Tile Calculator
Tile Calculator
Calculate the exact number of tiles needed for your floor, wall, backsplash, or shower project. Includes waste factor for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
What This Calculator Includes:
- Total area to be tiled (square feet)
- Individual tile size (length and width in inches)
- Waste percentage for cuts, breakage, and spares
- Multiple unit conversions for easy ordering
Common Tile Sizes:
- Subway tile: 3" × 6", 4" × 8", 4" × 12"
- Square tiles: 12" × 12", 18" × 18", 24" × 24"
- Plank tiles: 6" × 24", 6" × 36", 8" × 48"
- Mosaic sheets: 12" × 12" (individual pieces vary)
Recommended Waste Percentages:
- Straight lay pattern: 5-10% waste
- Diagonal installation: 10-15% waste
- Complex patterns: 15-20% waste
- Irregular tile shapes: 15-25% waste
Professional Tiling Tips:
- Always order extra: tiles from different production lots may vary in color
- Check for size variations: natural stone can vary ±1/8"
- Consider grout lines: larger grout lines require fewer tiles
- Plan your layout: start from the center or most visible area
Common Applications:
- Kitchen backsplashes: typically 18-24" high
- Bathroom floors: non-slip tiles recommended
- Shower walls: full height tiling most common
- Entryways: durable porcelain or stone tiles
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tiles do I need per square foot?
Depends on tile size. For 12"×12" tiles: 1 tile per sq ft. For 6"×6" tiles: 4 tiles per sq ft. This calculator handles any size automatically.
How much waste should I factor in?
5-10% for straight patterns, 10-15% for diagonal, 15-20% for complex patterns. Always keep extra tiles for future repairs.
Do I need to account for grout lines?
For standard grout lines (1/16" to 1/8"), the difference is minimal. Wide grout lines (1/4"+) may reduce tile count slightly.
Can I use this for irregular tile shapes?
This calculator works best for rectangular tiles. For irregular shapes, use the coverage area per tile from manufacturer specifications.
How do I measure for a backsplash?
Measure wall length × height, then subtract area of windows, outlets, and other openings. Add 10-15% for cuts around obstacles.
Should I order tiles all at once?
Yes! Tiles from different production lots may have slight color variations. Order everything needed plus 10% extra from the same lot.