Tile Calculator
Calculate tiles needed for floors or walls with grout spacing and waste percentage.
How to Use the Tile Calculator
Calculate exactly how many tiles you need for your floor or wall project. This tool accounts for grout spacing and waste so you purchase the right quantity.
- Choose input mode — enter length and width to calculate area automatically, or enter a custom area in square feet if you already know it.
- Enter tile dimensions — width and height in inches. Common sizes are 12"x12", 12"x24", 6"x6" and 18"x18".
- Set grout spacing — the gap between tiles in inches. Standard grout lines are 1/8" (0.125") to 3/16" (0.1875"). The default is 1/8".
- Set waste percentage — typically 10% for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal or complex patterns. The default is 10%.
Results show the number of tiles to purchase (with waste factored in), the floor area, total tile coverage area, and a detailed calculation breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to add waste percentage?
Tiles break during cutting and installation. A 10% waste factor covers standard breakage and straight-cut layouts. Use 15% for diagonal patterns, complex shapes, or if the tiles are fragile. Always buy a few extra for future repairs.
How does grout spacing affect the tile count?
Grout spacing increases the effective area each tile covers (tile plus grout gap on two sides). A wider grout joint means fewer tiles are needed per square foot, but the difference is usually small. Standard spacing is 1/8" for floor tiles and 1/16" for wall tiles.
What is the most common tile size?
The most popular floor tile sizes are 12"x12" and 12"x24". For walls, 4"x4", 3"x6" subway tiles and 6"x6" tiles are very common. Larger tiles create fewer grout lines and can make a room look bigger.
Should I buy extra tiles beyond the waste percentage?
Yes. Buy at least 2-3 extra tiles beyond your calculated waste for future repairs. Tile dye lots can vary, so matching an exact colour years later may be impossible if you do not have spares.
Can I use this for wall tiles too?
Absolutely. Enter the wall dimensions (width and height) instead of floor dimensions. The calculation works the same way for backsplashes, shower walls and accent walls.
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