Tile Calculator
Calculate exactly how many tiles you need for your project.
Standard recommendation is 10-15% for cuts and future repairs.
Renovating a kitchen backsplash or laying down a new bathroom floor is exciting, but the math? Not so much.
Buying too few tiles stops your project dead in its tracks, while buying too many is money down the drain.
We built this Tile Quantity Calculator to give you a precise starting point. Whether you are working in feet or meters, this tool handles the geometry so you can focus on the design.
How to Use This Tile Quantity Calculator
Follow these four simple steps to get your estimate:
- Select Your Units: Toggle between Imperial (Feet/Inches) or Metric (Meters/CM) at the top of the card.
- Measure Your Space: Enter the total Length and Width of the floor or wall area you plan to cover.
- Input Tile Size: Enter the dimensions of the specific tile you have chosen (e.g., a standard subway tile might be 3″ x 6″).
- Adjust for Waste: Use the slider to set your Waste & Breakage percentage.
- Standard: 10% is the industry standard for simple grid layouts.
- Complex: Bump this up to 15-20% if you have many corners, obstacles, or a diagonal layout.
Important Notes & Disclaimers
While this calculator provides a highly accurate mathematical baseline, real-world renovations have variables math can’t always predict:
- Pattern Matching: If you are using a pattern that requires specific alignment (like a large-scale floral print), you may need significantly more tiles to ensure the design flows correctly.
- Grout Lines: This calculation assumes standard grout spacing. Extremely wide grout lines may slightly reduce the number of tiles needed, though it is safer to ignore this for the sake of having spares.
- Complex Layouts: Herringbone, chevron, or diagonal lays require more cuts, often necessitating 20% extra material.
Pro Tip – Check the Batch Numbers. When purchasing your tiles, ensure every box comes from the same “Lot Number” or “Batch Number.” Tiles are fired in kilns, and slight temperature variations can cause subtle color shifts between batches. If you run out and buy a new box a month later, the shade might be noticeably different!
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