MaterialMeasure

Flooring

Tile Calculator

Enter room dimensions, tile size, box coverage, and waste factor to estimate tiles and boxes.

Planning estimate

This calculator provides a planning estimate only. Material coverage, compaction, waste, surface conditions, product yield, and installation methods can change the final quantity needed. Always check the product label and local supplier guidance before purchasing materials.

How To Use This Calculator

  1. Step 1 Measure the room area in feet, then enter tile dimensions in inches to match product packaging.
  2. Step 2 Use box coverage when shopping because tile is normally sold by box, not by single calculated tile count.
  3. Step 3 Increase waste for diagonal layouts, patterned layouts, complex cuts, or rooms with many edges.

What The Result Means

The tile result shows floor area, tile count, waste-adjusted tile count, and box count. The box count is the key shopping number because it rounds up to complete boxes using the coverage you enter.

Use the square footage calculator first when a bathroom, kitchen, or entry has an irregular shape.

Before You Buy

  • Confirm the tile box coverage and whether trim pieces, bullnose, or transitions are sold separately.
  • Check the layout direction before choosing the waste factor.
  • Keep extra tile for future repairs because product lots can change.
  • Verify substrate, underlayment, mortar, grout, and spacing requirements before installation.

Accuracy Notes

  • Diagonal and herringbone layouts typically produce more cut waste.
  • Rooms with closets, alcoves, or angled walls should be split into sections.
  • Box coverage is more reliable for shopping than individual tile count alone.

Formula

Floor area = room_length × room_width

Tile area = tile_length_ft × tile_width_ft

Tiles = floor_area / tile_area

Boxes = adjusted_floor_area / box_coverage

Example Project

An 8 ft by 6 ft bathroom floor is 48 sq ft. With 10% waste, plan for 52.8 sq ft of tile coverage.

Waste Factor

Use 10% for many straight layouts. Use 15% or more for diagonal layouts, complex cuts, patterns, or fragile tile.

Unit Notes

Room dimensions are entered in feet. Tile dimensions are entered in inches to match common product labels.

Common Mistakes

  • Using box count before adding waste.
  • Ignoring pattern direction or diagonal layout waste.
  • Mixing tile inches with room feet.

FAQ

How much tile waste should I add?

Ten percent is a common starting point for straight layouts. Diagonal, herringbone, or rooms with many cuts often need more.

Should I calculate by tile count or box coverage?

Use box coverage for shopping because tile is usually sold by box. Tile count is useful for checking small projects and leftovers.