Tile Calculator
Calculate tiles needed for any room with different layout patterns. Supports grid, brick, diagonal, and herringbone layouts with automatic waste factors.
See it worked out
Example — Room Length (ft) 12, Room Width (ft) 10, Tile Length (in) 12, Tile Width (in) 24:
Tiles Needed
68 tiles
Room Area
120.0 sq ft
Boxes (10/box)
7 boxes
Waste Factor
12% (grid layout)
Extra Tiles for Waste
8 tiles
Total Cost
$238.00
Layout Note
Standard grid is the most efficient layout
The formula
Total Tiles = ceil(Room Area / Tile Area x (1 + Waste %))
- Waste %
- Waste Factor
- Tile Area
- Tile Area (sq ft)
Worked example — Room Length (ft) 12, Room Width (ft) 10, Tile Length (in) 12, Tile Width (in) 24
Tiles Needed = 68 tiles
How Tile Calculator Works
Total Tiles = ceil(Room Area / Tile Area x (1 + Waste %))
Tile quantity is calculated from room dimensions, tile size, and expected waste from the chosen layout pattern.
- Waste %
- Waste Factor — 10% for grid/brick, 15% for diagonal, 20% for herringbone.
- Tile Area
- Tile Area (sq ft) — (Tile Length in x Tile Width in) / 144
How to Use
- Enter the room length and width in feet.
- Enter your tile dimensions in inches.
- Choose the layout pattern.
- Optionally override the waste percentage.
- Add price per tile for cost estimate.
Understanding the Result
Calculating tile quantities correctly is essential for any tiling project. Different layout patterns produce different amounts of waste due to edge cuts. Grid layouts are most efficient while herringbone produces the most waste. Always buy extra tiles and keep spares for future repairs. Practical example: tiling a 12x10 foot room (120 sq ft) with 12x24 inch tiles laid in a brick pattern. Each tile covers 2 sq ft, so you need at least 60 tiles.
With the brick pattern 10% waste factor, you actually need 66 tiles, which means 7 boxes (assuming 10 tiles per box). Edge cases: rooms with alcoves, bay windows, or multiple corners require additional waste because more complex cuts are needed. For large-format tiles (oversized 24x48 inches), waste can be higher because a miscut costs more material. When tiling over radiant heating systems, use flexible thin-set mortar and account for expansion gaps — the tile layout may need slight adjustments around thermostat sensors.
Always order an extra box beyond the calculated amount and store it in case of future breakage or if the tile line is discontinued.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much extra tile should I buy?
- Buy 10-20% extra depending on your layout pattern. Grid = 10%, Diagonal = 15%, Herringbone = 20%. Keep at least a few extra tiles for future repairs.
- Why do I need extra tiles?
- Tiles must be cut to fit edges, corners, and obstacles. Some break during cutting. Having extra ensures you can complete the job and match dye lots later.
- Can I mix tile sizes in one room?
- Yes, mixing tile sizes creates a custom look, but it complicates the layout calculation. For a pattern mixing 12x12 and 6x6 tiles, calculate the area for each size separately. The waste factor increases because aligning different grid patterns requires more cuts. Subway tile layouts differ from squares: a 3x6 subway tile laid in a running bond pattern has a different coverage area per tile than a grid layout. Always lay out a dry run of tiles before applying mortar to verify the pattern works with your room dimensions. For diagonal layouts of mixed tiles, consider ordering 5-10% extra beyond the standard waste factor because angled cuts produce more waste than straight cuts.
Cite this calculator
TheCalcUniverse. "Tile Calculator — Free Online Calculator with Step-by-Step Guide." TheCalcUniverse, 2026, https://thecalcuniverse.com/diy/tile-calculator/. Accessed July 27, 2026.
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