Area & Tile Size

Area to Tile

Area Length (ft)

Area Width (ft)

Tile Size (inches)

Tile Length (in)

Tile Width (in)

Waste Factor

Tiles Needed (including waste)

Total area

Waste added

How to Use

1
Measure the length and width of the area to be tiled in feet
2
Enter your tile dimensions in inches (check the tile packaging or measure the face of the tile)
3
Select a waste factor - 10% is recommended for most straight-lay floor projects
4
Click Calculate to get the total tiles needed including waste allowance

Formula

Area (sq ft) = Length × Width

Tiles = ⌈(Area ÷ Tile Area) × (1 + Waste%)⌉

The room area is divided by the face area of a single tile (converted to sq ft). The result is multiplied by the waste factor and rounded up to the nearest whole tile.

Examples

Bathroom floor: 8 × 6 ft with 12×12 in tiles, 10% waste

Area 48 sq ft ÷ 1 sq ft/tile = 48 tiles × 1.10 = 52.8 → 53 tiles

Result: 53 tiles

Kitchen backsplash: 10 × 2 ft with 4×4 in tiles, 15% waste

Area 20 sq ft ÷ (4/12 × 4/12 = 0.111) = 180 tiles × 1.15 = 207

Result: 207 tiles

Living room floor: 20 × 15 ft with 18×18 in tiles, 10% waste

Area 300 sq ft ÷ (1.5 × 1.5 = 2.25) = 133 tiles × 1.10 = 146.7 → 147 tiles

Result: 147 tiles

FAQ

For most standard grout joints (1/8-3/16 in), the waste factor already covers the minor difference. If you use unusually wide joints (1/2 in+), measure the tile including its intended spacing.

Most tile retailers allow returns of full, unopened boxes within 30-90 days. Keep your receipt and check the store policy. It is also worth saving a few extra tiles from the same dye lot for future repairs.

Tiles from the same manufacturing batch share a dye lot number, which ensures consistent color and texture. Always buy all tiles for one project from the same dye lot to avoid visible color differences.

Pro Tip

Always buy tiles from the same dye lot and save a few extras. If a tile chips or cracks years later, an exact match from the same lot is irreplaceable. Store them flat in a cool, dry place.