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Tile Calculator

By Muhammad Abdullah Rauf · Founder, EverydayTools.proUpdated 2026-06-27

How many tiles do I need for a floor?

Tile quantity is **floor area × (1 + waste%) ÷ tile area**, rounded up to whole tiles and cartons.

**Formula:**

Tile area (sq ft) = (width in × height in) ÷ 144

Tiles = ceil(net sq ft × (1 + waste%) ÷ tile area)

Boxes = ceil(tiles ÷ tiles per box)

**Example — 80 sq ft bath, 12×12 in tiles, 10% waste, 10 tiles/box:**

80 × 1.10 = 88 sq ft → **88 tiles** → **9 boxes**

**Example — 120 sq ft kitchen, 12×24 in subway, 10% waste:**

132 sq ft ÷ 2 sq ft/tile = **66 tiles**

Tile area and box formula

Net floor area times waste buffer, divided by per-tile sq ft, rounded up to boxes.

Formula

tiles = ceil(net_sq_ft × (1 + waste%) / tile_sq_ft); boxes = ceil(tiles / tiles_per_box)

Assumptions

  • Nominal tile size matches box label.
  • Straight layout unless higher waste preset selected.

Limitations

  • Does not calculate thinset, grout, or backer board.
  • Does not model diagonal layout beyond waste preset.

How to use Tile Calculator

  1. Pick a room preset

    Tap 8×10 bath, 10×12 kitchen, or enter floor sq ft on the main form.

  2. Choose tile size

    Subway 12×24, mosaic 12×12, or large 24×24 presets set dimensions and waste.

  3. Enter tiles per box

    Read from the tile carton — often 5–15 tiles per box depending on size.

  4. Read tiles and boxes

    Results show tiles to order, sq ft with waste, box round-up, and purchase guide.

  5. Pair with paint or flooring

    Use Paint Calculator for walls or Flooring Calculator for dry-room plank floors.

Tile Calculator examples

80 sq ft · 12×12 · 10%

Input

8×10 bath

Output

88 tiles · 9 boxes

88 sq ft ÷ 1 sq ft/tile = 88 tiles.

144 sq ft · 12×12 · 10%

Input

12×12 room

Output

159 tiles · 16 boxes

158.4 sq ft with waste → 159 tiles.

120 sq ft · 12×24 · 10%

Input

Kitchen plank tile

Output

66 tiles

132 sq ft ÷ 2 sq ft/tile = 66 tiles.

40 sq ft · 12×12 · 10%

Input

Entry foyer

Output

44 tiles · 5 boxes

Small floor — still round up boxes.

Who uses Tile Calculator?

Common real-world scenarios where this tool saves time.

8×10 bathroom floor

80 sq ft + 10% waste, 12×12 tiles = 88 tiles, 9 boxes at 10/box.

10×12 kitchen floor

120 sq ft + 10% waste, 12×24 planks = 66 tiles.

16 sq ft shower pan

Small wet area — 15% waste for cuts around drain.

Workflow guides

Step-by-step chains that connect related tools for common tasks.

Tile a bathroom floor

  1. Measure 8×10 or enter 80 sq ft floor area.
  2. 12×12 preset, 10 tiles/box, 10% waste.
  3. Buy all boxes same lot number.
  4. Estimate wall paint for the same room. Paint Calculator

Reference tables

Recommended waste by layout

LayoutWaste %
Straight grid10%
Diagonal15%
Herringbone / complex15–20%

Tile vs LVP flooring

FactorCeramic/porcelain tileLVP plank
Wet areasIdeal — bath & kitchenDry rooms only
Install skillModerate–highModerate
Unit mathTiles + boxesSq ft cartons

Best practices

Save spare tiles

Dry layout first

Common mistakes to avoid

Using wall area for floor tile

Floor tile uses **floor** sq ft inside walls — not perimeter × height.

Skipping waste on straight lay

End cuts and breakage always waste tiles — **10% minimum**.

Mixing production lots

Buy all boxes at once — shade and caliber vary between runs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many tiles do I need for a 10×10 room?

100 sq ft floor. With 12×12 in tiles (1 sq ft each) and 10% waste: 110 tiles. Round up boxes using tiles per box on the label.

How much extra tile should I buy?

10% for straight grid layouts, 15% for diagonal, 15–20% for herringbone or many cuts.

How do I calculate tile square footage?

Tile sq ft = (width in × height in) ÷ 144. A 12×24 in tile covers 2 sq ft.

How many boxes of tile do I need?

Divide total tile count (with waste) by tiles per box on the carton and round up.

12×12 vs 24×24 tile coverage?

12×12 = 1 sq ft per tile. 24×24 = 4 sq ft per tile — fewer pieces but harder cuts at edges.

Tile vs flooring calculator?

Use Tile Calculator for ceramic/porcelain floors. Use Flooring Calculator for click-lock LVP and laminate.

Do I need more tile for a shower?

Showers need 10–15% waste for drain cuts and curb angles — use the shower preset or raise waste buffer.

Metric tile calculation?

Switch to metric — enter floor m². Tile dimensions stay in inches (US nominal sizes) or convert to cm on the label.

Why round up boxes?

Partial boxes are not sold — always order whole cartons and keep spares.

Does grout affect tile count?

Grout joints slightly reduce tile count — the 10% waste buffer covers joint spacing and cuts.

Privacy, accuracy, and trust

Privacy

Tile dimensions and floor measurements stay on your device — no upload to EverydayTools servers.

Estimates only — verify with manufacturer install guide for your specific tile and substrate.

Part of Calculator Tools

More free tools for the same workflow.

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Reviewed on 2026-06-27.