Tile Quantity Calculator

Getting your tile count right before you order saves money, time, and the headache of trying to find matching tiles from the same dye lot weeks later. This calculator gives you the exact number of tiles for any rectangular area based on your room dimensions and tile size, with a built-in waste factor for cuts and breakage. Tiles come in a wide range of standard sizes. Common floor tile sizes include 12x12, 12x24, 18x18, and 24x24 inches. Wall and backsplash tiles are often smaller at 3x6 subway, 4x4, or 6x6 inches. Mosaic sheets on mesh backing are typically sold by the square foot rather than individual piece count. For mosaics, just calculate total square footage plus waste and buy by the sheet. The waste factor is critical and varies by layout pattern. A straightforward grid pattern on a rectangular floor with few obstacles needs only 5 to 10 percent waste. Diagonal layouts bump that to 10 to 15 percent because every edge piece requires an angled cut. Complex patterns like herringbone or Versailles patterns can push waste to 15 to 20 percent. Rooms with lots of corners, angles, or obstacles like toilet flanges and vanity cutouts also increase waste. Always order all your tile at once from the same production lot. Tile color varies slightly between manufacturing batches, and these differences become visible when installed side by side. Most tile shops print the lot number on the box. If you need to reorder later, request the same lot number and understand there is no guarantee of an exact match. Buy a few extra tiles beyond your waste calculation and store them somewhere safe. If a tile cracks years later from a dropped heavy object, you will have an exact match replacement ready. Keeping 3 to 5 spare tiles is cheap insurance against future damage.