Engineering

Tile Calculator | How Many Tiles Do I Need?

Calculate the exact number of tiles needed for any floor, wall, or backsplash project. Accounts for waste percentage, grout width, tile orientation, and cut tiles at borders. Supports square, rectangular, and custom tile sizes with cost estimation per box or sheet.

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Areas to Tile

Area Name

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

120.0 sq ft

Tile Dimensions

Tile Length

Tile Width

Unit

Common sizes: 12×12", 18×18", 24×24", 3×6" subway

Grout Joint Width

Waste Factor

Diagonal layout (+15% waste)

Cost Inputs (Optional)

Tiles per Box

Price per Box ($)

Grout Coverage (sq ft/bag)

Grout Price ($/bag)

How Tile Square Footage is Calculated

Tile quantity is calculated by dividing the total area by the tile size (in square feet), then adding a waste factor. For a 12×12 inch tile covering a 100 sq ft room, you need exactly 100 tiles — but with a 10% waste factor, order 110.

Waste Factor by Pattern

Pattern	Waste Factor	Reason
Straight grid	10%	Minimal cuts at walls only
Diagonal (45°)	15–20%	More edge cuts required
Herringbone	15–20%	Angled cuts on each tile
Irregular shapes	20%+	Many custom cuts needed
Mosaic sheets	10%	Pre-cut, fewer adjustments

Grout Calculation

Grout coverage depends on tile size, joint width, and grout type. Smaller tiles with narrow joints use less grout per square foot. Use sanded grout for joints wider than 1/8 inch; unsanded for narrower joints. Mix only what you can use in 20–30 minutes.

Tips for Buying Tile

Always buy tiles from the same dye lot number to ensure color consistency. Tile is sold by the box — divide total tiles needed by tiles per box, then round up. Store extra tiles for future repairs; colors can be discontinued.

Pro Tip: For floors, always check the tile's PEI (Porcelain Enamel Institute) rating. A rating of 3 or higher is required for floor applications; 4+ for high-traffic areas.

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