Tile Calculator
Count how many tiles a floor, backsplash or shower wall needs, at any tile size.
Calculator
| Tile area to buy (+10%) | 158 ft² |
|---|---|
| Floor area | 144 ft² |
How it is calculated
12 × 12 = 144 sq ft; +10% waste = 158.4 sq ft; each 12×12 in tile is 1 sq ft, so 159 tiles.
About this calculator
The number of tiles is the floor area, plus a waste allowance, divided by the area of one tile. A 12 × 12 inch tile covers 1 square foot, so a 100 square foot floor needs 100 tiles before waste.
Waste covers cuts along the walls and breakage. Simple layouts need about 10% extra, and diagonal or patterned layouts need more. Planning the layout from the center of the room avoids thin slivers at the walls.
Worked examples
| Project | Tiles needed (+10% waste) | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|
| a 10x10 ft floor with 12 x 12 in tiles | 111 tiles | $165 – $1,100 |
| a 5x8 ft floor with 12 x 12 in tiles | 176 tiles | $66.00 – $440 |
| a 12x15 ft floor with 12 x 12 in tiles | 199 tiles | $297 – $1,980 |
| a 20x20 ft floor with 12 x 12 in tiles | 111 tiles | $660 – $4,400 |
Buying notes
- Enter your actual tile size; the calculator assumes square tiles.
- Buy all tiles from the same batch, as shade can vary between batches.
- Thinset, grout, spacers and underlayment are extra.
Quick answers by size
Click a size for the exact quantity and cost.
How to measure and use this calculator
- Measure the area and enter the tile size you plan to use.
- Read the tile count with 10% waste.
- Plan the layout from the center of the room to avoid slivers at the walls.
- Buy extra tiles for repairs from the same batch.
Common mistakes
- Ignoring grout joint width in layout planning.
- Not adding extra for diagonal layouts.
- Mixing tile batches, which can differ in shade.
Tips
- Add 10% for cuts and breakage, and 15% for diagonal or herringbone layouts.
- Change the tile size field to match your tile (for example 6 for 6×6 in).
- Keep a few spare tiles for future repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How many tiles per square foot?
A 12×12 in tile covers 1 sq ft, a 6×6 in tile 0.25 sq ft, so you need 4 per sq ft.
How many tiles per square foot?
A 12×12 inch tile covers 1 square foot, and a 6×6 inch tile covers 0.25 square foot, so you need 4 per square foot.
How much extra tile should I order?
About 10% for simple layouts and 15% or more for diagonal or herringbone patterns.