Tile Calculator

How many tiles do I need?

Enter the project dimensions, tile face dimensions, waste allowance, pieces per box, and price per box. The calculator estimates individual pieces, rounds to full boxes, and reports purchased coverage and material cost.

tiles = round up(project area / tile face area x (1 + waste %)); boxes = round up(tiles / pieces per box)

Tile example

A 15 ft by 12 ft area contains 180 square feet. Twelve-inch square tiles cover one square foot each, so 10% waste produces a 198-tile target. With 15 tiles per box, 14 boxes provide 210 tiles and 210 square feet of face coverage.

Waste and spare tile

Cuts, breakage, pattern alignment, room shape, tile variation, and future repairs affect the order. Lowe's tile calculator guidance suggests purchasing an extra 10% for trim and waste, but the right allowance depends on the project.

Mortar and grout are product-specific

This page estimates tile pieces and boxes, not mortar or grout. Coverage depends on the product, trowel, tile dimensions, joint width and depth, substrate, and application. Use the exact product data sheet or a manufacturer tool such as the MAPEI product calculators.

For a measured walkthrough of L-shaped and other irregular rooms, including a worked square-footage example and ordering checks, read how to calculate square footage for an irregular room.

Frequently asked questions

Does grout-joint width reduce the tile count?

Joint spacing affects layout, but cuts and edge conditions make a simple deduction unreliable. This estimator uses tile face area and a user-controlled waste allowance for purchasing.

Why is box count rounded up?

Retailers normally sell sealed tile in full boxes. The calculator rounds up after converting the required pieces to boxes.

Should wall tile and floor tile be combined?

Run separate estimates when tile sizes, patterns, waste, products, or dye lots differ.