Enter room and tile dimensions to estimate materials, including wastage, optional non-tiled cutouts, and estimated cost.
How this calculator works
Cutouts are subtracted from the room area, then the wastage allowance is applied to the remaining area, then the result is divided by the area of one tile.
tiles = ceil( ( (room L × room W) − cutouts ) × (1 + wastage%) ÷ (tile L × tile W) )boxes = ceil( tiles ÷ tiles_per_box ) (only when "tiles per box" is set)
- All units are converted to feet internally before computing area.
- 10% wastage is the trade default for straight-laid square tiles. Bump to 15% for diagonals; 20% for pattern layouts (herringbone, basket-weave) or large-format tiles 24 inches and up.
Common questions
How much wastage should I plan for tile?
10% is the trade default for straight-laid square tiles. Bump to 15% for diagonal layouts. Push to 20% for pattern layouts — herringbone, basket-weave, or anything with directional grain — and for large-format tiles 24 inches and up, where every cut is bigger and harder to reuse.
Should I round up to whole boxes?
Yes. Dye lots can vary between batches, so order all your tile at once and round up to whole boxes. Keep at least one spare box for future repairs.
Does this calculator account for grout joints?
No — it uses the nominal tile size to compute count. Grout joints (typically 1/16″ to 1/4″) effectively cover slightly more area per tile, but the wastage allowance absorbs the difference.
About This Tile Calculator
This tile calculator is designed to turn measurements into practical planning numbers you can use immediately. After entering room dimensions, tile size, grout spacing, waste allowance, and optional box pricing, the calculator processes those values into tile quantity, box count, overage planning, and realistic budget direction before purchasing materials. The goal is to replace rough guesswork with a repeatable method that works for homeowner projects, contractor estimates, and field-level decision support. Instead of manually converting units and checking formulas in multiple places, you can complete the process in one workflow.
In day-to-day use, this tile calculator works best when measurements are taken carefully and entered in one unit system from start to finish. That makes results easier to compare and easier to share with suppliers or team members. It is especially useful for bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, backsplashes, and commercial floor areas where quick quantity checks can prevent under-ordering, over-ordering, and schedule changes. Using consistent inputs each time also helps standardize estimating habits across repeat jobs.
The most reliable outcomes come from combining calculator output with practical project checks. For this tile calculator, that means accounting for layout direction, trim pieces, and extra stock for breakage or future repairs. Treat the result as a planning baseline, then adjust for site conditions, product availability, and project standards before final purchase or scheduling commitments. This approach gives you a safer buffer against costly surprises and keeps conversations with clients, vendors, and crews focused on clear numbers.
Use this tile calculator as an early planning assistant, not a replacement for final site validation. It helps you test scenarios quickly, compare alternatives, and move from idea to workable estimate with fewer delays. When paired with accurate measurement habits and a final field review, the calculator can improve confidence at every stage: draft budgeting, quote preparation, procurement planning, and pre-install coordination. Revisit it whenever dimensions, material assumptions, or scope details change.
