Order the right number of tiles.
Enter your room size and tile size to see the tiles you need, the extra to cover cuts and breakage, how many boxes that is, and what it will cost.
The room
Before you buy
The quick numbers
Compare tile sizes
Same room, same waste and price per tile, so you can see how tile size changes the count, the boxes and the bill.
| Tile size | Tiles to buy | Boxes | Estimated cost |
|---|
Tile planning, explained
How Tile Quantities Are Calculated
The calculator divides the room area by the area of a single tile (including grout gaps) to determine the number of tiles needed. Grout gaps slightly increase the effective coverage of each tile, reducing the total count.
Why Waste Allowance Matters
A 10% waste allowance covers tiles that must be cut at edges, tiles that break during cutting, and tiles damaged during installation. Complex patterns or diagonal layouts may require up to 15% waste allowance.
Choosing the Right Tile Size
Larger tiles cover more area with fewer grout lines, making rooms look bigger. Common sizes are 12x12, 18x18, and 24x24 inches. Smaller tiles like 4x4 or 6x6 are used for backsplashes and accents. The tile size affects both cost and labor time.
Grout Gap Considerations
Standard grout gaps range from 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) for rectified tiles to 1/4 inch (6 mm) for rustic tiles. The most common gap is 1/8 inch (3 mm). Wider gaps increase grout usage but allow more flexibility for uneven tiles.
Common questions
How much extra tile should I buy?
Buy at least 10% extra for standard straight layouts. For diagonal patterns, buy 15% extra. For complex patterns like herringbone, buy 20% extra. Keep leftover tiles for future repairs.
Does the grout gap significantly change the tile count?
For standard 1/8-inch grout gaps with 12-inch tiles, the impact is minimal, reducing the tile count by about 2%. For smaller tiles with wider gaps, the effect is more noticeable.
How do I calculate tiles for walls?
Measure the wall height and width in feet, then enter those dimensions as the room length and width. Calculate each wall separately and add the tile counts together. Subtract the area of any windows or doors.
What if my tiles are not square?
This calculator assumes square tiles. For rectangular tiles like 12x24, you would need to calculate the area of one tile in square inches, convert the room area to square inches, and divide. Add the same waste percentage.
Estimates for planning only. Actual tile counts depend on the room layout, cut waste, tile size accuracy and installer method. Grout, thinset, spacers and trim are not included. Confirm quantities with your supplier and buy the whole job in one dye lot.