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Tile Calculator

Floor or wall area and tile size to tiles needed, boxes to buy, and cost.

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Diagonal layouts nearly double your waste allowance

A straight grid layout typically only needs 10% extra for edge cuts. A diagonal or herringbone pattern cuts a partial tile at almost every border, so 15-20% waste is the safer planning number for those layouts.

Start with the raw tile count: total area (length times width) divided by one tile's area, with both measurements converted to the same unit. Add a waste percentage for cutting tiles to fit at the room's edges, around fixtures, or into an angled layout.

Layout pattern changes that waste figure more than most people expect. A simple grid pattern, tile aligned square to the walls, generally needs 10% extra. A 45-degree diagonal layout, or a herringbone pattern, creates far more partial tiles along every wall and corner, so 15-20% waste is the more realistic number.

Tile is sold by the box, and box quantities vary by manufacturer and tile size, so always round the final tile count up to a whole number of boxes rather than ordering the bare minimum — running short mid-job risks a different dye lot on the reorder.

Where these numbers come from

These are planning estimates. Check product labels, your local building code, and a licensed contractor before you buy materials or build.

Frequently asked questions

How much extra tile should I order?

10% for a standard grid layout is a common minimum; 15-20% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, irregular rooms, or a first-time DIY install where mistakes are more likely.

Does grout joint width change how many tiles I need?

It has a small effect on total coverage since wider grout lines slightly reduce the tiled area per tile spacing, but it's usually a minor adjustment compared to the pattern-based waste allowance.

Should I buy all my tile from the same batch?

Yes when possible. Tile color and shade can vary slightly between production runs (dye lots), so buying enough in one order, including your waste allowance, avoids a visible mismatch if you need to reorder later.

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