Tile Calculator
Planning a tile floor or backsplash? Enter your room size and tile dimensions to find out how many tiles you need, including 10 percent for cuts and waste.
How to Calculate Tile Quantities
Tile math starts with room area. Multiply length by width in feet to get square footage. A 10 × 12 bathroom is 120 square feet. Next, calculate the area of one tile by converting its dimensions to feet and multiplying.
A 12×12 inch tile is 1 square foot. A 6×6 tile covers 0.25 square feet. Divide the room area by the tile area to find how many tiles fit. For 120 square feet with 12×12 tiles, you need 120 tiles.
Always add waste. Standard practice is 10 percent for straight layouts in simple rooms. Diagonal patterns, herringbone, or intricate designs bump that to 15 percent. Corners, doorways, and irregular shapes all generate offcuts.
Choosing Tile Size for Your Space
Large tiles make small rooms feel bigger. A 12×24 or 18×18 tile reduces grout lines and creates a more open look. The downside is waste. Big tiles generate large offcuts that cannot be used elsewhere.
Small tiles like 4×4 or subway tile work well on walls and in detailed patterns. They are easier to cut and fit around obstacles, reducing waste. Installation takes longer because you set and grout more individual pieces.
Rectangular tiles like 6×24 planks mimic hardwood and suit narrow spaces. Run them lengthwise to make a hallway or bathroom appear longer. The direction and pattern influence the room's visual proportions.
Grout Lines and Layout Patterns
Grout joint width affects tile count. Thin joints (1/16 to 1/8 inch) mean tiles pack tighter and you need slightly fewer. Wide joints (1/4 inch or more) add space and increase the total count.
Straight lay is the simplest pattern. Tiles align in rows and columns, minimizing cuts and waste. Diagonal patterns rotate tiles 45 degrees, creating visual interest but requiring cuts at every wall.
Offset patterns like brick or running bond stagger the joints. They hide imperfections better than straight lay and feel more dynamic. Herringbone and chevron are the most complex, demanding precision cuts and extra material.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much waste should I add when buying tile?
Add 10 percent for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. Complex layouts with diagonal patterns or small rooms with many corners may need 15 percent extra.
How many tiles come in a box?
It varies by tile size. Small tiles like 4×4 may have 50 per box. Large-format tiles like 12×24 come 8 to 10 per box. Check the packaging for the exact count.
Can I use this calculator for wall tile?
Yes. Measure the wall height and width, subtract openings like windows, and calculate the remaining area just as you would a floor.
Do I subtract for cabinets and fixtures?
It depends. Many installers run tile under cabinets and appliances for flexibility during future remodels. Subtract only permanent fixtures like bathtubs and built-in cabinetry.
What if my tile is sold by the square foot instead of by the piece?
Use the room square footage output from this calculator. Add 10 percent and order that many square feet. The supplier will convert to boxes for you.