Tile Calculator
Calculate the number of tiles needed for your project — with waste factor, tile presets, and box estimates.
Tile count includes 10% waste. Box count assumes 15 tiles per box — verify with the manufacturer. For diagonal or herringbone patterns, increase waste to 15–20%.
How It Works
This calculator determines how many tiles you need based on your area, tile dimensions, and waste percentage. It also estimates how many boxes to purchase.
Formula: Tiles = Area (sq ft) ÷ (Tile Length × Tile Width ÷ 144) × (1 + Waste%). Boxes = Tiles ÷ Tiles Per Box, rounded up.
Waste accounts for cuts along walls, breakage, and pattern matching. A 10% waste factor is standard for straight layouts. Increase to 15–20% for diagonal or complex patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how many tiles I need?
Divide your total area in square feet by the area of one tile in square feet (tile length × tile width ÷ 144). Then multiply by your waste factor (typically 1.10 for 10% waste). Round up to the nearest whole tile.
How much extra tile should I buy for waste?
Plan for 10% extra for standard grid layouts. Add 15% for diagonal patterns and 20% for herringbone or complex patterns. Extra tile also covers breakage during cutting and future repairs.
How many tiles come in a box?
It varies by size. Small mosaic sheets may have 20+ per box. Standard 12×12 tiles typically come 15 per box. Large format 24×24 tiles usually come 4 per box. Check the manufacturer's packaging for exact counts.
How do I calculate tile for a non-rectangular room?
Break the room into rectangular sections, calculate the area of each section, and add them together. Enter the total area directly into this calculator. Add extra waste (15–20%) for irregular cuts along non-straight edges.
What size tile is best for small rooms?
Medium tiles (12×12 or 12×24) work well in small rooms — they have fewer grout lines which makes the space feel larger. Very small mosaic tiles can look busy, and very large tiles (24×24) may require more cuts and waste.