Tile Calculator
Calculate the number of tiles needed based on area, tile size, and waste rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how many tiles I need?+
Measure the length and width of the area to get the total square footage. Divide it by the area of a single tile (in square feet) to get the base tile count. Then add 10-20% extra material for waste, cuts, and breakage based on your chosen layout pattern.
How much extra tile should I buy for waste?+
For standard straight/grid layouts, plan on 10% extra. Diagonal layouts typically need 15% waste, brick/offset patterns about 12%, and herringbone patterns about 20%. Complex room shapes with many cuts may need more. It's always better to have leftover tiles than to run out mid-project.
Does grout line size affect how many tiles I need?+
Yes. Wider grout lines slightly reduce the number of tiles needed because each tile actually covers a larger footprint (tile + half a grout line on each side). A standard 1/8-inch grout line has little effect, but larger 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch gaps can noticeably reduce tile count over large areas.
How do I convert tile size from inches to square feet?+
Multiply the tile width by the height (in inches) to get square inches, then divide by 144 (since 1 square foot = 144 square inches). For example, a 12x24-inch tile is 288 square inches / 144 = 2 square feet per tile.
What is the most cost-effective tile layout pattern?+
Straight or grid patterns are the most cost-effective because they produce the least waste (about 10%). Brick/offset adds about 12%, diagonal about 15%, and herringbone about 20%. The extra cost comes from more cuts and unusable remnants. Straight layouts also install faster, lowering labor costs.
How do I calculate tile for a wall or backsplash?+
Use the same method as for floors: measure the wall height and width to get the area, then subtract any windows, doors, or outlets. Enter these dimensions into the calculator and it will compute the tiles needed. For backsplashes, measure from the countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets.
Should I round up tiles or boxes?+
Always round up. You can't buy partial tiles or partial boxes. This calculator automatically rounds up the number of tiles and boxes. Having a few extra tiles for future repairs is better than running out mid-installation.