Tile Calculator
Estimate how much tile you need by area and depth — plus bags and total cost. Switch between imperial and metric units.
Tile Calculator
Estimate how much you need — and the cost.
- sq meters 10.22
Quick coverage reference
Boxes = round up (tiled area × (1 + waste) ÷ sq ft per box). Most tile boxes cover about 10–20 sq ft — check the box and enter that figure.
How it's calculated
- Straight lay: 10% waste; diagonal or large-format tile: 15%; intricate patterns and lots of cuts: up to 20%.
Source: inchcalculator.com/tile-calculator/ (waste factors cross-checked)
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</script>How much tile do I need?
Tile is sold by the box, each covering a set number of square feet. Start from the area you're tiling, add a waste allowance for cuts and breakage, then divide by the coverage printed on the box.
The formula is area needed = tiled area (sq ft) × (1 + waste%), then boxes = area needed ÷ coverage per box (rounded up). A 10% waste factor suits a straight layout; diagonal, large-format, and intricate patterns need 15–20%. Enter your area, waste, and the box coverage — most tile boxes cover about 10–20 sq ft — to get the number of boxes to buy.
How to measure for tile
Measure the area
Length × width of each floor or wall section to be tiled. Total separate areas like a floor plus a backsplash individually.
Pick a waste factor
10% for straight lay; 15% for diagonal or large-format tile; up to 20% for intricate patterns with many cuts.
Enter box coverage
Read the square feet per box off the product and enter it so the calculator can count boxes.
Round up and keep spares
The result rounds up to whole boxes. Keep at least a few spare tiles from the same lot for future repairs.
Tile waste & buying tips
Straight grids waste little; diagonal and herringbone layouts cut more at the edges, so budget 15–20%.
Big tiles and natural stone crack more during cutting and handling — lean toward the higher end of the waste range.
Order all your tile, plus waste, in a single batch. Color and shade vary between production lots, and matching later is hard.
Tile calculator FAQ
How much extra tile should I buy for waste?
Add 10% for a straight layout, 15% for diagonal or large-format tile, and up to 20% for intricate patterns with lots of cuts.
How do I calculate how many boxes of tile I need?
Multiply the area by 1 + your waste percentage, then divide by the square feet per box printed on the product and round up.
How many square feet are in a box of tile?
It varies by tile size — most boxes cover about 10–20 sq ft. Always check the box, since the figure changes with tile dimensions.
Should I buy extra tile for repairs?
Yes. Keep a few spare tiles from the same dye lot. Matching color and shade from a later batch is often impossible.
Do I subtract cabinets and fixtures?
Subtract large fixed areas like cabinets or a tub footprint, but not small ones — the waste allowance covers minor deductions.