%): 144 sq ft × 1.15 = 165.6 sq ft target coverage
- Total needed: 165.6 ÷ 2 = 83 tiles rounded up
- Boxes (10 per box): 83 ÷ 10 = 9 boxes (round up)
Common Mistakes in Tile Estimation
Not accounting for pattern waste
A herringbone pattern wastes more tile than a simple grid. The exact number of extra tiles depends on tile size; use waste-adjusted square footage first, then divide by the tile area.
Forgetting to order extra for future repairs
Always buy 1-2 extra boxes beyond your calculated waste. If a tile cracks in two years and the batch is discontinued, matching the color and finish is nearly impossible. Store extras in a dry area.
Measuring in inches instead of feet
A 144-inch room (12 ft) is very different from 144 sq ft. Always work in consistent units. Convert all measurements to feet or all to inches before calculating to avoid off-by-factor-of-12 errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 12x12 tiles do I need for a 10x10 room?
A 10x10 room is 100 square feet. With 12x12 inch tiles (1 sq ft each), you need 100 tiles plus 10% waste = 110 tiles. If the box contains 10 tiles, that equals 11 boxes.
How much extra tile should I buy for waste?
Add 10% for grid layouts, 15% for diagonal layouts, and 20% for herringbone patterns. It's always better to have extra tiles for future repairs than to run short.
Should I use the same tile for floor and shower walls?
Yes, using the same tile creates a seamless look and simplifies ordering. However, floor tiles need a higher slip resistance rating (COF ≥ 0.6) than wall tiles. Large-format floor tiles may be too heavy for wall installation without additional backing.
How to fix chipped tile?
To fix a chipped ceramic or porcelain tile, clean the damaged area with rubbing alcohol to remove grease. For small chips, fill the void using a color-matched tile repair epoxy or paintable ceramic filler. Level the filler with a plastic putty knife and let it cure. Once cured, apply a thin coat of matching tile paint or glaze to blend it with the surrounding area. For large structural cracks or major chips, it is best to scrape out the grout, remove the damaged tile using a chisel, apply fresh thinset mortar, and set a replacement tile from your extra stock.
How to clean shower tiles?
To clean shower tiles effectively, spray the surface with a 1:1 mixture of warm water and white vinegar, let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits, then scrub gently with a soft nylon brush. For mold or mildew on grout lines, make a paste of baking soda and water (or use a mild hydrogen peroxide solution), scrub with a small toothbrush, and rinse thoroughly. Avoid using stiff metal brushes or harsh acid cleaners on natural stone tiles (like marble or travertine) as they can scratch and etch the stone.