Tile Calculator
Calculate how many tiles you need for your floor or wall project. Get estimates for tiles, boxes, and material costs.
10% for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal, 20% for patterns
Enter your room dimensions to calculate tiles needed.
How It Works
Our tile calculator divides your total area by the size of each tile to determine quantity. We then add a waste factor for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. Finally, we round up to full boxes since tiles are sold by the box.
Larger tiles cover more area per piece but may result in more waste from cuts, especially in smaller spaces. Smaller tiles work better in bathrooms and areas with many obstacles.
Always buy a few extra tiles beyond what the calculator suggests. Keeping spares allows you to replace damaged tiles later without worrying about matching discontinued patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra tile should I buy?
Plan for 10% extra for simple straight installations. Use 15% for diagonal patterns and 20% for complex patterns or rooms with many cuts around obstacles. Keep any leftover tiles for future repairs.
What size tile is best for my space?
Large tiles (18" or 24") make rooms look bigger and have fewer grout lines, but require very flat surfaces. Small tiles (12" or smaller) work better in bathrooms, showers, and spaces with many cuts. Consider the scale of your room.
What other materials do I need?
Beyond tiles, you'll need: thinset mortar or tile adhesive (50 lbs covers ~50-75 sq ft), grout (25 lbs covers ~200-250 sq ft), tile spacers, a notched trowel, tile cutter or wet saw, and sealant for grout lines.
Can I tile over existing tile?
Yes, if the existing tile is well-bonded, level, and clean. Use a bonding primer and appropriate adhesive. This adds height, so check door clearance and transitions. Removing old tile is better for a professional finish.
How long does tile installation take?
A DIYer can tile about 50-100 sq ft per day, depending on complexity. Professional installers work faster. Add a day for the adhesive to cure before grouting, and another day before walking on the floor.