Precision Tile Calculator (Floor & Wall)
Tile Calculator
Estimate tiles for any square or rectangular area
Planning a kitchen backsplash or a full bathroom floor renovation is an exciting project. But let’s be honest, nothing ruins a weekend like running out of tile with just three square feet left to go. This tile calculator is designed to solve that problem. In 2026, standard ceramic or porcelain tile projects typically cost between $8 and $20 per square foot installed. By using this tool, you can verify your contractor’s quote or budget your DIY materials with total confidence.
How to use this tile calculator
- Measure the Area: Enter the length and width of the floor or wall you plan to cover in feet.
- Enter Tile Size: Standard tiles are often 12×12 or 24×24 inches, but we allow custom sizing for subway tiles or large-format planks.
- Set the Waste Buffer: I always recommend a 10% buffer. If you are doing a complex pattern like “herringbone,” increase this to 15%.
- Calculate: The tool will tell you the total square footage and the exact number of tiles to buy.
The Tile Math Formula
This tile calculator uses a two-step process to ensure accuracy:
- Total Area: (Length in Ft x Width in Ft) = Square Footage.
- Tile Count: (Total Area / (Tile Length in Inches x Tile Width in Inches / 144)) x 1.10 (Waste) = Total Tiles.
We round up to the nearest whole tile because you cannot buy a “half-tile” at the store. This ensures you have enough material to handle corner cuts and the inevitable broken tile during the installation process.
Why the 10% Wastage is Mandatory
I see many beginners try to save money by ordering the exact square footage. This is a mistake. You lose material every time you cut a tile to fit against a wall or around a toilet. Furthermore, if a tile chips while you are cutting it, you need a backup. Ordering 10 percent extra is the industry standard. For complex layouts with lots of angles, pro installers often order 15 to 20 percent extra just to be safe.
Choosing the Right Tile for Your Project
Not all tiles are created equal. For high-traffic areas like entryways, look for a “PEI Rating” of 4 or 5. For bathroom walls or backsplashes, a PEI 1 or 2 is fine. Remember that larger tiles (12×24 or 24×24) make a small room look bigger because there are fewer grout lines to break up the visual space.
