Tile Calculator
How many tiles do you actually need? Factor in cuts and breakage.
Tiles needed (before waste):
Tiles to buy (with waste):
Room area:
Related guide: How many tiles do I need?
How to use this calculator
Enter the room length and width, tile size in inches, and your waste allowance, then press Calculate. It returns the tiles needed before and after waste, plus room area.
Worked example
A 10 ft by 12 ft room is 120 square feet. With 12-inch tiles that is 120 tiles with none to spare, so a 10% waste allowance brings the order to about 132 tiles. Real rooms need the extra because of cuts at walls, doorways and any angle - the tool shows both the clean count and the count with waste.
What the result means
The clean number is the exact tile math; the waste number is what you should actually order. Never buy exactly the clean count - one cracked tile in the box or one awkward cut and you are back at the store hoping for a matching dye lot.
Choosing a waste allowance
- 5% for a simple square room with full tiles.
- 10-15% for rooms with doorways, closets or a diagonal pattern.
- 15-20% for herringbone, large-format or running-bond layouts that produce lots of cut waste.
Frequently asked questions
Does the tile size field change the area?
No - it changes how many pieces cover the area. Larger tiles mean fewer pieces but more cut waste at the edges, which is why big tiles often need a higher waste allowance.
Should I buy a full spare box?
Yes if the tile may be discontinued. One spare box stored in the garage is the cheapest fix for a future cracked tile.