Tile Calculator
Estimate the number of tiles, boxes, and grout needed for any wall or floor. This all-in-one calculator includes cost and material estimates for your project.
The Complete Guide to Estimating Tile
A new tile installation can transform a room, but a successful project begins with accurate planning. Knowing exactly how much tile, grout, and other materials to buy saves you from return trips to the store and prevents wasteful overspending. This calculator is designed to be your all-in-one planning tool for any tiling project, from a kitchen backsplash to a large floor.
How to Measure for Tile
- Calculate the Total Area: Measure the length and width of the area you plan to tile. For simple rectangular rooms, this is all you need. For L-shaped rooms or areas with cutouts, use our "Multiple Areas" mode. Break the space into smaller rectangles, measure each one, and let the calculator sum them up for a total area. For a more generic area tool, use our Square Footage Calculator.
- Input Your Tile Size: Enter the dimensions of a single tile. This is critical for determining how many tiles you'll need to cover the area.
- Don't Forget Grout Lines: The space between your tiles adds to the overall dimensions. Enter your desired grout line width.
- Account for Waste (Very Important!): You will always need more tile than the exact area of your room. You'll make mistakes, and cuts for edges and corners will render some pieces unusable. A 10% waste factor is standard for simple grid layouts. For diagonal or herringbone patterns, increase this to 15-20%.
Understanding Your Results
- Tiles Needed: This is the total number of individual tiles required, including your waste factor.
- Boxes to Buy: Since you buy tiles in boxes, this is the most important number for your shopping list. We round this number up so you're never short.
- Grout Needed: We estimate the total volume of grout required to fill the gaps between your tiles. This helps you buy the right amount of grout mix.
Budgeting and Planning Your Project
Tiling can be a significant investment. After getting a cost estimate, you may need to see how it fits into your budget. If it's part of a larger renovation, our Loan & Mortgage Calculator can help you explore financing. If you're tiling a floor that needs a new concrete base, start with our Concrete Calculator.