Tile Calculator
Calculate how many tiles you need for your floor, wall, or backsplash. Includes waste factor for cuts and breakage.
Last updated: January 28, 2026
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Results
132
tiles needed
Room Area:120 sq ft
Base Tiles:120 tiles
Extra for Waste:+12 tiles
Boxes Needed:~14 boxes (10/box)
Calculation Steps
Room Area: 10 × 12 ft= 120 sq ft
Tile Area: 12" × 12"= 1 sq ft per tile
Base Tiles: 120 ÷ 1= 120 tiles
+ 10% Waste: 120 × 1.1= 132 tiles
Privacy First - All calculations in your browser Expert-verified formula
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure your room — Grab a tape measure and get the length and width. For irregular rooms, break them into rectangles and calculate each separately.
- Select your unit — Choose feet, inches, meters, or centimeters based on your measurements.
- Choose tile size — Select from common sizes or enter custom dimensions. Check your tile packaging for exact measurements.
- Add waste percentage — We recommend 10% for standard layouts, 15% for diagonal patterns, and 20% for complex rooms. Trust me, you don't want to run short mid-project.
- Review results — The calculator shows total tiles needed including waste, plus an estimate of boxes to purchase.
How We Calculate
Tiles Needed = (Room Area ÷ Tile Area) × (1 + Waste%)
Example Calculation:
- • Room: 10 ft × 12 ft = 120 sq ft
- • Tile: 12" × 12" = 1 sq ft per tile
- • Base tiles: 120 ÷ 1 = 120 tiles
- • With 10% waste: 120 × 1.1 = 132 tiles
Common Tiling Scenarios
- Bathroom Shower: Measure each wall separately (typically 3 walls). Don't forget to account for niches and subtract windows or doors.
- Kitchen Backsplash: Small areas require precise measurements. Use 15% waste due to outlet cutouts and edge cuts.
- Floor Tiling: Straight layouts need 10% waste, diagonal patterns need 15%, and herringbone or complex designs need 20%.
Why Waste Factor Matters
The waste factor accounts for broken tiles during shipping, cutting errors, and future repairs. Different installation patterns require different waste percentages:
- • 10%: Straight/grid layout in rectangular rooms
- • 15%: Diagonal, offset, or rooms with many corners
- • 20%: Herringbone, chevron, or highly irregular spaces
Waste percentage and installation best practices per TCNA Handbook. Learn more →
Tile Cost Guide (2026)
| Tile Type | Material | Installed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | $0.50–$7/sq ft | $5–$13/sq ft | Budget-friendly, walls |
| Porcelain | $3–$10/sq ft | $8–$20/sq ft | Floors, wet areas |
| Natural Stone | $5–$20/sq ft | $13–$30/sq ft | Premium look |
| Mosaic | $7–$20+/sq ft | $17–$40+/sq ft | Backsplash, accents |
*Prices are 2026 U.S. national averages for reference only. Actual costs vary by location, supplier, and project complexity.* Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi