Tile Calculator
Calculate how many tiles you need for your project including waste factor.
How many tiles do I need for my project?
Calculate area (Length x Width), divide by tile size in sq ft, add waste. Example: 12'x10' room = 120 sq ft. 12"x12" tiles = 1 sq ft each, need 120 tiles + 10% waste = 132 tiles. Smaller tiles need more: 6"x6" = 0.25 sq ft each, need 480 + 10% = 528 tiles. Always buy extra box for future repairs - tile dye lots vary and exact match may be impossible years later.
What waste factor should I use for tile?
Waste depends on layout and room: Straight pattern, square room: 10%. Diagonal pattern: 15-20% (45 degrees cuts create waste). Herringbone/complex patterns: 20-25%. Small tiles or large format tiles: 15% (more cuts/breakage). Irregular room shape: 15-20%. Experienced installer can reduce waste, but DIY should use higher percentages. Better to have extra than run short mid-project - returns usually allowed for unopened boxes.
Should I tile the entire bathroom or just the floor?
Floor tiling: Always tile entire bathroom floor for waterproofing and appearance. Wall tiling: Shower/tub surround to ceiling (moisture protection), around vanity backsplash optional but recommended, full wall tiling (wainscot or floor-to-ceiling) adds value. Calculate walls separately: (Perimeter x Height) - openings. Budget constraints? Prioritize: Shower walls full height, floor completely, then add other walls as budget allows.
How do I calculate tiles for diagonal or pattern layouts?
Diagonal/pattern layouts need higher waste (15-20%) due to: Corner cuts at 45 degrees, border tiles requiring precise cuts, pattern matching, inevitable mistakes. Measure area normally, then multiply by pattern factor: Straight: 1.10 (10% waste), Diagonal: 1.20 (20% waste), Herringbone: 1.25 (25% waste). Complex patterns may need professional layout planning. Draw pattern on graph paper first to visualize cuts and minimize waste.