Tile Calculator
Enter the area to be tiled and the tile size — get exact tile count, number of boxes, and total square footage to order with industry-standard waste built in.
Check the box label — usually 5–15 tiles per box.
Results
Tip: store leftovers in a climate-controlled space for future repairs. Tiles from a different batch may not match.
Common Tile Sizes & Coverage
Reference for the most popular floor and wall tile sizes. Tiles per box vary by manufacturer, so always confirm at the store.
| Tile Size | Coverage per Tile | Typical per Box |
|---|---|---|
| 4" × 4" (mosaic) | 0.11 sq ft / tile | ~16 sq ft |
| 6" × 6" | 0.25 sq ft / tile | ~12 sq ft |
| 8" × 8" | 0.44 sq ft / tile | ~11 sq ft |
| 12" × 12" | 1.0 sq ft / tile | 10–15 sq ft |
| 12" × 24" | 2.0 sq ft / tile | 14–16 sq ft |
| 18" × 18" | 2.25 sq ft / tile | 13.5 sq ft |
| 24" × 24" | 4.0 sq ft / tile | 16 sq ft (4 tiles) |
How Layout Affects Waste
Straight Lay — 10% waste
Tiles aligned to walls with minimal cuts at the perimeter. The most material-efficient pattern and the easiest for DIY.
Diagonal — 15% waste
Tiles set at 45 degrees create a more dynamic look but every perimeter tile becomes a cut piece. Plan extra material accordingly.
Herringbone / Chevron — 20% waste
Both patterns demand precise cuts at the room edges and double the labor. Higher waste also accounts for tile breakage during fitting.
Accent Walls & Backsplashes
For a single accent wall or kitchen backsplash, measure only the wall area you plan to tile. A 10 ft wide × 8 ft high accent wall is 80 sq ft; with 10% waste, order 88 sq ft.
- Standard backsplash: 18 in tall × counter length. A 10 ft counter = 15 sq ft gross + 10% waste = 17 sq ft.
- Shower surround: Measure each wall separately and subtract the shower door or tub opening.
- Mosaic sheets: Sold by the sheet (usually ~1 sq ft each). Round up to the next full sheet rather than by the box.
Pro tip: Buy 10–15% extra for any tile project — even small walls have cuts, and future repairs need matching dye lots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
Tile is often paired with grout, paint, and flooring — calculate the rest of the renovation here.
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Measure room dimensions and get instant area for floors, paint, and HVAC.
Flooring Calculator
Estimate flooring material needed with industry-standard waste percentages.
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Calculate how many gallons of paint you need based on wall area and coats.
Carpet Calculator
Calculate carpet square footage and yards including seam and pile allowance.
Wallpaper Calculator
Calculate wall area and the number of wallpaper rolls needed for a room.
Sources
The figures on this page are based on data from these authoritative industry sources.
- National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) — Installation guidelines and waste recommendations for wood flooring.
- The Home Depot Buyer’s Guides — Retail price ranges for flooring, paint, and finishing materials.