Tile Calculator
Calculate the exact number of tiles you need for floors, walls, backsplashes, and showers. Enter your area dimensions and tile size to get accurate counts with waste allowance.
Input Values
Results
How to Use This Calculator
How to Use the Tile Calculator
- **Measure the Area Length** — Measure the longest dimension of the space you want to tile. Enter this value in feet.
- **Measure the Area Width** — Measure the perpendicular dimension. Enter this value in feet.
- **Enter Tile Dimensions** — Input the width and height of your chosen tile in inches. Common sizes are 12×12, 12×24, 6×6, and 18×18 inches.
- **Review the Results** — The calculator shows the exact tile count, the recommended count with 10% waste, and the number of boxes to purchase.
- **Adjust for Your Layout** — If you are installing tiles diagonally or in a herringbone pattern, increase the waste allowance to 15% by ordering extra tiles.
Measuring Tips - For irregularly shaped rooms, break the space into rectangles and calculate each section separately. - Measure at the widest points to ensure you have enough tiles for the entire area. - Subtract any permanent fixtures (islands, columns) that will not be tiled.
Tips & Best Practices
- ✓Dry-lay your tiles before applying adhesive to plan cuts and check the layout looks balanced.
- ✓Start tiling from the center of the room outward to ensure even borders on all sides.
- ✓Use tile spacers to maintain consistent grout lines — 1/8 inch spacers are standard for floor tiles.
- ✓Order all your tiles from the same lot number to avoid color variation between production batches.
- ✓Keep 3–5 spare tiles after installation for future repairs — matching tiles years later can be difficult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tiles do I need for a 100 sq ft room?
For standard 12×12 inch tiles, you need 100 tiles to cover 100 sq ft (each tile is 1 sq ft). With 10% waste allowance, order 110 tiles or 11 boxes of 10.
Why do I need to add 10% waste?
The 10% waste allowance accounts for tiles that are cut at edges, breakage during installation, pattern matching, and having spare tiles for future repairs. For diagonal layouts or complex patterns, consider 15% waste instead.
How do I calculate tiles for an L-shaped room?
Break the L-shape into two rectangles, calculate the tile count for each rectangle separately, then add them together. Apply the 10% waste factor to the combined total.
Does tile size affect how many I need?
Yes. Larger tiles cover more area per piece so you need fewer of them, but they produce more waste on cuts. Smaller tiles fit complex shapes better but require more grout and take longer to install.
How many tiles come in a box?
A standard box contains 10 tiles, but this varies by manufacturer and tile size. Check the box label for exact coverage (usually listed in sq ft per box). This calculator assumes 10 tiles per box.