Tile Calculator
Enter your floor or wall dimensions and adjust the waste percentage to find out exactly how many tiles to buy — including tiles for cuts and breakage.
Total area: 100.0 sq ft
Sq ft of tiles needed: 110
How it works
Enter your floor or wall area in feet. Each square foot of space needs one square foot of tile plus your chosen waste factor.
The default 10% waste covers straight-cut layouts. Diagonal patterns or small mosaic tiles may need 15–20% waste.
Divide your total tile sq ft by the coverage listed on the tile box to find how many boxes to buy. Most boxes list sq ft on the label.
Reference chart
Recommended waste % by layout type
| Layout type | Waste % | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Straight / grid | 10% | Minimal cuts |
| Brick / offset | 10–12% | Slight edge waste |
| Diagonal / 45° | 15–20% | Corner cuts double waste |
| Mosaic / small | 15–20% | More grout lines and breaks |
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right waste percentage for tile?
Use 10% for straight-lay patterns in simple rectangular rooms. Use 15% for diagonal layouts or rooms with lots of cuts (alcoves, fireplaces). Use 20% for mosaics or natural stone that may crack.
Do large tiles need more or less waste than small tiles?
Large-format tiles (12×24 in or bigger) generally need less waste per sq ft for straight layouts — fewer grout lines, fewer cuts. But each wasted large tile represents more square footage, so order carefully.
How do I convert tile count to boxes?
Find the square footage per box on the tile label (e.g., 15.6 sq ft/box). Divide your total tile sq ft by that number and round up to the next whole box.