Tile Calculator

Calculate tiles needed for a floor or wall with waste factor. See material and installation cost estimates.

ft
ft
Tile Size
%
$/sqft

Use the Tile Calculator above to calculate your results. Enter your values and see instant results — all calculations run in your browser.

Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.

How It Works

Our Tile Calculator accurately determines the number of tiles required for your project, factoring in crucial waste percentages to prevent costly reorders. With fluctuating material costs, knowing your exact needs can save you upwards of $500 on an average 200 sq ft tiling job in 2026, avoiding both overspending and project delays.

The methodology involves calculating the total area to be tiled (length x width), then dividing by the area of a single tile. This base quantity is then multiplied by a user-defined waste factor (typically 10-15% for standard layouts, 20%+ for complex patterns or large format tiles) to account for cuts, breaks, and future repairs.

Always measure your area multiple times to avoid miscalculations, a common mistake that leads to significant material waste or shortages. Remember to account for grout lines in your tile area calculations if you're using very small tiles, as this can slightly reduce the effective coverage of each tile.

Example: Tiling a 100 sq ft Bathroom Floor

  1. 1 Input: Room dimensions 10 ft x 10 ft (100 sq ft total area). Tile size 12 inches x 24 inches (2 sq ft per tile). Waste factor 15%. Average tile cost $3.50/sq ft. Installation cost $7.00/sq ft.
  2. 2 Calculation: 100 sq ft / 2 sq ft/tile = 50 tiles (base). 50 tiles * 1.15 (15% waste) = 57.5 tiles. Round up to 58 tiles. Material cost: 58 tiles * $3.50/sq ft * 2 sq ft/tile = $406. Installation cost: 100 sq ft * $7.00/sq ft = $700.
  3. 3 Intermediate Result: You need approximately 58 tiles. The estimated material cost is $406.
  4. 4 Final Result: The total estimated cost for materials and installation for your 100 sq ft bathroom floor, including a 15% waste factor, is $1106. This ensures you have sufficient tiles for the project and potential future repairs, preventing unexpected expenses.

Source: HomeAdvisor · Last updated: April 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

How many tiles do I need for my project?
Calculate the area in square feet, then divide by the area of one tile. Add 10% for straight layouts or 15% for diagonal or mosaic patterns to account for cuts and waste. For example, a 100 sq ft floor with 12x12 tiles needs about 110 tiles.
How much does tile installation cost?
Professional tile installation runs $5-15 per square foot for labor, plus material costs ($1-20+ per sq ft depending on tile quality). Total installed cost for a 100 sq ft bathroom floor is typically $1,000-3,000.
What size tile is best for a small bathroom?
Larger tiles (12x24 or 24x24) with minimal grout lines can make a small bathroom look larger. Light colors also help. Very small tiles (1x1 mosaics) work well for shower floors where more grout lines improve traction.