Calculate how many tiles you need for any floor or wall project. Accounts for tile size, grout gap, and waste.
Step 1: Calculate the total area to tile. Area = Length x Width
Step 2: Calculate the area of one tile including grout gap. Tile area = (tile length + grout) x (tile width + grout)
Step 3: Divide the total area by the tile area. Tiles = Area / Tile area
Step 4: Add waste factor. A 10% waste factor is standard for straight layouts. Use 15-20% for diagonal layouts or complex patterns.
Floor tiles: 12x12 in, 12x24 in, 18x18 in, 24x24 in (or 30x30 cm, 30x60 cm, 45x45 cm, 60x60 cm)
Wall tiles: 3x6 in (subway), 4x12 in, 4x16 in (or 7.5x15 cm, 10x30 cm, 10x40 cm)
Mosaic tiles: 1x1 in, 2x2 in (often sold in sheets)
Grout gap: Floor tiles typically use 1/8 in (3mm) to 3/16 in (5mm) spacers. Larger format tiles may use 1/16 in (1.5mm).