Tile Calculator
Estimate tile quantity in square feet, pieces, and boxes for floors, walls, backsplashes, and showers.
Your Tile Estimate
- Measure the area — length and width for floors; length and height for walls/backsplashes.
- Select tile size — choose from common tile dimensions. Coverage per tile is calculated automatically.
- Set waste factor — 10% for straight lay, 15% for diagonal, 20%+ for complex patterns.
- Review tile count — always round up. Buy extra from the same lot for future repairs.
- Account for grout lines — this calculator includes tile-to-tile. Grout lines have minimal impact on count.
How Many Tiles Do I Need?
Tile quantity depends on your surface area, tile size, and layout pattern. A straight grid pattern is the most efficient — waste runs 10% for cuts against walls and obstacles. Diagonal layouts generate more waste (15%) because every edge requires an angled cut. Herringbone and complex patterns can push waste to 20–25%.
Always buy 10–15% more tiles than calculated and keep the extras. Tile colors vary between production lots — if you need replacements later, matching the exact shade is nearly impossible without spare tiles from the original batch. Store extras flat in a dry location.
Tile Size Selection Guide
Tile size affects both aesthetics and installation complexity:
| Tile Size | ft² per Tile | Best For | Grout Lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6×6 in | 0.25 | Backsplashes, accents, small spaces | Many — more cleaning |
| 12×12 in | 1.00 | Standard floors, walls — most versatile | Moderate |
| 12×24 in | 2.00 | Modern floors, showers — elongates rooms | Fewer lines |
| 18×18 in | 2.25 | Open floor plans — fewer grout lines | Fewer lines |
| 24×24 in | 4.00 | Large rooms, commercial — requires flat substrate | Minimal |
Larger tiles look better in large rooms and have fewer grout lines to clean. But they require a very flat substrate — any lippage (uneven edges) is more visible. Floors must be within 1/8" over 10 feet for tiles over 15 inches.
Tile Count by Room and Size
| Room | Area | 12×12 Tiles | 18×18 Tiles | 12×24 Tiles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small bath (5×8 ft) | 40 ft² | 44 | 20 | 22 |
| Bathroom (8×10 ft) | 80 ft² | 88 | 40 | 44 |
| Kitchen floor (10×14 ft) | 140 ft² | 154 | 69 | 77 |
| Backsplash (10×1.5 ft) | 15 ft² | 17 | 8 | 9 |
| Master bath (12×16 ft) | 192 ft² | 212 | 94 | 106 |
Includes 10% waste. Diagonal or herringbone patterns require 15–25% more tiles.
Formulas
Area divided by tile size:
With waste = Area × (1 + Waste %)
Tiles needed = Total area ÷ Tile area (rounded up)
Boxes = Tiles ÷ Tiles per box
Grout joints are small enough (1/16" to 3/16") that they don't significantly affect the tile count. This calculator gives you accurate results without needing to factor in grout width.
Related Calculators
Add 10-15% waste for tile cuts and pattern matching. Browse the surface calculator collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 12×12 tiles do I need for a bathroom?
For a standard 8×10 ft bathroom floor, the base area is 80 ft². With 10% waste, that's 88 tiles. A 12×12 inch tile covers exactly 1 square foot, making the math easy. For wall tile in the shower (typically 3 walls × 8 ft wide × 7 ft high), add about 170 more tiles.
Should I buy extra tiles?
Always buy 10–15% beyond what the calculator shows. You'll break a few during cutting, some may arrive chipped, and you need spares for future repairs. Tile colors vary between production lots — if you need replacement tiles later, an exact color match from a new batch is unlikely.
What size tile makes a small bathroom look bigger?
Larger format tiles (12×24 or 24×24 inches) with minimal grout lines create a cleaner, more expansive look. Fewer grout lines mean less visual interruption. Light-colored tiles reflect more light and add to the sense of space. Running large-format tiles at a diagonal also visually expands a small room, though it increases waste to 15–20%.
How many 12×12 tiles do I need for 100 square feet?
One 12×12 inch tile covers exactly 1 square foot. For 100 ft², you need 100 tiles plus waste. With 10% waste, order 110 tiles. With 15% for a diagonal layout, order 115. Always round up to the nearest full box. Grout joint size does not significantly affect tile count for standard joints.
What waste percentage should I use for diagonal tile patterns?
Diagonal layouts usually create more offcuts than straight layouts. Plan for a higher waste factor on diagonal or complex patterns, and keep a few extra tiles for future repairs.