Tile Calculator

Enter the area and tile size to estimate the number of tiles, including a waste factor and optional cost.

Your measurements

5% simple, 10% normal, 15% irregular, 20% complex.

Results

Tiles needed
88
Area
80 sq ft
Coverage per tile
1 sq ft

Estimates only. Round up and buy a little extra to account for waste, spills, and breakage.

Enter the floor or wall area and your tile size and this tile calculator returns the exact tile count with a waste allowance built in, so diagonal layouts and cut edges do not leave you short mid-install.

For wall tile and backsplashes, use the wall dimensions instead of floor dimensions and deduct windows and niches.

Also works as a floor tile calculator, backsplash tile estimator, and subway tile calculator.

How to use the tile calculator

  1. Enter the area length in ft.
  2. Enter the area width in ft.
  3. Enter the tile length in in.
  4. Enter the tile width in in.
  5. Enter the waste factor in %.
  6. Optionally add a price to estimate the total project cost.
  7. Read your quantities instantly — no sign-up, and you can print the estimate to take to the supplier.

Worked example

Inputs

Area length
10 ft
Area width
8 ft
Tile length
12 in
Tile width
12 in
Waste factor
10 %

Results

Tiles needed
88
Area
80 sq ft
Coverage per tile
1 sq ft

Using the example values above, the tile calculator returns 88 (tiles needed). Change any field to match your own project and the numbers update instantly.

How many tiles do I need?

Divide the area by the coverage of one tile. A 12 × 12 in tile covers exactly 1 sq ft, so an 80 sq ft floor needs 80 tiles before waste. A 12 × 24 in tile covers 2 sq ft, so the same floor needs only 40.

Small tiles multiply fast: a 4 × 4 in tile covers 0.11 sq ft, so that same floor needs over 700 tiles.

How much extra tile should I buy?

Add 10% for a straight grid layout and 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, which generate more offcuts at every wall. Keep one spare box after the job for future repairs, since dye lots and calibers change between production runs.

How much extra should I order?

Always order a little extra. A 5% waste factor suits simple, square projects; 10% is right for most jobs; bump it to 15–20% for irregular shapes, diagonal patterns, or uneven ground. Running short almost always costs more than the leftover material.

Formula

Tiles = area ÷ tile area, × (1 + waste%). Tile area = tile length × tile width ÷ 144.

Frequently asked questions

How much extra tile should I buy?
Add 10% for straight layouts and 15% for diagonal or patterned installs.
How do I count tiles for walls?
Use the wall area instead of floor area and deduct large openings.
How many 12x12 tiles for 100 square feet?
100 tiles before waste; order 110 with a standard 10% allowance.
How many subway tiles per square foot?
A standard 3 × 6 in subway tile covers 0.125 sq ft, so you need 8 per square foot before waste.

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