Tile Project Calculator

Estimate individual tiles, full boxes, grout spacing, pattern waste, and material cost in US or metric units.

Straight, diagonal, herringbone
Tiles or coverage per box
Editable waste allowance

Project calculator

Tile Calculator

Estimate tile quantity, full boxes, waste allowance, and cost.

Methodology

How the tile estimate is built

Measure the surface

Length × width gives the project area. Divide irregular rooms into rectangles and calculate each section separately.

Include grout joints

The tile module combines tile dimensions and grout width to estimate how many installed tiles span the surface.

Add layout waste

Straight lay starts at 10%. Diagonal and herringbone start at 15% because perimeter cuts are harder to reuse. All presets are editable.

Round to full boxes

Use either pieces per carton or manufacturer-listed carton coverage. Final ordering always rounds up to a whole box.

Worked example

A 12 × 10 ft floor with 12-inch tile

120 ft²surface area

10%straight-lay waste

132 ft²order coverage

If a carton covers 10 ft², buy 14 cartons. Confirm coverage on the exact product because nominal tile size and carton quantities vary.

Buying guidance

Check the order before checkout.

Order one dye lot or production batch when possible.
Use the coverage printed on the carton rather than a nominal estimate.
Keep attic stock for future breakage when product availability is uncertain.

Frequently asked questions

A second look at the estimate.

Does grout width reduce the tile count?

The calculator includes the joint in the installed tile module, while the order still rounds to whole tiles or boxes.

Why does a diagonal layout use more waste?

Perimeter cuts are more frequent and fewer offcuts can be reused.

Should wall tile and floor tile be combined?

Only combine areas when the same product, layout, package, and allowance apply.

Sources and limitations

This is a material planning estimate. Complex rooms, borders, niches, mixed-size patterns, batch matching, and installer experience may require a larger allowance.

Last reviewed: July 16, 2026