Tile Calculator
Calculate how many tiles you need for a floor, wall, backsplash, or shower. Enter the room dimensions and tile size to get the exact number of tiles required, including waste allowance for cuts and breakage. This tile calculator accounts for grout gap spacing and estimates the number of boxes to purchase.
How to Calculate Tiles Needed
- Calculate the total area: length × width
- Calculate single tile area including grout gap
- Divide total area by tile area to get base tile count
- Add 10% waste for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal patterns
- Round up to the nearest whole tile
Frequently Asked Questions
How much extra tile should I buy for waste?
Add 10% for standard straight layouts, 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, and 20% for complex patterns or rooms with many cuts (around obstacles, corners). Always keep a few spare tiles for future repairs.
What is a standard grout gap size?
Standard grout gaps are ⅛ inch (3mm) for wall tiles and 3/16 inch (5mm) for floor tiles. Larger format tiles (24×24) may use ⅛ inch gaps, while natural stone often uses 1/16 inch.
How many 12×12 tiles do I need for 100 sq ft?
For 100 sq ft with 12×12 inch tiles: 100 ÷ 1 = 100 tiles base + 10% waste = 110 tiles. Each 12×12 tile covers exactly 1 square foot.
How do I calculate tiles for a wall?
Measure the wall height × width to get the area. Subtract the area of any windows or doors. Then divide by tile area and add waste percentage, same as floor calculations.