Tile Calculator
Flooring is expensive. Mistakes are expensive. Get a precise count of tiles and boxes needed for your bathroom, kitchen, or patio project instantly.
e.g. 12x12, 24x12
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Whether you are laying porcelain in the bathroom, ceramic on the kitchen backsplash, or travertine on the patio, the math is always the same—but it's tricky.
A simple "Area / Tile Size" calculation isn't enough because it ignores the reality of installation: cuts, breaks, and waste. Our Tile Calculator handles the real-world math for you, ensuring you order enough material to finish the job without being left with mountains of spares.
The "Waste Factor" Explained
Why do you need to buy more tile than the actual square footage of your room?
Cuts at the Edge
Most rooms aren't perfectly divisible by your tile size. You'll cut tiles to fit the walls. The cut-off piece is often waste (unless it fits the other side).
Breakage
Tiles snap. It happens to professionals and DIYers alike. You might drop one, or it might crack incorrectly in the wet saw.
Future Repairs
Smart homeowners keep a box of spares in the attic. If a tile cracks 5 years from now, you will never find a matching "dye lot" at the store again.
Pattern Complexity
Simple grid = 10% waste.
Diagonal/Diamond = 15% waste.
Herringbone/Chevron = 20% waste due to many angled cuts.
Kitchen Backsplashes
Calculate subway tiles needed for that space between your cabinets and countertop. Don't forget to subtract the window behind the sink!
Shower Walls
Sum up the area of all three shower walls. For large format tiles (12x24), you need less grout but careful planning for niche cutouts.
Floor Plan
For L-shaped rooms, break the floor into two rectangles, calculate the area for each, calculate total tiles, then add your 10% waste factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter mixed units?
Yes, typically you measure rooms in feet/meters but tiles in inches/cm. Our tool handles these conversions for you automatically.
Is it cheaper to buy bigger tiles?
Sometimes the material cost is lower per sq ft for standard 12x12 tiles versus trendy subway tiles. However, larger tiles require flatter subfloors and more expensive mortar (LFT mortar), so total project cost varies.
What about bullnose/trim?
This calculator focuses on the main field tiles. Border tiles, bullnose edging, and baseboard tiles should be calculated separately by linear foot, not square foot.
Return Policy Warning
Most stores allow returning full, unopened boxes. They rarely accept loose individual tiles. Calculate carefully to avoid being stuck with open leftovers.
Estimates
Calculations are theoretical. Always count "tiles per box" on the physical package in the store before purchasing, as packaging varies by brand.