CH
CalcHub

Tile Calculator

Getting the tile count right avoids expensive re-orders (tiles from different production lots can vary in color). Enter your project area and tile size to get an accurate estimate with waste factored in.

Enter Your Measurements

Results

Enter your measurements to see results

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Measure the area to be tiled in feet (length × width).
  2. Enter the tile dimensions in inches.
  3. Enter how many tiles come per box (check the box label).
  4. Adjust waste factor — 10% for simple layouts, 15% for diagonal patterns.
  5. Review tiles and boxes needed.

How Tile Calculation Works

This calculator divides your total project area by the area of a single tile to determine how many tiles you need, then adds a waste factor for cuts, breakage, and pattern matching. Diagonal (45°) installations waste more material than straight layouts because edge cuts produce smaller usable pieces. Always buy all your tile at once from the same production lot — tiles from different lots may have slight color variations that are visible once installed.

Formula

Area = Length × Width. Tile area = Tile Length (in) × Tile Width (in) ÷ 144 to convert to sq ft. Tiles needed = (Area ÷ Tile area) × (1 + waste%). Boxes = ceil(Tiles ÷ Tiles per box).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much extra tile should I buy?
Buy 10% extra for standard straight layouts, 15% for diagonal patterns, and 20% for complex mosaic patterns or rooms with many corners and obstacles. Always keep a few spare tiles for future repairs.
How many 12×12 tiles for 100 sq ft?
You need 100 tiles for the area itself, plus waste. At 10% waste, buy 110 tiles. If they come 10 per box, that's 11 boxes.
What size tile is best for small rooms?
Larger tiles (12×24 or 18×18) can actually make small rooms look bigger because there are fewer grout lines. However, very large tiles may require more cuts in a small space. 12×12 is a versatile middle ground.
Do I need to account for grout lines?
For most residential tile jobs with standard 1/8 to 1/4 inch grout lines, the waste factor covers the grout line area. For wide grout lines (3/8 inch+), you can reduce tile count by about 5%.

Related Calculators

Flooring Calculator

Calculate how much flooring material you need — hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or LVP.

Paint Calculator

Calculate how many gallons of paint you need for walls, ceilings, and rooms.

Gravel Calculator

Calculate how much gravel you need in tons and cubic yards for driveways, paths, and landscaping.