Tile Calculator
Calculate exactly how many tiles you need for floors, walls, and backsplashes. Accounts for grout spacing, pattern waste, and different tile sizes.
Area Dimensions
Tile Size
Selected: 12" × 12" tiles
Grout Line Width
1/8" is the most common for floor tiles
Tile Pattern
Your Results Will Appear Here
Enter your area dimensions, choose a tile size and pattern, then click “Calculate” to see how many tiles you need.
Top-Rated Tiles & Tools for Your Project
Hand-picked products to help you get the best results on your project.
MSI
MSI Arabescato Carrara 12x12 Marble Mosaic Tile (10 sq ft)
- ✓Natural marble
- ✓Honed finish
- ✓10 sq ft per case
Art3d
Art3d Peel and Stick Floor Tile 12x12, 10-Pack
- ✓Self-adhesive
- ✓Waterproof
- ✓Easy DIY install
Achim
Achim Nexus Self Adhesive Vinyl Floor Tile 12x12, 20-Pack
- ✓Peel & stick
- ✓No glue needed
- ✓20 sq ft coverage
QEP
QEP Tile Installation Tool Kit for Floors
- ✓Trowel included
- ✓Float & nippers
- ✓Grouting sponge
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How to Use This Tile Calculator
Step 1: Measure Your Area
Measure the length and width of the area you want to tile in feet. For walls and backsplashes, use the wall height as the width.
Step 2: Choose Tile Size
Select from common sizes like 12”×12”, 18”×18”, or subway tiles. Use the Custom option for non-standard sizes.
Step 3: Set Grout Width
Choose your grout line width. 1/8” is standard for most floor tiles. Larger tiles can use thinner grout lines for a sleeker look.
Step 4: Select Pattern
Straight lay wastes the least material (10%). Diagonal adds 15% and herringbone adds 20% for additional cuts.
Step 5: Get Your Results
Click Calculate to see the exact tile count, boxes to buy, grout estimate, and projected cost range.
Understanding Tile Sizes & Patterns
Popular Tile Sizes
| Size | Common Use | Tiles per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| 4" × 4" | Accent pieces, small backsplashes | 9 tiles |
| 3" × 6" (Subway) | Backsplashes, bathroom walls | 8 tiles |
| 6" × 6" | Walls, smaller floors | 4 tiles |
| 12" × 12" | Most popular for floors | 1 tile |
| 18" × 18" | Large floors, open areas | ~0.44 tiles |
| 24" × 24" | Modern large-format floors | 0.25 tiles |
Why Grout Lines Matter
Grout lines may seem small, but they affect the total tile count. Wider grout lines reduce the number of tiles needed slightly, while very thin grout lines (1/16") require more precise tile cuts and perfectly uniform tiles. Grout also allows for slight expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
Pattern Waste Explained
Straight lay (10% waste): Tiles run parallel to walls. Least cuts needed. Diagonal (15% waste): Tiles are rotated 45°, creating more triangle cuts at walls. Herringbone (20% waste): V-shaped interlocking pattern with the most cuts. Beautiful but material-intensive.
Pro Tips for Tile Installation
Dry-Lay Your Tiles Before Installing
Lay tiles on the floor without adhesive to plan your layout. This helps you identify where cuts fall and avoid thin slivers at walls. Adjust your starting point so cuts are balanced on both sides of the room.
Mix Tiles from Multiple Boxes
Tiles can have slight color and shade variations between boxes. Mix tiles from 3–4 boxes at once while installing to create a natural, blended appearance rather than visible color shifts.
Use the Right Thinset for Your Tile
Standard thinset works for small to medium ceramic tiles. Large-format tiles (15”+) and porcelain need modified thinset with added polymers for better bonding. Natural stone tiles require white thinset to prevent staining.
Back-Butter Large Format Tiles
For tiles 15” or larger, apply thinset to both the substrate and the back of the tile (back-buttering). This ensures at least 95% coverage and prevents hollow spots that can cause cracks.
Always Buy Extra from the Same Lot
Purchase 10–20% more tiles than calculated, all from the same production lot (check the box label). Tile colors and textures vary between lots, and having extras for future repairs is essential since your exact tile may be discontinued.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 10×10 room is 100 square feet. With 12”×12” tiles and 1/8” grout lines, you’ll need about 100 tiles before waste. Add 10% for a straight lay pattern (110 tiles total) or 15–20% for diagonal or herringbone patterns. Our calculator gives you the exact count based on your tile size and pattern choice.
Measure the width and height of the area you want to tile. If your backsplash is 8 feet wide and 1.5 feet tall, enter 8 for length and 1.5 for width. Choose your tile size (4”×4” or 3”×6” subway tiles are popular for backsplashes) and the calculator handles the rest.
For floor tiles, 1/8” is the most common grout line width. Large-format tiles (18”+ ) often use 1/16” for a minimal look. Mosaic and handmade tiles may need 3/16” to 1/4” to accommodate size variations. Always check the tile manufacturer’s recommendations.
Buy at least 10% extra for straight-lay patterns in rectangular areas. For diagonal patterns, plan for 15% extra, and herringbone patterns need 20% extra due to more cuts. Always buy from the same production lot—tile colors vary between batches.
Grout needs depend on tile size, grout line width, and tile thickness. As a rough rule, plan for about 1 pound of grout per 8–10 square feet for standard 12”×12” tiles with 1/8” grout lines. Smaller tiles or wider grout lines need more grout. Our calculator provides an estimate based on your area.
Yes, in many cases you can tile over existing tile if the surface is clean, flat, and well-bonded. Sand the old tiles lightly for better adhesion and use a modified thin-set mortar. However, this raises the floor height, so check door clearances and transitions to adjacent rooms. Remove cracked or loose tiles first.