Work out how many tiles and boxes you need for a floor or wall, how much extra to allow for your layout pattern, and what the whole job might cost.
Tile Installation Guidelines
Common Tile Sizes:
- Floor tiles: 12″×12″, 16″×16″, 18″×18″, 24″×24″
- Wall tiles: 3″×6″, 4″×4″, 6″×6″, 4″×12″ subway
- Mosaic: 1″×1″, 2″×2″ (typically on mesh sheets)
Waste Factors by Pattern:
- Straight lay: 5-10% waste
- Diagonal: 15% waste
- Herringbone: 15-20% waste
- Versailles/Random: 20-25% waste
Material Coverage:
- Thinset: 1 bag covers 50-95 sq ft (depending on trowel size)
- Grout: 1 bag covers 50-200 sq ft (depends on tile size and joint width)
- Grout joint: Typical width is 1/16″ to 1/4″
Important Tips:
- Always order 10-20% extra tiles for waste and future repairs
- Buy all tiles from the same batch to ensure color consistency
- Consider the grout color’s impact on overall appearance
- Use appropriate trowel size for tile dimensions
- Allow proper curing time before grouting
What this tile calculator does
- Floor Tiles: room length and width, tile size and waste factor to tiles and boxes.
- Wall Tiles: wall size with an area to deduct (windows, doors), tile size and waste.
- Pattern Layout: a total area and a pattern, with the waste factor for that pattern applied automatically.
- Cost Estimator: tile cost per square foot, thinset, grout, labour and waste.
How it is calculated
Tiles needed = area × (1 + waste %) ÷ the area of one tile (length × width in inches ÷ 144), rounded up. Boxes are estimated at 10 tiles per box for floors and the Pattern tab, and 12 per box for walls.
| Layout pattern | Waste used |
|---|---|
| Straight / grid | 5% |
| Running bond / offset | 10% |
| Basket weave | 10% |
| Diagonal | 15% |
| Herringbone | 20% |
| Versailles | 25% |
Worked examples: a 12 ft × 10 ft floor with 12 inch tiles and 10% waste needs 132 tiles, or 14 boxes. An 80 sq ft wall less 15 sq ft for a window, tiled with 4 inch tiles and 10% waste, needs 644 tiles, or 54 boxes. 100 sq ft in a herringbone layout with 12 inch tiles needs 120 tiles. In the Cost tab, 100 sq ft with 10% waste at $5 per sq ft of tile, $80 for thinset and grout and $6 per sq ft labour costs $1,290.
Things to keep in mind
Tiles per box is an assumption, so check the packaging of the tile you choose. The Pattern Layout tab assumes square tiles, and the waste figures are rules of thumb that depend on the room shape and the tile. Buy tiles from the same batch, and keep a few spares for future repairs. These are planning estimates only. Measure your own project carefully, check product labels and local building codes, and confirm quantities with your supplier or a qualified contractor before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
Why do diagonal and herringbone layouts need more tile?
More tiles are cut at the edges and corners, so more material is wasted.
Should I include the area under cabinets?
Only if you plan to tile there. Deduct areas that will not be tiled.
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