Tile Calculator

Quickly work out how many tiles (and boxes) to buy for any floor or wall. A waste allowance covers cuts, breakage and future repairs.

How the Math Works

The Tile Calculator uses the formula tiles = roomArea ÷ tileArea × (1 + waste) to determine the total number of tiles needed. First, calculate the room's area by multiplying its length by its width. Then, find the tile's area by multiplying its length and width. Dividing the room area by the tile area gives the base number of tiles required. The waste factor (expressed as a decimal, like 0.10 for 10%) accounts for breakage, cuts, and mistakes. Multiplying by (1 + waste) adjusts the total to include this buffer, ensuring you have enough tiles to complete the project without shortages.

Practical Applications

To use the calculator, start by measuring the room's dimensions and calculating its total area. Next, measure the tile's size to determine its area. Decide on an appropriate waste percentage—typically 5-15% depending on tile size and layout complexity. Input these values into the formula to get the total tiles required. Then, divide this number by the tiles per box (provided by the manufacturer) and round up to the nearest whole number to determine how many boxes to purchase. This ensures you account for all necessary tiles and packaging efficiently.

Day-to-Day Use

This tool simplifies home improvement planning by preventing costly mistakes like running out of tiles mid-project. It helps budgeting accurately by factoring in waste, so you avoid extra store trips or delays. Whether tiling a bathroom, kitchen, or driveway, the calculator provides peace of mind, ensuring you buy the right amount of materials. Its practical application reduces stress, saves money, and keeps projects on schedule—especially useful for DIY enthusiasts or contractors managing multiple orders.

Worked example

120 ft² room, 12×12 in tiles (1 ft² each), 10% waste → 132 tiles → 14 boxes of 10.

FAQ