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Flooring & TileTile Calculator — How Many Tiles Do I Need?
Enter the area you’re tiling and your tile size to get the number of tiles, including a 10% waste allowance for cuts and breakage.
How this calculator works
We divide the area by the size of one tile (tile length × width ÷ 144 for square feet), then add 10% for cuts, breakage, and spares. Works for floor or wall tile of any size.
What changes how much you need
- 10% waste suits a straight layout; use 15% for diagonal or herringbone, and more for very small or busy rooms.
- Buy all tile from the same batch (lot) so shade and size match.
- Budget thinset and grout separately — both depend on tile size and spacing.
- Keep a few spare tiles after the job for future repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How many 12×12 tiles per square foot?
Exactly one — a 12×12-inch tile is 1 square foot. For other sizes, divide your area by (tile length × width ÷ 144).
How much extra tile should I buy?
About 10% for a straight layout, or 15% for diagonal/herringbone patterns and rooms with lots of cuts.
Do I subtract for grout lines?
No — grout lines are tiny, and the 10% waste allowance more than covers them.