Tile Calculator
Tiling a floor or wall requires careful material planning. This tile calculator tells you exactly how many tiles to buy based on your room's square footage and tile size, with a built-in 10% waste factor for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
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Calculator
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Formula
Tiles = ceil(Room Area × 1.1 / Tile Area); Tile Area = (Size × Size) / 144
Tile size in inches is multiplied by itself to get square inches per tile, then divided by 144 to convert to square feet. Room area divided by tile area gives the raw count, multiplied by 1.1 for 10% waste, and rounded up to whole tiles.
How to use the Tile Calculator
- 1
Enter your room area (sq ft)
Value should be in sq ft.
- 2
Enter your tile size (in)
Value should be in in (square).
- 3
Read your results instantly
Results update in real time as you type.
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Choosing the Right Tile Size
Larger tiles (18×18 or 24×24 inches) make small rooms feel bigger and have fewer grout lines to clean, but they require a perfectly flat subfloor and more skill to install. Smaller tiles (6×6 or 12×12) are more forgiving of subfloor imperfections and are easier to cut around obstacles. Rectangular tiles (such as 3×12 subway tiles) add visual interest and direction to a space.
Grout and Setting Materials
Beyond tiles, you'll need thinset mortar, grout, and grout sealer. Plan on one 50-lb bag of thinset per 40–50 sq ft of floor tile. For grout, coverage depends on tile size, joint width, and grout type — your tile supplier can calculate the exact amount. Always buy 10–15% extra tile and keep extras for future repairs. Matching discontinued tile years later is nearly impossible.
Tips & Insights
Dry-Lay Before Setting
Lay out tiles dry across the floor before applying any adhesive. This lets you visualize the final pattern, identify small cut pieces at edges, and adjust starting point for a balanced layout.
Start From the Center
Find the center of the room and snap chalk lines from wall to wall. Begin tiling at the intersection so the pattern is centered and cut tiles at edges are symmetrical.
Save Extra Tiles
Always save 5–10 extra tiles from your installation. Tile colors and textures vary between production runs, so matching a tile in the future can be very difficult or impossible.
Worked Examples
Kitchen Floor
198 tiles needed — 180 sq ft plus 10% waste for a 12×12-inch tile kitchen floor.
Master Bath
352 tiles of 6×6-inch tile to cover 80 sq ft with waste.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate tiles needed for a floor?
Measure the room's square footage. Divide by the tile's square footage (tile size in inches squared, divided by 144). Multiply by 1.1 for 10% waste and round up.
How much extra tile should I buy?
Buy 10% extra for simple rectangular rooms, 15% for diagonal patterns, and 20% for complex layouts or L-shaped rooms. Always keep leftovers for future repairs.
How many tiles are in a box?
This varies by tile size and manufacturer. A box of 12×12 tiles typically contains 10–12 tiles (10–12 sq ft). A box of 6×6 tiles might contain 44 tiles. Check the box for coverage information.
What is the best tile size for a small bathroom?
Smaller tiles (4×4 or 6×6) traditionally work well in small bathrooms. However, modern design often uses large-format tiles (12×24 or larger) to create a seamless, spacious look. Both are valid choices.
Do I need to seal grout?
Yes. Unsealed grout absorbs stains from water, soap, and food. Apply grout sealer 72 hours after grouting and reapply annually in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
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