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Tile Calculator
Tile Calculator
Material Calculators

Tile Calculator

Calculate tiles needed with grout gap and waste factor. Works for any tile size.

DIY difficulty

ModerateTypical time: 1–2 weekends
  • ›Layout planning is everything — start from the center, not the wall
  • ›Consistent grout lines require patience and tile spacers
  • ›Cutting around outlets and fixtures needs a wet saw

Must-have tools

Wet tile sawNotched trowelRubber malletTile spacersGrout float

How to calculate how many tiles you need

  1. Enter the area length and width in feet or inches — the room, wall section, or backsplash you're tiling.

  2. Enter your tile dimensions. Include the grout joint in the effective tile size, or use the grout gap field.

  3. Set a waste percentage. Straight grid layouts need 10%; diagonal or offset patterns need 15% minimum.

  4. Enter the number of tiles per box and the price per box to get a total material estimate.

Common uses

  • Calculating tile and grout for a bathroom floor or shower
  • Estimating kitchen backsplash material
  • Planning a patio or outdoor tile project

Frequently asked questions

How many 12×12 tiles do I need for a 100 sq ft floor?
A 12-inch tile covers 1 square foot, so 100 tiles covers 100 sq ft. With a 10% waste buffer, order 110 tiles. Check the box count to see how many boxes to buy.
How wide should grout joints be?
Rectified tiles (machine-cut with precise edges) can go as tight as 1/16 inch. Standard tiles look best with 1/8- to 3/16-inch joints. Floor tiles in high-traffic areas benefit from 1/4-inch joints for flexibility.
Should I buy extra tiles?
Always buy 10% extra minimum, stored from the same batch or dye lot. Tile colors vary between lots — matching replacements years later is often impossible.
How much grout do I need for a tiled floor?
A rough estimate is 1 lb of grout per square foot for 12×12 tiles with 1/8" joints. Smaller tiles or wider joints need more. Most grout bags cover 25–50 sq ft — check the packaging for your tile size and joint width.
What is lippage in tile installation?
Lippage is the height difference between two adjacent tile edges. More than 1/32" is noticeable; more than 1/16" is a code fail in commercial settings. Large-format tiles (18"+) are most prone — they require medium-bed mortar and back-buttering.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • ✕Starting from the wall instead of the center — starting from a wall creates tiny slivers at the opposite side.
  • ✕Ordering from different dye lots — tile color is notoriously variable between production batches.
  • ✕Using standard thinset for large-format tiles — tiles 18" or larger require medium-bed mortar to prevent lippage.
  • ✕Grouting too soon — most thinset needs 24 hours to cure. Grouting early traps moisture and causes adhesion failure.

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Not sure whether to DIY this project?

Read our project-by-project guide on when to hire a contractor vs. do it yourself.

Read the guide →

About this calculator

Enter your area dimensions and tile size (including grout gap) to get exact tile count and box count. Includes waste percentage and optional cost estimator. Works for floors, walls, and backsplashes.

All results are estimates. Verify quantities with your local supplier and confirm measurements before purchasing materials. Requirements vary by region and project type.

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