Tile Calculator with Waste - How Many Tiles Do I Need?
Calculate exactly how many tiles you need for your project, including waste factor for cuts and breakage. Get cost estimates for tiles, grout, and mortar.
Area Dimensions
Tile Size
Tiles Needed
Total Tiles (with 10% waste)
132
(120.0 exact + waste)
Estimated Cost
Tile Waste Factor by Pattern
Straight Lay
+10%
Easiest, least waste
Brick/Offset
+12%
Popular, moderate waste
Diagonal
+15%
More cuts at edges
Herringbone
+20%
Complex, most waste
Popular Tile Sizes & Uses
| Size | Sq Ft/Tile | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12" × 12" | 1.0 sq ft | Floors, walls, versatile | $1-8/tile |
| 18" × 18" | 2.25 sq ft | Large floors, modern look | $3-15/tile |
| 24" × 24" | 4.0 sq ft | Open spaces, fewer grout lines | $5-25/tile |
| 6" × 24" (Plank) | 1.0 sq ft | Wood-look floors | $2-10/tile |
| 3" × 6" (Subway) | 0.125 sq ft | Backsplashes, bathrooms | $0.50-3/tile |
| 4" × 4" | 0.11 sq ft | Accents, small spaces | $0.25-2/tile |
Tile Installation Tips
Before You Buy
- 1.Buy Extra: Always buy 10-20% more than calculated for future repairs
- 2.Same Lot: Buy all tiles from the same production lot for color consistency
- 3.Check Returns: Confirm store return policy before purchasing
- 4.Inspect Tiles: Check for chips, cracks, and color variations
Installation Tips
- 1.Dry Layout: Lay tiles without mortar first to plan cuts
- 2.Start Center: Begin from room center for balanced cuts at edges
- 3.Use Spacers: Consistent grout lines with tile spacers
- 4.Wait to Grout: Let mortar cure 24-48 hours before grouting
Frequently Asked Questions
How much tile waste should I plan for?
Plan for 10-20% waste depending on your pattern. Straight lay needs 10%, brick pattern 12%, diagonal 15%, and herringbone 20%. Complex room shapes with many cuts may need even more. Always round up and keep extras for future repairs.
How do I calculate tiles for an irregular room?
Break the room into rectangles, calculate each section separately, then add them together. For L-shaped rooms, calculate as two rectangles. Add 15-20% waste for irregular shapes since you'll have more cuts along odd angles.
What size tile is best for small bathrooms?
Contrary to popular belief, larger tiles (12"×24" or 18"×18") can make small bathrooms look bigger by reducing grout lines. However, 12"×12" is versatile and easier to install. Avoid very small tiles (2"×2") as they create busy patterns that shrink the space visually.
How much grout and mortar do I need?
For grout: 1 bag (10 lbs) covers about 25-30 sq ft for standard 12"×12" tiles with 1/8" grout lines. For mortar/thinset: 1 bag (50 lbs) covers about 50-75 sq ft depending on tile size and trowel notch. Larger tiles need more mortar for proper coverage.