Tile Calculator
Calculate how many tiles and boxes you need for a room. Includes waste percentage, grout joints, and an estimated grout volume.
Tile Coverage per Square Foot
| Tile size | Tiles per sq ft | Tiles for 100 sq ft with 10% waste |
|---|---|---|
| 6 in x 6 in | 4 | 440 |
| 12 in x 12 in | 1 | 110 |
| 12 in x 24 in | 0.5 | 55 |
| 18 in x 18 in | 0.44 | 49 |
| 24 in x 24 in | 0.25 | 28 |
Frequently Asked Questions about the Tile Calculator
How much waste should I add for tile?
Use about 10% for a simple grid, 15% for diagonal layouts, and up to 20% for herringbone, chevron, or complex mosaics. Waste depends more on pattern, room shape, perimeter, openings, and tile size than on room area alone. Confirm the allowance with the installer or supplier.
Do tile patterns really need more waste?
Yes. Diagonal layouts force angled cuts along every wall, and herringbone or chevron patterns require angled cuts on nearly every edge tile. Modular or pinwheel designs compound the problem because off-cut pieces rarely fit elsewhere in the pattern.
How is grout width included in the calculation?
The calculator fits whole tile rows and columns into the room with one grout joint between adjacent tiles, then checks both tile orientations and uses the lower count. Its separate grout-volume estimate uses your joint width, an assumed 1/4 in joint depth, and one tile length plus one tile width per estimated tile. Treat the grout result as a planning estimate and check the product coverage chart.
What grout joint width should I use?
A good starting point is 1/16 in for rectified porcelain, 1/8 in for standard ceramic, and 1/4 in for natural stone or a rustic look. Always check your tile manufacturer's specs, since unusually large or small tiles may require different joint sizes.
Why buy whole boxes instead of loose tiles?
Tile color and texture vary between production batches (called dye lots). Buying complete boxes from the same lot keeps your floor or wall visually consistent and leaves you with spares for repairs years down the road without hunting for a matching batch.
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