How many tiles do I need for a floor or wall?

Enter room length, room width, tile length, and tile width. The calculator divides room area by tile area, applies your waste percentage, rounds up to full tiles, and shows how many boxes to buy based on tiles per package.

How do I estimate tile waste and cuts?

The calculator adds your chosen waste factor (typically 10 to 15 percent) to account for cuts and breakage. It also shows how many cut tiles land along room edges and generates a room layout preview so you can see where full and partial tiles fall.

How many boxes of tile should I buy?

Enter tile dimensions and tiles per box. The calculator totals full tiles plus the waste allowance, divides by tiles per box, and rounds up so you buy exactly enough. The layout preview helps you visualize the final result before ordering.

Flooring

Tile Quantity + Layout Calculator

Figure out tile count, cut tiles, box count, waste allowance, and a simple room layout preview.

Estimating tile should feel practical, not mysterious. Use this free Tile Calculator to turn room measurements, tile size, waste allowance, and box coverage into a clear material estimate. It works for floor tile, wall tile, backsplash projects, bathrooms, kitchens, and contractor takeoffs where rounding up matters.

How it works

Start by measuring the surface in feet. For a rectangular area, use area = length x width. If the space is 10 ft long and 8 ft wide, the area is 80 sq ft. Next, convert the tile size from inches to feet before calculating tile area. A 12 in x 12 in tile is 1 ft x 1 ft, so each tile covers 1 sq ft. Then use tiles needed = total area / tile area. Add 10% waste for straight layouts to cover cuts, breakage, and layout adjustments. For diagonal or herringbone patterns, use 15% to 20% waste. Finally, calculate box count with box count = tiles needed / tiles per box, then round up.

Worked examples

Small bathroom floor with straight lay tile A bathroom floor measures 6 ft x 8 ft, using 12 in x 12 in tile with 10 tiles per box. Area = 6 x 8 = 48 sq ft. Tile area = 1 x 1 = 1 sq ft. Base tiles = 48 / 1 = 48 tiles. Add 10% waste: 48 x 1.10 = 52.8, round up to 53 tiles. Boxes = 53 / 10 = 5.3, round up to 6 boxes.
Kitchen floor with larger format tile A kitchen floor measures 12 ft x 15 ft, using 12 in x 24 in tile with 8 tiles per box. Area = 12 x 15 = 180 sq ft. Tile area = 1 ft x 2 ft = 2 sq ft. Base tiles = 180 / 2 = 90 tiles. Add 10% waste: 90 x 1.10 = 99 tiles. Boxes = 99 / 8 = 12.375, round up to 13 boxes.
Backsplash with herringbone layout A backsplash measures 3 ft x 10 ft, using 3 in x 6 in tile with 40 tiles per box and a 15% waste allowance. Area = 3 x 10 = 30 sq ft. Tile area = 0.25 ft x 0.5 ft = 0.125 sq ft. Base tiles = 30 / 0.125 = 240 tiles. Add 15% waste: 240 x 1.15 = 276 tiles. Boxes = 276 / 40 = 6.9, round up to 7 boxes.

FAQ

How much extra tile should I order?

For a standard straight layout, add 10% waste for cuts, chipped tiles, and future repairs. For diagonal or herringbone patterns, use 15% to 20% because those layouts create more offcuts.

Do I need to convert tile inches to feet?

Yes. If your room is measured in feet, convert the tile dimensions to feet before calculating tile area. For example, 12 in equals 1 ft, so a 12 in x 24 in tile covers 1 ft x 2 ft, or 2 sq ft.

Should I round tile boxes up or down?

Always round up. Tile is sold by the box, and rounding down can leave you short during installation. Extra matching tile is also useful for repairs later.

Can this calculator be used for both floors and walls?

Yes. The same area math works for floors, shower walls, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, and accent walls. Measure the surface, enter the tile size, add the right waste percentage, and round the box count up.