Tile Calculator

Calculate how many tiles you need for your floor, wall, or backsplash project. Includes grout spacing, waste percentage, layout patterns, cost estimates, and a visual pattern preview.

Area Dimensions

ft
in
ft
in

Total Area

120 ft2

11.15 m2

Tile Size

0.125"
No gap1/8"1/4"3/8"1/2"

Tile Area

1 ft2 per tile

12" x 12"

Layout Pattern

Pattern Preview

Waste & Packaging

10%
5%10%15%20%

Cost Estimate

$

Results

Tiles (no waste)

118

exact: 117.5

Tiles (with 10% waste)

130

recommended purchase qty

Boxes Needed

11

at 12 tiles/box

Estimated Total Cost

$462.00

$3.50/ft2 · $3.50/tile

Calculation Breakdown

Area to cover120 ft2
Tile size12" x 12" (1 ft2)
Grout gap0.125"
Layout patternStraight / Grid
Waste factor10%
Extra tiles for waste12 tiles
Tiles per box12
Total tiles in 11 boxes132 tiles

How to Use the Tile Calculator

This tile calculator helps you determine the exact number of tiles, boxes, and total cost for any tiling project. Whether you are tiling a bathroom floor, kitchen backsplash, or an entire room, follow these steps to get an accurate estimate.

Step 1: Enter Your Area Dimensions

Measure the length and width of the area you want to tile. You can enter measurements in feet and inches or switch to meters for metric projects. For irregularly shaped rooms, break the space into rectangles, calculate each one separately, and add the totals together.

Step 2: Choose Your Tile Size

Select from common tile sizes like 12x12, 12x24, or 24x24 inches, or enter a custom tile dimension. The calculator accounts for grout gap width when computing how many tiles fit in your space.

Step 3: Select a Layout Pattern

Different layout patterns require different amounts of waste due to cutting. A straight grid is the most efficient, while herringbone requires the most extra material. The calculator automatically adjusts the waste percentage based on your selected pattern, or you can set a custom waste percentage.

Step 4: Review Results and Cost

The results section shows the total number of tiles needed (with and without waste), how many boxes to purchase, and the estimated total cost based on your price input. Use the visual pattern preview to see how your chosen layout will look.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate how many tiles I need?+
Measure the length and width of the area to get the total square footage. Divide that by the area of a single tile (in square feet) to get the base number of tiles. Then add 10-20% extra for waste, cuts, and breakage depending on your chosen layout pattern.
How much extra tile should I buy for waste?+
For a standard straight/grid layout, plan for 10% extra. Diagonal layouts typically require 15% waste, brick/offset patterns about 12%, and herringbone patterns around 20%. Complex room shapes with many cuts may need even more. It is always better to have leftover tiles than to run short mid-project.
Does grout gap size affect how many tiles I need?+
Yes. Wider grout gaps slightly reduce the number of tiles needed because each tile effectively covers a larger footprint (tile + half the grout gap on each side). A standard 1/8-inch grout line has minimal impact, but larger 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch gaps can noticeably reduce tile count on large areas.
How do I convert tile size from inches to square feet?+
Multiply the tile width by height in inches to get square inches, then divide by 144 (since 1 sq ft = 144 sq in). For example, a 12x24 inch tile is 288 sq in / 144 = 2 square feet per tile.
What is the most cost-effective tile layout pattern?+
A straight or grid pattern is the most cost-effective because it produces the least waste (around 10%). Brick/offset adds about 12%, diagonal about 15%, and herringbone around 20%. The extra cost comes from more cuts and unusable offcuts. Straight layouts are also faster to install, reducing labor costs.
How do I calculate tile for walls or backsplashes?+
Use the same method as floors: measure the wall height and width to get the area, then subtract any windows, doors, or outlets. Enter these dimensions into the calculator and it will compute the tiles needed. For backsplashes, measure from the countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets.
Should I round up the number of tiles or boxes?+
Always round up. You cannot buy partial tiles or partial boxes. This calculator automatically rounds up both the tile count and box count. It is better to have a few extra tiles for future repairs than to be one tile short during installation.

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Tile Calculator — free online tile calculator, floor tile calculator, tile quantity calculator, tile cost calculator, tile area calculator, tile coverage calculator, ceramic tile calculator, tile layout calculator, tile estimator, tiles per square foot. No signup required. Works in your browser.