Tile Calculator

Enter room dimensions, tile size, and a waste factor to see total tiles, boxes, and a quick grout estimate. We include waste automatically so you avoid costly mid-project shortages.

How to use it

Measure the length and width of the area in feet. Break odd shapes into rectangles and total the square footage.
Choose a tile size. Common picks: 12" x 12" for floors, 6" x 6" or 3" x 12" for walls.
Pick a waste factor: 5-10% for simple rooms, 10-15% for diagonal layouts or lots of cuts, up to 20% for tight obstacles.
Review tiles needed and boxes to buy. Round up to the next box count so you have matched spare tiles for repairs.

Example calculation

A 12 ft x 10 ft room is 120 sq ft. With 12" x 12" tiles (1 sq ft each) you need 120 tiles. Adding a 10% waste factor for cuts brings it to 132 tiles. If your tile comes 12 per box, buy 11 boxes so you have a few spares for future repairs.

Worked Examples and Tile Planning

Example: A 6 by 8 foot wall is 48 square feet. Using 6 by 6 inch tiles (0.25 sq ft each), you need 192 tiles, then add 10-15% waste for cuts and breakage.

Tile count uses area / tile area, then adds a waste factor. For diagonal layouts or mosaics, increase waste to avoid running short.

References and Sources

Tile manufacturer box coverage labels
Common waste factor guidance for tile projects

FAQs

What waste factor should I choose?

Use 5-8% for straight-lay floors with few cuts, 10-12% for diagonal or herringbone layouts, and 15-20% for complex rooms with many obstacles. Older or brittle tiles may also need more overage.

How much grout will I need?

Grout usage depends on joint width and tile thickness. As a quick guide, plan for roughly 0.5-1 pound of grout per square foot for 1/8" joints and 1-2 pounds per square foot for 1/4" joints. Always round up.

Can I mix tile sizes?

You can, but measure each pattern repeat. Run the calculator per size, then add the tile counts and apply an overall waste factor. Patterned mixes usually need extra overage to handle layout tweaks.

Install tips

Dry-lay a row to confirm grout joint spacing and reduce awkward slivers at walls.
Order matching trim and threshold pieces with the same dye lot as your field tile.
Keep a few spare boxes for repairs; dye lots change and may not match later.

Understanding Tile Sizes and Coverage

Tile sizes vary widely, and understanding coverage helps you plan materials and labor. Smaller tiles like 4" x 4" or 6" x 6" require more grout lines and take longer to install, but they work well in smaller spaces and curved surfaces. Large format tiles like 12" x 24" or 24" x 24" cover ground quickly and create a modern, seamless look, but they need flat substrates and careful handling.

The coverage per box depends on tile size and manufacturer packaging. Standard boxes typically hold 10-15 square feet for medium tiles and 4-8 square feet for mosaics. Always check the box label for exact coverage and compare across brands if shopping for the best value.

Popular Tile Sizes and Use Cases

3" x 6" subway tile: Classic choice for kitchen backsplashes and bathroom walls
12" x 12" floor tile: Versatile for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways
12" x 24" plank tile: Modern look that mimics wood flooring
2" x 2" mosaic: Ideal for shower floors and decorative accents
18" x 18" large format: Great for open living spaces with minimal grout lines

Common Tile Layout Patterns

The layout pattern affects both appearance and waste factor. Straight lay (grid pattern) is the simplest and most efficient, requiring only 5-8% waste. Running bond (brick pattern) offsets each row by half and needs 8-10% waste. Diagonal or 45-degree layouts create visual interest but require 15-20% extra material due to angled cuts at every edge.

Herringbone and chevron patterns are popular for floors and backsplashes. They use rectangular tiles at angles and need careful planning to avoid awkward cuts. Budget 15-25% waste for these patterns, especially if you are working with natural stone that cannot be recut easily.