Tile quantity calculator
Work out how many tiles a floor or wall needs from its dimensions, your tile size and a waste allowance — plus the area and estimated tile cost.
Tiles only; adhesive, grout and trim are not included.
How this calculator works
Tiling quantity is area divided by tile area, plus a waste allowance for cuts, breakages and pattern matching. Straight-lay patterns need about 5–10% extra; diagonal, herringbone and patterns with a border need 10–15%, because off-cut pieces cannot be reused. Large-format tiles often need more waste than small ones for the same area.
Tiles are sold in boxes, and the box label states coverage — floor area is quoted in square feet while tile dimensions are usually in inches, so convert carefully. It also matters which area you are tiling: floor area is simple length × width, but wall area excludes doors and windows and can require extra cuts around fittings. Add a spare box if your pattern needs a particular batch number, since a later batch may not match the dye lot exactly. Grout, adhesive and trim are separate purchases and are not included in this estimate.
The formula
area = length × width
tile area = (tile width in / 12) × (tile height in / 12)
tiles = ceil( area × (1 + waste% / 100) / tile area )
cost = tiles × tile area × price per sq ftFor a 12 × 10 ft floor with 12 × 12 in tiles and 10% waste: area 120 sq ft, tile area 1 sq ft, so 120 × 1.10 = 132 tiles.
Worked example
A 12 × 10 ft area is 120.0 sq ft. With 12 × 12 inch tiles and a 10% waste allowance you need 132 tiles. At 3.50 per sq ft the tiles cost about $462.
Common mistakes
- No waste allowance. Cuts at edges, breakages and pattern matching all consume tiles. Buy 10% extra for straight lays and 15% for diagonal patterns.
- Mixing inches and feet. Tile sizes are normally in inches and room sizes in feet; convert tiles to feet by dividing by 12, or areas by 144.
- Forgetting the pattern. Herringbone and chevron patterns substantially increase waste because every piece is cut at an angle.
Frequently asked questions
How many tiles do I need for a 12x10 room?
With 12 × 12 inch tiles and 10% waste, 132 tiles cover 120 sq ft. Larger or smaller tiles change the count, not the total area.
How much waste should I allow for tiles?
Around 10% for a standard straight lay, 15% for diagonal or patterned layouts, and more for rooms with many corners or obstructions.
How do I calculate tile area per box?
Look for the coverage printed on the box, usually in square feet or square metres. If it is not shown, multiply the number of tiles by the area of one tile.
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