How to use this calculator
- Enter Area in sq ft.
- Enter Tile size.
- Enter Waste in % — or tap a preset badge to auto-fill a typical value.
- Press Calculate. The highlighted row is your order quantity; the note beneath it translates the number into real-world terms.
Formula & constants
Tiles per sq ft = 144 ÷ (tile length × width in inches). Add 10% for straight lay, 15% for diagonal or patterned layouts. 12×12 tile = 1 per sq ft. Every default in the fields above is editable — when your supplier’s spec sheet lists a different density, coverage rate or price, enter that number instead. The waste and compaction allowances follow common trade practice; see our methodology page for the derivation of each formula and the standards it references.
Where this fits in the project
Interior finishing runs framing-out: studs, insulation, drywall, then paint and floor coverings. Measure once and reuse the same wall and floor areas across each material takeoff.
How this connects to your project
No quantity stands alone — each material in the chain depends on the ones around it. These are the planning steps that pair with the tile calculator:
- Flooring Calculator — Tile is a flooring material option.
- Laminate Flooring Calculator — Tile vs laminate flooring comparison.
- Carpet Calculator — Tile vs carpet flooring comparison.
- Countertop Calculator — Tile can also be used for countertops and backsplashes.
- Flooring Cost Calculator — Tile material and installation cost estimation.
Frequently asked questions
How much tile waste should I plan?
10% straight lay, 15% diagonal/herringbone, 20% in small rooms where every row ends in a cut.
Should spare tiles be kept?
Keep a part-box — dye lots vary, and a future repair with mismatched tile is conspicuous.
Last verified: — prices reflect current national averages. See our methodology.
Estimates are for planning. Material densities, coverage rates and prices vary by region and supplier — confirm final quantities before ordering, and check local code where structural or electrical work is involved.