Tile Calculator
Estimate how many tiles you need for flooring, backsplashes, or wall tile projects. Account for tile size, layout pattern, and waste to order the right quantity.
Floor Dimensions
Tile Results
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 6×6 inch tiles, each covers 0.25 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 12×12 in tiles on a diagonal pattern
- Floor area: 12 × 12 = 144 sq ft
- Tile area: 12 in × 12 in = 1 sq ft per tile
- Base tile count: 144 ÷ 1 = 144 tiles
- Waste (diagonal 15%): 144 × 0.15 = 21.6 extra tiles
- Total needed: 144 + 22 = 166 tiles
- Boxes (10 per box): 166 ÷ 10 = 17 boxes (round up)
Common Mistakes in Tile Estimation
Not accounting for pattern waste
A herringbone pattern wastes nearly twice as much tile as a simple grid. Never use 10% waste for anything other than a straight grid layout. The difference between 10% and 20% on a 200 sq ft job is 20 extra tiles.
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. This equals about 11 boxes of 10 tiles each.
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.