Tile Calculator
Calculate how many tiles you need
Area to Tile
Tile Size
Common sizes: 12"×12", 18"×18", 24"×24", 6"×6" (for backsplash)
Recommended: 10% for rectangular tiles, 15-20% for diagonal or complex patterns
How to Use This Calculator
Select Measurement Unit
Choose your preferred unit (feet, inches, meters, or centimeters) for both the area to tile and tile size. This ensures consistent calculations throughout.
Enter Area Dimensions
Input the length and width of the area you want to tile in your chosen unit. For example, a 10×12 foot bathroom floor would be 10 feet length and 12 feet width.
Enter Tile Size
Enter the length and width of your tiles in the same unit. Common sizes are 12×12 inches, 18×18 inches, or 24×24 inches. Check your tile packaging for exact dimensions.
Set Waste Allowance
Select the waste percentage based on your installation pattern. Use 10% for simple layouts, 15% for offset patterns, or 20% for diagonal layouts and complex patterns.
Calculate and Order
Click "Calculate Tiles Needed" to see the total tiles to order, including waste. Use this number to order tiles and grout. Always order all tiles from the same batch for color consistency.
Formula
Area Size (sq ft) = Length (ft) × Width (ft)
Tile Size (sq ft) = Tile Length (ft) × Tile Width (ft)
Tiles Needed = Area Size ÷ Tile Size
Tiles to Order = Tiles Needed × (1 + Waste Percentage ÷ 100)
Example 1: Bathroom Floor (10 ft × 12 ft, 12×12 inch tiles, 10% waste)
Step 1: Calculate area: 10 × 12 = 120 square feet
Step 2: Convert tile size: 12 inches = 1 foot, so 1 × 1 = 1 square foot per tile
Step 3: Calculate tiles needed: 120 ÷ 1 = 120 tiles
Step 4: Add waste: 120 × (1 + 10/100) = 120 × 1.10 = 132 tiles to order
Step 5: Calculate boxes: 132 ÷ 10 = 14 boxes (assuming 10 tiles per box)
Example 2: Kitchen Backsplash (8 ft × 2 ft, 6×6 inch tiles, 15% waste)
Step 1: Calculate area: 8 × 2 = 16 square feet
Step 2: Convert tile size: 6 inches = 0.5 feet, so 0.5 × 0.5 = 0.25 square feet per tile
Step 3: Calculate tiles needed: 16 ÷ 0.25 = 64 tiles
Step 4: Add waste: 64 × (1 + 15/100) = 64 × 1.15 = 74 tiles to order
Step 5: Calculate boxes: 74 ÷ 10 = 8 boxes
Common Tile Sizes
Backsplash, accent
Bathroom walls
Floors, walls
Modern floors
Open floors
Wood-look floors
Waste Percentage Guide
Tile Installation Tips
Before You Buy
- Measure accurately - measure twice, order once!
- Check tile rating (PEI 1-5, higher = more durable)
- Consider slip resistance for wet areas (COF rating)
- Order all tiles from same batch/lot number
- Factor in delivery time (special orders can take weeks)
Installation Basics
- Prepare subfloor (must be level, clean, and stable)
- Use appropriate thinset mortar for tile type
- Use spacers for consistent grout lines
- Dry lay first to plan cuts and pattern
- Start from center and work outward
- Let thinset cure 24+ hours before grouting
Materials Needed
- Thinset mortar (~50 lb bag per 100 sq ft)
- Grout (~25 lb bag per 200-500 sq ft, depends on tile size)
- Tile spacers
- Notched trowel (size depends on tile size)
- Tile cutter or wet saw
- Grout float and sponge
About Tile Calculator
The Tile Calculator is a useful tool for calculating tile values. This calculator helps you quickly and accurately determine the results you need for your calculations.
When to Use This Calculator
- Quick Calculations: Get instant results without manual computation
- Accuracy: Ensure precise calculations every time
- Planning: Use for project planning and estimation
- Verification: Double-check your manual calculations
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Instant Results: Get accurate calculations immediately
- ✅ Easy to Use: Simple interface for all skill levels
- ✅ 100% Free: No registration or payment required
- ✅ Mobile Friendly: Works on all devices
- ✅ Accurate: Precise mathematical calculations
Tips for Best Results
- Double-Check Inputs: Verify all values before calculating
- Use Valid Numbers: Ensure inputs are valid numbers
- Review Results: Check results for reasonableness
- Clear and Retry: Clear inputs if you need to recalculate
Frequently Asked Questions
About Tile Calculator
The Tile Calculator is a useful tool for calculating tile values. This calculator helps you quickly and accurately determine the results you need for your calculations.
When to Use This Calculator
- Quick Calculations: Get instant results without manual computation
- Accuracy: Ensure precise calculations every time
- Planning: Use for project planning and estimation
- Verification: Double-check your manual calculations
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Instant Results: Get accurate calculations immediately
- ✅ Easy to Use: Simple interface for all skill levels
- ✅ 100% Free: No registration or payment required
- ✅ Mobile Friendly: Works on all devices
- ✅ Accurate: Precise mathematical calculations
Tips for Best Results
- Double-Check Inputs: Verify all values before calculating
- Use Valid Numbers: Ensure inputs are valid numbers
- Review Results: Check results for reasonableness
- Clear and Retry: Clear inputs if you need to recalculate
How much extra tile should I order?
10% minimum, 15-20% for diagonal patterns or first-time DIYers. It's hard to match tiles later (different batches/dye lots vary).
What size tile is best?
Small rooms: 12"×12" or smaller. Large rooms: 18"×18" or larger. Small tiles in big spaces look busy; large tiles make small spaces look bigger.
How long does tile installation take?
DIY: 6-10 sq ft/hour. Professional: 15-30 sq ft/hour. Plus 24 hours for thinset to dry before grouting, then 24-72 hours for grout to cure.
Can I tile over existing tile?
Yes, if existing tile is well-bonded and level. Clean thoroughly, roughen surface, and use bonding primer. Removes existing tile for best results.
What's the difference between porcelain and ceramic?
Porcelain is denser, less porous, more durable, better for high-traffic and wet areas. Ceramic is cheaper, easier to cut, fine for walls and low-traffic floors.