How to calculate tile quantity
Tile is priced and packed by the square foot or piece count, but cuts, breakage, and pattern layout eat into every order. Measure the field area first, then add waste — not the other way around.
- Measure the length and width of the surface in feet.
- Multiply for square footage.
- Add a waste factor for cuts, broken tiles, and pattern layout.
- Divide by the area of one tile (convert inches to feet first).
Example: a 5×8 ft bathroom floor (40 sq ft) with 12×12 in tiles and 12% waste needs about 45 tiles — use the calculator for your exact tile size.
Large-format and plank tile
A 12×24 in tile covers 2 sq ft each — fewer pieces, but small rooms often need more waste because of perimeter cuts. Enter actual tile dimensions in inches; do not assume one tile equals one square foot.
Waste factors by layout
| Layout | Suggested waste |
|---|---|
| Straight / grid | 10% |
| 50% offset (brick) | 12–15% |
| Diagonal | 15–20% |
| Mosaic sheets | 10–12% |
Shower walls with niches, benches, and curb cuts often land at 15% even on straight layouts.
Do not forget thinset, grout, and trim
This calculator counts field tile only. Budget extra for:
- Trim pieces — bullnose, schluter edges, niches, and listellos
- Thinset mortar — a 50 lb bag often covers 40–50 sq ft at a 3/16 in notch (varies by tile size)
- Grout — depends on joint width, tile size, and depth; large format with tight joints uses less grout per sq ft
- Backer board — cement board sq ft is separate from tile count
Floor vs wall vs shower
- Floors: measure full room rectangles; subtract island footprints only if tile stops under cabinets
- Shower: measure each wall panel; add curb and ceiling if tiled
- Backsplash: length × height between counters and cabinets — watch outlet cuts
For waterproofing and pan labor, installed cost often exceeds material — see bathroom remodel cost for 2026 ranges.
Ordering and dye lots
- Buy all field tile at once from the same lot when possible
- Keep one unopened box for future repairs — shade variation between lots is common
- Verify return policy on special orders and natural stone
Flooring alternative?
For dry rooms where tile is overkill, run our flooring calculator for LVP or laminate box counts, or compare vinyl vs laminate before you commit.