Tile Calculator Estimate tile quantity, cost, and layout waste for floors, walls, and backsplashes — with realistic cuts,...

Tile Calculator

Estimate tile quantity, cost, and layout waste for floors, walls, and backsplashes — with realistic cuts, patterns, and professional benchmarks.

Floor

Wall

Pattern Layout

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Obstacles (sq ft)

Height (ft)

Width (ft)

Openings (sq ft)

Total Area (sq ft)

Pattern Straight Lay Staggered (Brick) Diagonal (45°) Herringbone

Tile & Labor Costs

Tile Price ($/sq ft)

Labor ($/sq ft)

Tile Size (in) 12×12 6×6 3×6 (Subway) 24×24

0

Tiles Needed

0

Total Area (sq ft)

0

Waste (Tiles)

$0

Estimated Cost

Room Layout & Tile Grid

How Tile Quantity Is Calculated

Basic Formula**:

$$\text{Tiles} = \frac{\text{Net Area (sq ft)}}{\text{Tile Area (sq ft)}} \times (1 + \text{Waste Factor})$$

Example: 12×10 ft room − 5 sq ft obstacles = 115 sq ft • 12×12 tile = 1 sq ft • Straight lay (5% waste): 115 × 1.05 = **121 tiles**

Pattern Waste Factors**:

• Straight Lay: 5%
• Staggered/Brick: 10%
• Diagonal 45°: 15%
• Herringbone: 20%

✅ Pro Tip**: Always round up to nearest full box — and keep 3–5 extra tiles for future repairs.

Common Tiling Mistakes

⚠️ Avoid these costly errors:

• Skipping backer board** in wet areas → mold, tile failure
• Ignoring expansion gaps** → cracked tiles, grout failure
• Measuring only floor, not baseboards** — add 2–3" for cuts
• Buying just enough tile** — no room for cuts or mistakes

✅ Best Practices**:

• Use cement board for showers/tubs (not green drywall)
• Leave 1/8" expansion gap at walls
• Do a dry layout first — especially for patterns
• Order all tile from same dye lot

2025 Tiling Benchmarks

Project	Avg. Size	Tiles Needed (12×12)	Total Cost*
Bathroom Floor	45 sq ft	48 tiles	$520
Shower Walls	90 sq ft	95 tiles	$1,040
Kitchen Backsplash	30 sq ft	240 (3×6)	$380
Living Room	120 sq ft	126 tiles	$1,300

*Tile @ $3/sq ft + Labor @ $8.50/sq ft + 10% waste

📉 Labor Rates by Region**:

• Northeast: $9–$12/sq ft
• South: $6–$9/sq ft
• West: $8–$11/sq ft
• Midwest: $5–$8/sq ft

How to Use This Calculator

➡️ Floor Tiling

For rooms, entries, patios — enter L×W and subtract obstacles (toilet, cabinets).

➡️ Wall Tiling

Shower, backsplash, accent wall — enter H×W and subtract openings (windows, niches).

➡️ Pattern Layout

See how herringbone or diagonal increases waste and cost.

You’ll get:

• Exact tile count (with waste)
• Total area and cost breakdown
• SVG room layout with tile grid
• Professional installation estimate

Note: Assumes standard 1/8" grout lines. For mosaics or large-format tiles, adjust waste factor manually.