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.
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.
⚠️ 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
| 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
➡️ 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.