Tile pieces + boxes + setting materials
Tile Calculator
Measure a floor, wall, or backsplash to estimate tile area and how much to buy. Add tile and product details when you want piece, box, grout, and thinset quantities.
Example only
- Net tiled area
- 120 sq ft
- With 10% waste
- 132 sq ft
- At 12 sq ft per box
- 11 boxes
Your result uses your own measurements and product coverage, not this example.
Measuring guide
Measure the space that will receive tile
Use the same area method for floors, walls, and backsplashes. Keep areas for different tile products in separate estimates.
Measure rectangles
Multiply each floor’s length by width, or each wall’s width by height. Add more rectangles for an L shape or multiple surfaces.
Subtract openings
Subtract door, window, or other large areas only when they are inside the measured surface and will not be tiled.
Check the packages
Use the chosen tile’s sq ft per box. For grout and thinset, use coverage for the exact product and installation conditions.
The math
From square feet to tiles and boxes
Tile waste applies to the tile you purchase. Grout and thinset cover the net installed area instead.
Example: a 10 × 12 ft floor
- Net tiled area: 10 × 12 = 120 sq ft.
- With 10% tile waste: 120 × 1.10 = 132 sq ft to purchase.
- At 12 × 12 in per tile: 132 ÷ 1 = about 132 pieces.
- At 12 sq ft per box: 132 ÷ 12 = 11 whole boxes.
- If grout covers 50 sq ft per package and thinset covers 60 sq ft per package: plan for 3 grout packages and 2 thinset packages from the 120 sq ft installed area.
This is a planning estimate, not a tile layout. Joint spacing, cuts, product coverage, and jobsite conditions can change the final quantities.
Product coverage
Where to find the numbers on your products
Actual packaging and manufacturer instructions are more useful than one generic coverage assumption.
Find square feet per carton on the tile box or product listing. Enter tile or mosaic sheet dimensions separately for piece count.
Use a coverage chart that matches your tile dimensions, tile thickness, grout joint, and grout product.
Use coverage for the mortar and trowel specified for your installation; a larger notch can reduce coverage.
FAQ
Tile calculator questions
How many tiles do I need for 100 square feet?
For 12 × 12 in tiles, 100 sq ft is about 100 pieces before cuts. With 10% extra for cuts and breakage, plan for about 110 pieces. Check the product’s square feet per box to calculate whole boxes.
How do I calculate tile for a backsplash?
Measure each rectangular section of the backsplash in feet and inches. Add the sections together and subtract any large areas that will not be tiled. Then enter the tile or mosaic sheet size if you want a piece estimate.
Should I subtract doors and windows from wall tile?
Yes, if those openings are included in the wall dimensions and will not receive tile. Enter their combined area in the optional “Area not being tiled” field.
Why are tile pieces and boxes different estimates?
Pieces use the tile or sheet dimensions you enter. Boxes use the manufacturer’s stated square feet per box, which is the better number for purchasing packaged tile. Both are rounded up.
How much extra tile should I buy?
The calculator starts with 10% extra for cuts and breakage. Change the allowance for the chosen tile, layout, and installer guidance. A complex pattern can need more cuts than a simple straight layout.
Why do grout and thinset need product coverage?
Grout coverage changes with tile dimensions, thickness, and joint width. Thinset coverage changes with the product and trowel. Enter the square-foot coverage for your selected package to estimate package counts.
Does the tile cost include installation?
No. The optional price estimate covers tile boxes only. It does not include grout, thinset, tax, delivery, surface preparation, or labor.
References
Sources behind this calculator
These guides support the area method and explain why product-specific coverage matters. Always follow the products you choose.
Tile area and waste
Home Depot shows area measurement, L-shaped spaces, tile size, and a 10% starting allowance.
Home Depot tile guide ↗Grout coverage
Custom Building Products shows how package coverage changes with tile size and joint width.
Custom Building Products grout chart ↗Thinset coverage
MAPEI lists coverage by trowel size and notes that tile and substrate conditions can change it.
MAPEI mortar coverage chart ↗More tools