Tile Calculator

This calculator determines the total number of individual tiles required to cover a floor or wall area (primary output) and the total surface area including waste (secondary output), based on room dimensions, tile dimensions, and a selected waste percentage.

Note on Tile Boxes: The calculator outputs the exact number of individual tiles required. Because different tile manufacturers package different quantities per carton, you can find the total boxes to purchase simply by dividing the calculator's tile count by the number of tiles per box stated on your retailer's package.

1. Enter the Room Length (in feet or meters).
2. Enter the Room Width (in feet or meters).
3. Enter the Tile Length (in inches or cm).
4. Enter the Tile Width (in inches or cm).
5. Adjust the Waste % (default 10%) based on room geometry and layout pattern.

The tool calculates total room area, converts tile dimensions into feet (or meters) to find individual tile area, divides room area by tile area, and applies your chosen waste factor.

Using the calculator's standard defaults: a 10 ft × 10 ft room using 12" × 12" tiles with 10% waste.

• Room Area: 10 × 10 = 100 sq ft
• Tile Area: (12 ÷ 12) × (12 ÷ 12) = 1.0 sq ft per tile
• Base Tiles: 100 ÷ 1.0 = 100 tiles
• Primary Output (Tiles with 10% waste): Ceil(100 × 1.10) = 110 tiles
• Secondary Output (Area with waste): 100 × 1.10 = 110 sq ft total
• Waste Margin: 10 tiles

Purchasing Boxes: If your chosen tile comes packed 10 tiles per carton, divide 110 by 10 = 11 cartons to purchase.

The installation pattern directly impacts material waste. A standard running bond or grid layout needs 10% waste. Diagonal (45-degree herringbone or diamond) patterns require cutting nearly every perimeter tile, increasing waste to 15% or 20%.

Always keep at least one full box of extra tiles after installation. Tile dye lots change over time; having matching replacement tiles stored away is crucial if tiles crack or need plumbing access in future years.

• Subtracting grout joint widths. Do not subtract grout joints; the small difference acts as an essential buffer for cutting breakage.
• Mixing tile dimensions from different production batches. Inspect the dye lot numbers on all cartons to prevent shade mismatches.
• Overlooking baseboard skirting if using cut floor tiles for wall trim.

Dry-lay tiles from the center line of the room toward the walls. If your border cuts end up being thin slivers under 2 inches wide, shift your starting layout slightly so perimeter tiles remain substantial and easy to cut.