tile
Tile planning
Calculate tile quantities with optional diagonal layout waste.
Results are approximate. Verify with manufacturer specifications or consult a professional.
Project inputs
IMPERIAL
Enter a value in ft.
Enter a value in ft.
Enter a value in ft.
Enter a value in ft.
Includes breakage, spillage, onsite adjustments
Material output
Updates instantly as you type.
Primary output
176m²
176 m²
≈ 160 m² primary output
Tiles
Your units
978 ea
Results are approximate. Verify with manufacturer specifications or consult a professional.
How it works
Frequently asked questions
Country defaults
United States · USD · imperial
Waste factor: 10.0%
Context & guidance
Results are approximate. Verify with manufacturer specifications or consult a professional.
About This Calculator
Calculate the exact number of tiles needed for floors, walls, backsplashes, or showers. Accounts for tile size, grout spacing, waste factors (typically 10-15% for standard layouts, 15-20% for diagonal or herringbone patterns), and country-specific standards. Supports ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, and mosaic tiles in both metric and imperial units.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Measure Surface Area
For floors: measure length × width. For walls: measure height × width, subtract doors/windows. For backsplashes: measure length × height. Use the same unit system (meters or feet) throughout. Record measurements at widest points.
Enter Tile Dimensions
Input tile length and width. Common sizes: 30×30cm (12×12in), 60×60cm (24×24in), 30×60cm (12×24in). For mosaic sheets, enter sheet dimensions. The calculator accounts for grout spacing automatically.
Set Grout Spacing
Standard grout spacing is 2-3mm (1/16-1/8in) for small tiles and 3-5mm (1/8-3/16in) for large tiles. Wider spacing (5-10mm) is used for natural stone. This affects tile count and material needs.
Select Layout Pattern
Straight/offset layouts need 10-15% waste. Diagonal layouts need 15-20% waste. Herringbone or complex patterns need 20-25% waste. The calculator applies appropriate waste factors based on your selection.
Calculate Tile Count
The calculator shows: total tiles needed, boxes/packs required (based on coverage per box), grout volume needed, and total cost estimate. Always round up to full boxes and add 5-10% extra for breakage and future repairs.
Order Materials
Order all tiles from the same batch/lot for color consistency. Buy 10-15% extra for future repairs. Calculate grout separately: typically 1.5-2kg per m² for 3mm spacing, more for wider joints.
Common Mistakes
Not accounting for grout spacing
Grout spacing reduces the number of tiles needed. A 3mm grout line on 30cm tiles means each tile effectively covers 30.3cm. The calculator accounts for this automatically, but verify your spacing matches the calculation.
Underestimating waste for diagonal layouts
Diagonal and herringbone patterns create triangular offcuts that increase waste to 15-25% (vs 10-15% for straight layouts). Always add extra for pattern matching and cuts around obstacles.
Forgetting to subtract fixtures and obstacles
Subtract areas for toilets, vanities, bathtubs, and other fixtures. For complex cuts around pipes or corners, add 5% extra waste. Measure fixture footprints accurately.
Not ordering extra from the same batch
Tile colors vary between batches. Always order 10-15% extra from the same batch/lot number for future repairs. Store leftovers properly to prevent damage.
Pro Tips
Buy all tiles from the same batch/lot number. Color variations between batches can be noticeable, especially with natural stone or hand-painted tiles.
For diagonal layouts, add 20% waste instead of 15%. The diagonal cuts create more triangular offcuts that can't be reused.
Calculate grout separately based on joint width and depth. Standard: 1.5-2kg per m² for 3mm joints, 2.5-3.5kg for 5mm joints.
For mosaic tiles, account for sheet size and pattern repeat. Some mosaics have directional patterns that affect layout and waste.
Keep 10-15% extra tiles for future repairs. Manufacturers discontinue colors, and you'll need matching tiles for damage or expansion.
For wet areas (showers, backsplashes), add waterproofing membrane to your material list. Calculate membrane area separately (typically same as tile area).