Tile Calculator
Calculate exactly how many tiles you need for any project — floor, wall, shower, ceiling, or backsplash. Includes waste factor, grout estimate, box count, and cost.
Calculate floor tiles for any room shape. Includes waste for cuts.
How to Calculate Tiles Needed
Calculating tiles is straightforward but getting it right matters — under-buying means a second trip to the store (where the new batch may not match), and over-buying wastes money. Our tile calculator handles all of this automatically.
Tile Calculator Formula
Tile Waste Factor Guide
| Project Type | Recommended Waste | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Simple rectangular floor | 10% | Minimal cuts required |
| Wall tiling | 10% | Some cuts at edges |
| Shower surround | 15% | More cuts around fixtures |
| Diagonal / 45° pattern | 20–25% | Many angled cuts needed |
| Irregular room shapes | 15–20% | More cuts, complex layout |
| Small mosaic tiles | 10% | Pre-mounted, fewer cuts |
| Outdoor / Pool | 15% | Cuts around drains, steps |
Popular Tile Sizes & Coverage
| Tile Size | Tiles per Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4×4 inch | 9 | Backsplash, small walls |
| 6×6 inch | 4 | Kitchen backsplash, bathroom |
| 12×12 inch | 1 | Most popular, floors & walls |
| 18×18 inch | ~0.44 | Large rooms, commercial |
| 24×24 inch | ~0.25 | Modern large-format floors |
| 3×6 inch (Subway) | ~8 | Kitchen backsplash, shower |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how many tiles I need?
To calculate tiles needed: 1) Measure the area in sq ft (Length × Width). 2) Calculate tile area (Tile Width × Tile Height ÷ 144 to convert to sq ft). 3) Divide area by tile area. 4) Add 10-15% for waste. 5) Round up to the nearest whole tile.
How many tiles do I need for a 10×12 room?
A 10×12 room is 120 sq ft. With 12×12 inch tiles (1 sq ft each), you'd need 120 tiles plus waste. At 10% waste, that's 132 tiles. The exact count depends on tile size — use our calculator above for any tile size.
How many tiles do I need for a shower?
Use the 'Shower' tab. Measure all walls (height × width for each wall) and the floor separately. For a standard 36×36 inch shower floor with 4-foot walls, you'd typically need 400-500 tiles depending on tile size. Add 15% waste for shower areas due to more cuts around fixtures.
How many tiles do I need for a kitchen backsplash?
Measure your backsplash area in square feet (typically the area between your countertop and upper cabinets, usually 18 inches high). Multiply length by height and add 10% waste. Use the 'Backsplash' tab for the calculation.
What waste percentage should I use for tiles?
Straight lay on a simple floor: 10%. Diagonal or herringbone pattern: 15-20% extra. Shower or complex cuts: 15%. Backsplash with outlets and windows: 10-15%. When in doubt, order 15% extra — leftover tiles can be saved for future repairs.
How do I calculate tile in square feet?
Multiply the room's length by width to get square footage. For example, a 10-foot × 12-foot room is 120 sq ft. For irregular rooms, break them into rectangles, calculate each, and add together. Subtract any areas that won't be tiled (cabinets, islands).
How many square feet are in a box of tiles?
It varies by tile size and brand. Most tile boxes list sq ft on the label. Common values: 6×6 tiles: 5-10 sq ft/box. 12×12 tiles: 10-15 sq ft/box. 24×24 tiles: 8-16 sq ft/box. Enter your specific 'tiles per box' value in the calculator above.
How much extra tile should I buy?
Always buy at least 10% extra (15% for diagonal patterns or complex rooms). This accounts for breakage, future repairs, and cuts. Tile colors and dye lots can vary between batches — buy everything you need in one purchase.