FLOORING

Tile Calculator

Calculate how many tiles you need for floors, walls, or backsplashes, including a smart allowance for cuts and waste.

Project Type

Area Dimensions

Length

Width

Tile Size

Tile Length

Tile Width

Enter the actual size of one tile (not the box coverage).

Waste / Cut Allowance

Extra tiles for cuts, breakage & mistakes

Grout Joint (optional note)

This calculator uses the full tile size. Most people ignore the tiny grout gap for ordering purposes. If your tiles have large joints, the actual coverage per tile is slightly less, so a higher waste percentage is safer.

Tiles to Order

0 tiles

How to Use the Tile Calculator

This free tile calculator helps you figure out exactly how many tiles to buy for floors, walls, or kitchen backsplashes. It includes a realistic waste allowance so you don’t run short when cutting around edges and obstacles.

Choose the project type Select Floor, Wall, or Backsplash. This simply helps label the dimensions correctly.

Enter the area size Measure the length and width (or height and width for walls) of the surface you plan to tile.

Enter the tile size Use the actual dimensions of one tile (for example 12 × 12 inches or 30 × 60 cm).

Select a waste percentage 10% is the most common choice. Increase it for diagonal layouts, patterned designs, or rooms with many cuts.

Get your tile count Click Calculate to see how many tiles you should order, including the waste allowance.

Tips for Measuring Accurately

Good measurements are the key to ordering the right amount of tile. Here’s how to get reliable numbers.

Measure the full surface Include every area that will receive tile — even small sections near doorways or cabinets.

Break up complex shapes For L-shaped rooms or walls with windows, divide the area into simple rectangles and add them together.

Use the same units Keep area measurements and tile size in matching units (both feet/inches or both meters/cm).

Recommended Waste Percentages for Tile

Tile projects almost always need extra material for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. These percentages are widely used by installers and DIY homeowners.

Straight layout 5–10% is usually enough when tiles run parallel to the walls.

Diagonal or patterned 12–15% is safer because more tiles are cut at angles.

Small tiles or mosaics Often need only 5–8% because smaller pieces create less waste per cut.

Large format tiles 10–15% is common — big tiles are harder to cut without breakage.

How the Tile Calculator Works

The tool first finds the total surface area, then divides by the area of one tile to get the exact number needed. It then adds your chosen waste percentage and rounds up to the next whole tile.

Step 1 – Area Surface Area = Length × Width

Step 2 – Tiles Needed Exact Tiles = Surface Area ÷ (Tile Length × Tile Width)

Step 3 – With Waste Order Quantity = Exact Tiles × (1 + Waste %) → round up

Helpful Tips Before You Buy

Buy extra for repairs Keep a few leftover tiles. Matching the exact color and batch later can be difficult or impossible.

Check the box coverage Many boxes list square footage. Divide your total area (with waste) by the coverage per box to know how many boxes to purchase.

Order from the same batch Tile color can vary slightly between production runs. Ordering everything at once reduces the risk of noticeable differences.

Account for obstacles Subtract large fixed items (cabinets, tubs, windows) only if you will not tile behind or under them.

💡 Keep in mind

This calculator gives a solid estimate based on the dimensions and waste factor you enter. Always round up to full boxes when ordering. For large or complex projects, many people also ask their tile supplier to verify the quantity.

Tile Calculator FAQ

How many 12×12 tiles do I need for a 10×12 room?

A 10 × 12 room is 120 square feet. Each 12 × 12 tile covers 1 square foot, so you need 120 tiles exactly. With a 10% waste factor you should order about 132 tiles. Use the calculator above for precise results with any size.

Why do tile projects need a waste allowance?

Almost every tile job requires cutting tiles to fit edges, corners, doorways, and fixtures. Some tiles also break during cutting or handling. The waste percentage covers these losses so you don’t run short.

Should I include the grout gap in the calculation?

For most residential projects the grout joint is small enough that it can be ignored when ordering. If you are using very large tiles or wide grout lines, a slightly higher waste percentage is a safe approach.

How many extra tiles should I keep for future repairs?

Most people keep 5–10% of the total after the job is finished. Having matching tiles on hand makes future repairs much easier.

Can I use this calculator for mosaic sheets?

Yes. Treat each mosaic sheet as one “tile” and enter the overall sheet size (for example 12 × 12 inches). The calculator will then give you the number of sheets needed.

Does the calculator work for walls and backsplashes?

Absolutely. Just select Wall or Backsplash, enter the height and width of the surface, and use the same tile size and waste percentage.