Tile Calculator
Enter the area you’re tiling and your tile size to get the number of tiles and boxes to buy.
Enter your measurements to see what to buy.
How to calculate it
Enter the area you’re tiling and your tile size to get the number of tiles and boxes to buy.
Source: Tile count = area ÷ face area of one tile; tile dimensions in inches convert to ft² by dividing by 144.
A 40 ft² shower wall with 12×12 in tiles (1 ft² each) and 10% waste: 44 ft² ÷ 1 = 44 tiles. At 10 per box: 5 boxes.
Want the full step-by-step walkthrough? Read our How to Measure Square Footage for Any Project.
Purchasing & waste guidance
- 10% for a simple straight layout in a square room.
- 15% for diagonal layouts or rooms with many cuts.
- 20% for herringbone or intricate patterns.
- A 12×12 in tile covers 1 ft²; 12×24 covers 2 ft²; 6×6 covers 0.25 ft².
- Always buy from the same dye lot, and keep a few spare tiles for future repairs.
Assumptions & what’s included
- Area is a single rectangle; tile dimensions are nominal face size in inches.
- Waste allowance covers cuts, breakage and pattern waste.
- Price is per box and optional. Thin-set and grout are sold separately.
Frequently asked questions
How many 12×12 tiles do I need for 100 sq ft?
A 12×12 in tile covers 1 ft², so 100 ft² plus 10% waste needs 110 tiles. At 10 tiles per box that’s 11 boxes.
How much waste should I add for tile?
10% for a straight layout, 15% for diagonal layouts or rooms with many cuts, and 20% for herringbone or intricate patterns.
Do I need thin-set and grout too?
Yes — add thin-set mortar and grout to your list. Coverage per bag is printed on the packaging and varies by tile size and notch trowel.
Related guides
Step-by-step project guides that use this calculator.