Calculate the exact number of tiles needed for your flooring, wall, or backsplash project with precision.
Tile calculation involves determining the exact number of tiles required to cover a specific area while accounting for tile size, grout spacing, and waste from cuts and breakage. The basic formula is: Total Area ÷ Tile Area = Base Tiles Needed, then multiply by (1 + Waste Factor) to get the final quantity. Accurate calculation prevents costly shortages or excessive overordering.
| Tile Size | Area per Tile | Tiles per 100 sq ft | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4" × 4" | 0.11 sq ft | ~900 tiles | Small accents, borders |
| 6" × 6" | 0.25 sq ft | ~400 tiles | Bathroom walls, backsplash |
| 12" × 12" | 1.0 sq ft | 100 tiles | Standard floor tile |
| 12" × 24" | 2.0 sq ft | 50 tiles | Modern floors, large spaces |
| 18" × 18" | 2.25 sq ft | ~45 tiles | Large format floors |
| 24" × 24" | 4.0 sq ft | 25 tiles | Commercial, open spaces |
The waste factor accounts for tiles broken during installation, cuts around obstacles, pattern matching, and future repairs. Different installation patterns and room complexities require different waste percentages:
Grout spacing affects both the number of tiles needed and the final appearance. Wider grout lines mean fewer tiles fit in the same area. Standard grout spacing is 1/16" to 1/8" for rectified tiles (precisely cut edges) and 1/8" to 1/4" for non-rectified tiles. Floor tiles typically use 1/8" to 1/4" spacing, while wall tiles often use 1/16" to 1/8". Larger format tiles (over 15") generally require at least 1/8" spacing to accommodate slight size variations.
Most affordable option, suitable for walls and light-traffic floors. Slightly more porous than porcelain. Recommend 10% waste factor due to higher breakage rate during cutting.
Denser and more durable than ceramic, ideal for high-traffic areas and moisture-prone spaces. Harder to cut but less prone to chipping. Standard 10% waste factor.
Marble, granite, slate, or travertine with natural variation. Requires careful pattern matching and sealing. Recommend 15% waste factor due to variation and breakage.
Popular for backsplashes and accent walls. Fragile and requires specialized cutting tools. Recommend 15% waste factor due to high breakage risk.
Project: 8' × 10' bathroom floor with 12" × 12" porcelain tiles
Calculation:
Result: Order 8 boxes (96 tiles total) for 80 sq ft bathroom
Project: 15' long × 18" high backsplash with 3" × 6" subway tiles
Calculation:
Result: Order 5 boxes (240 tiles total) for 22.5 sq ft backsplash
Project: 12' × 14' living room with 18" × 18" tiles, diagonal layout
Calculation:
Result: Order 22 boxes (88 tiles total) for 168 sq ft diagonal installation
Project: Three shower walls (6' × 8' each) with 6" × 6" ceramic tiles
Calculation:
Result: Order 27 boxes (648 tiles total) for 144 sq ft shower walls
Calculate paint needed for rooms
Calculate flooring materials needed
Calculate concrete needed
Calculate gravel needed for driveways and landscaping
Calculate mulch needed for garden beds and landscaping
Calculate lumber needed