Tile Quantity Calculator
Calculate the number of tiles needed for floors or walls based on area and tile size
Area to Tile
Tile Size
Grout & Layout
Add on top of pattern waste (for breakage, spares)
Packaging
Results
Step-by-Step Calculation
How Tile Quantity Is Calculated
The number of tiles needed depends on the coverage area, tile size, grout joint width, and layout pattern. The grout joint is included in the effective tile coverage, so wider joints mean slightly fewer tiles per square foot.
Key Formulas:
Effective Tile Size = (Tile Width + Grout) × (Tile Height + Grout)
Tiles per ft² = 144 ÷ Effective Tile Size (in²)
Total Tiles = Area (ft²) × Tiles per ft² × (1 + Waste Factor)
Common Tile Sizes Reference
| Size (in) | Size (cm) | Tiles per ft² | Typical Use | Tiles/Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" × 1" | 2.5 × 2.5 | ~144 | Mosaic sheets (accents, shower floors) | Sheet-based |
| 2" × 2" | 5 × 5 | ~36 | Mosaic sheets (shower floors, accents) | Sheet-based |
| 3" × 6" | 7.5 × 15 | ~8 | Subway tile (backsplash, shower walls) | 80-100 |
| 4" × 4" | 10 × 10 | ~9 | Backsplash, small accents | 80-100 |
| 6" × 6" | 15 × 15 | ~4 | Small floors, walls, accents | 40-50 |
| 12" × 12" | 30 × 30 | ~1 | Most popular floor tile | 8-15 |
| 12" × 24" | 30 × 60 | ~0.5 | Modern floors, shower walls | 6-10 |
| 18" × 18" | 45 × 45 | ~0.44 | Large format floors | 5-8 |
| 24" × 24" | 60 × 60 | ~0.25 | Open-plan floors, commercial | 4-6 |
Tiles per ft² shown without grout joints. Actual count is slightly lower with grout.
Tile Layout Patterns & Waste
Straight / Grid
~5% waste
- • Tiles aligned in a grid
- • Lowest material waste
- • Easiest to install
- • Best for large square tiles
Brick / Offset 50%
~10% waste
- • Each row offset by half
- • Classic subway look
- • More cuts along edges
- • Popular for rectangular tiles
1/3 Offset
~10% waste
- • Each row offset by one-third
- • Staggered appearance
- • Avoids lippage on large tiles
- • Recommended for 12"×24" format
Diagonal 45°
~15% waste
- • Tiles rotated 45 degrees
- • Makes rooms appear larger
- • More cuts, especially at edges
- • Higher material and labor cost
Herringbone
~15-20% waste
- • V-shaped zigzag pattern
- • Elegant, classic look
- • Most cuts and waste
- • Best with rectangular tiles
Grout & Adhesive Guide
Grout Coverage
- • Unsanded grout: joints up to 1/8" — ~20-25 lbs per 75-100 ft²
- • Sanded grout: joints 1/8" to 1/2" — ~25 lbs per 75-100 ft²
- • Coverage depends on tile size, joint width, and tile thickness
- • Smaller tiles with wider joints need more grout
Thin-Set Adhesive
- • 50 lb bag: covers ~60-80 ft² (1/4" notch)
- • Large tiles (>12"): use 1/2" notch trowel — ~40-50 ft² per bag
- • Uneven substrates require more adhesive
- • Use white thin-set under glass and light-colored tiles
Related Calculators
Note: This calculator provides estimates based on standard coverage rates. Actual quantities depend on the specific tile, substrate condition, installer technique, and product specifications. Always check manufacturer coverage data and buy from the same lot for color consistency. Order extra tiles for future repairs.
Recommended Calculator
Casio FX-991ES Plus
The professional-grade scientific calculator with 417 functions, natural display, and solar power. Perfect for students and professionals.
View on Amazon