Tile Calculator
Calculate how many tiles you need for any floor or wall — in any format — with a waste allowance for cuts.
A 10×10 ft floor needs 100 tiles of 12×12 in, or 110 with 10% waste for cuts.
How to Use This Tile Calculator
- Enter the length and width of the floor or wall in feet.
- Select your tile format (12×12 in, 12×24 in, 18×18 in, or custom).
- Set the waste percentage — 10% for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal.
- Read the tile count and the total square footage.
The Formula
Tile count = area ÷ area per tile, rounded up. A 12×12 in tile covers 1 sq ft; a 12×24 in tile covers 2 sq ft. Add a waste allowance for cuts, breakage and future repairs — 10% for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal or complex patterns.
Tiles = ceil(area ÷ tile area)Tile area in sq ft (12×12 = 1, 12×24 = 2, 18×18 = 2.25)Total = tiles × (1 + waste%)10% straight lay · 15% diagonalBoxes = ceil(total ÷ per box)Optional: coverage per box varies by productWorked Example: 10×10 Floor
A 10×10 ft floor: 100 sq ft. With 12×12 in tiles (1 sq ft each): 100 tiles. With 10% waste: 110 tiles. In 12×24 in tiles (2 sq ft each): 50 tiles, or 55 with waste.
Tiles Needed by Floor Size
| Floor size | 12×12 in tiles | with 10% waste | 12×24 in tiles | with 10% waste |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 × 10 ft | 80 | 88 | 40 | 44 |
| 10 × 10 ft | 100 | 110 | 50 | 55 |
| 10 × 12 ft | 120 | 132 | 60 | 66 |
| 12 × 12 ft | 144 | 159 | 72 | 80 |
Tile counts rounded up. 12×12 = 1 sq ft; 12×24 = 2 sq ft.
Straight vs Diagonal Layouts
A straight (grid) layout wastes about 10% on cuts at the edges. Diagonal layouts waste more — plan on 15%. Shower walls and rooms with many corners need the higher allowance. Always buy a few extra tiles and keep them: manufacturers discontinue colors, and you will need spares for future repairs.
Quick Tips
- Measure twice: tile orders are hard to return once cut boxes are opened.
- Add extra waste in rooms with closets, alcoves or diagonal walls.
- Keep 3–5 spare tiles after the install for repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tiles do I need for a 10×10 room?
100 tiles of 12×12 in (1 sq ft each), or 110 with 10% waste for cuts.
What is a good waste percentage for tile?
10% for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal or complex patterns.
How many tiles come in a box?
It varies by manufacturer and format — check the coverage per box on the label (often 8–12 sq ft per box).
How many square feet does a 12×24 tile cover?
2 square feet (12 × 24 = 288 sq in ÷ 144).