Tile Calculator
Estimate tile count, boxes, waste and material cost.
Project details
Enter your measurements below.
Calculate tiles, boxes and waste before you buy
The Tile Calculator converts the project area into an individual tile count, adds your waste allowance, and then converts the result into whole boxes using the tiles-per-box value you enter. This is useful for floors, simple wall areas and other rectangular tiled surfaces.
Rectangular floor or wall areas where tile dimensions and box quantity are known.
Tiles to purchase, whole boxes and estimated box cost.
The waste allowance is applied before the tile count is rounded up.
How to use the Tile Calculator
- Enter the project length and width to calculate the area to be tiled.
- Enter the actual tile length and width shown on the product specification.
- Choose a waste allowance. Straight layouts often need less extra material than diagonal layouts or rooms with many cuts.
- Enter the number of tiles supplied in one box.
- Add the price per box if you want an estimated tile-material cost.
Formula used by DIYGauge
What this result helps you decide
Use the piece and box counts to plan a purchase while keeping pattern layout and spare tiles in mind.
Worked example: 12 ft × 12 ft room with 12 in tiles
- Room
- 12 ft × 12 ft
- Tile
- 12 in × 12 in
- Waste
- 10%
- Tiles per box
- 10
- Price
- $35/box
The room is 144 sq ft. With 10% waste, the target coverage is 158.4 sq ft. One 12 in × 12 in tile covers 1 sq ft, so the calculator returns 159 tiles and 16 boxes. At $35 per box, the estimated tile cost is $560.
Practical planning tips
Keep extra matching tile for future repairs, especially when color lots or product lines may change.
Use a higher waste allowance for diagonal patterns, complex borders, niches or rooms with many small cuts.
Check whether the manufacturer lists nominal or actual tile dimensions when precision matters.
Common mistakes to avoid
Diagonal layouts, borders and complex cuts usually need more waste.
Check whether the box coverage is based on nominal or actual tile dimensions.
Tile Calculator FAQs
How much extra tile should I buy?+
There is no universal percentage. The right allowance depends on layout, cuts, breakage, pattern matching and whether you want spare tile for repairs. Use the waste field to match the project.
Does the calculator account for grout joints?+
The general Tile Calculator uses the tile dimensions you enter and does not add grout-joint width to the module size. For purchasing, this gives a practical material estimate; detailed layout planning may require the exact installed module.
Why are boxes rounded up?+
Tile is sold in whole boxes. Even if the area calculation uses only part of the last box, the purchase quantity must be a whole box.
Can I use this for bathroom or shower tile?+
Yes for a simple rectangular area, but the Bathroom Tile and Shower Tile calculators include more project-specific inputs.
How to Calculate Tile Quantity and Waste
Calculate tile count from project area and tile size, then turn that number into boxes with a sensible waste allowance.