Tile Calculator
Calculate the tile you need for a floor, wall, or backsplash. Enter project dimensions, tile size, and spacing to get quantity and boxes.
Last updated 2026-08-21
What Is a Tile Calculator?
A tile calculator estimates how many individual tiles you need for a floor, wall, or backsplash by dividing the project area by the tile size and adding waste. It is built for homeowners tiling a room who need a tile and box count before purchasing. Larger tile sizes cover area faster but create more cut waste in small spaces.
How It Works
Tiles = ceil((Area × 144) ÷ (Tile width × Tile length) × (1 + Waste ÷ 100)).
Example
For 100 sq ft of 12×12 tile with 10% waste: (100 × 144 ÷ 144) × 1.1 = 110 tiles.
How to Calculate
- Measure the area to be tiled in square feet. A 100 square foot floor is a common example.
- Note your tile dimensions in inches, such as a 12 by 12 inch tile.
- Multiply the area by 144 to convert to square inches, then divide by the tile width times the length. One hundred times 144 is 14,400, divided by 144 is 100 tiles.
- Apply a waste factor. For 10 percent, multiply 100 by 1.10 to get 110 tiles.
- Divide by the tiles per box to find the number of boxes, and round up.
Tiles per Square Foot by Common Tile Size
| Tile Size | Tiles per Square Foot |
|---|---|
| 4x4 in | 9.0 |
| 6x6 in | 4.0 |
| 8x8 in | 2.25 |
| 12x12 in | 1.0 |
| 12x24 in | 0.5 |
| 18x18 in | 0.44 |
| 24x24 in | 0.25 |
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
What tile size should I choose?
Larger tiles (12×24, 24×24) cover area faster but create more cut waste in small or irregular rooms.
How much waste for tile?
10% is standard; budget 15% for diagonal layouts or rooms with many corners and openings.
Why multiply by 144?
It converts square feet to square inches so the tile dimensions (in inches) can divide the area.
Estimate the cost with the Flooring Cost Calculator or browse Flooring Calculators