Tile planning
Tile Calculator
Estimate tile count, boxes, waste, and optional cost for a floor or wall area using project dimensions and tile size.
Tile estimate results
- Project area
- 100 sq ft
- Tile area
- 1 sq ft
- Base tile count
- 100
- Boxes to buy
- 10
- Estimated cost
- Not set
Material list
- Tiles: 110
- Boxes: 10
Last reviewed: June 4, 2026
Estimate tiles for a floor or wall
Tile estimates connect a project area to individual tile size, then add waste and round by boxes. The result is a shopping estimate, not a full layout plan.
Tile calculation formula
Project area = Project length x Project width
Tile area = Tile length x Tile width
Base tile count = Project area / Tile area
Tiles with waste = Base tile count x (1 + Waste factor)
Boxes needed = Rounded tiles / Tiles per box, rounded up
How tile waste factor works
Waste factor helps cover cuts, breakage, layout pattern, and future repair pieces. Diagonal, herringbone, and other complex layouts can need more allowance than a simple straight grid.
Example calculation
A 10 ft x 10 ft area is 100 sq ft. With 12 in x 12 in tiles, the base count is 100 tiles. With 10% extra, the estimate becomes 110 tiles. If boxes contain 12 tiles, buy 10 boxes.
Common tile estimating mistakes
- Not adding waste for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
- Forgetting that boxes are rounded up.
- Using nominal tile size without checking the product page or package.
- Ignoring diagonal or patterned layouts that can increase cuts.
- Treating the preview grid as an exact layout plan.
Tile calculator FAQ
How do I calculate how many tiles I need?
Calculate the project area, divide by one tile's area, apply a waste factor, and round up to whole tiles and boxes.
How much extra tile should I buy?
A waste factor helps cover cuts, breakage, layout pattern, and future repairs. Complex or diagonal layouts may need more planning allowance.
Should I include grout gaps?
This calculator focuses on tile size and area. Grout spacing can affect detailed layout, so product and installer guidance still matter.
Can I use this for wall tile?
Yes, enter the wall section length and width as the project area. Waterproofing, structural, and code-related work are outside this calculator.
Does tile pattern change waste?
Yes. Diagonal, herringbone, and complex layouts can need more cuts and more extra tile than a simple straight layout.