Tile Calculator
Calculate how many tiles you need for your floor or wall project. Includes a 10% waste factor for cuts and breakage.
How to Calculate Tiles Needed
Tile Area (sq ft) = (Tile Length × Tile Width) ÷ 144
Tiles Needed = ⌈Area ÷ Tile Area⌉
With Waste = ⌈Tiles Needed × (1 + Waste%)⌉
Convert tile dimensions from inches to square feet by dividing by 144 (12×12). Always round up to ensure you have enough tiles.
Area: 12 ft × 10 ft = 120 sq ft
Tile: 12" × 12" = 1 sq ft per tile
Tiles needed = 120
With 10% waste = 132 tiles
Choosing a Waste Factor
10%: Standard for straight layouts. 15%: Recommended for diagonal patterns. 20%: Complex patterns or rooms with many cuts.
Common Tile Sizes
12"×12" (1 sq ft) | 6"×6" (0.25 sq ft) | 12"×24" (2 sq ft) | 18"×18" (2.25 sq ft) | 24"×24" (4 sq ft)
FAQ
Why do I need extra tiles?
Tiles break during cutting, some may have defects, and edges of rooms require partial cuts. The 10% waste factor ensures you don't run short mid-project.
Should I account for grout lines?
For most projects with standard 1/8" grout lines, the waste factor covers the difference. For wide grout joints (1/4"+), reduce the effective tile size slightly.
Last updated: 2026-08-08