Why Use This Calculator?
Tile math is deceptively simple until the cuts start: every wall edge, outlet, and cabinet run turns whole tiles into off-cuts. This calculator counts how many tiles of your exact dimensions cover the room, with a waste percentage that absorbs the cuts and breakage.
It works for floors and walls alike — for a shower surround, measure the wall area you're tiling and enter it as if it were a floor.
How It Works
- Measure the floor or wall area in feet.
- Enter the tile's width and height in inches.
- Buy the calculated count — tiles are fragile, so the waste row earns its keep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 12x12 tiles do I need for 100 square feet?
Exactly 100 at zero waste — each 12-inch tile covers one square foot. The calculator adds your waste percentage on top, so 100 sq ft at 10% waste means 110 tiles.
How much tile waste should I allow?
10% covers a standard straight-lay room. Diagonal layouts, brick patterns, and rooms with many corners routinely hit 15%, and handmade or fragile tile deserves 15–20%.
Does the tile calculator include grout?
Indirectly — grout lines slightly reduce the number of tiles, but buying by area with waste covers it. Buy grout separately based on tile size and line width.
Tips & Things to Watch
- Rectified tile allows tighter grout lines; natural stone varies in size — check the batch.
- Order all tile from one dye lot or colors will drift between boxes.
- Keep 2–3 spare tiles after the job for future repairs.