Tile Calculator

It depends on tile size. A 12x12-inch tile covers 1 square foot (plus grout gap). A 6x6-inch tile takes 4 tiles per square foot. A 12x24-inch tile covers 2 square feet each, so you need 0.5 tiles per square foot. This calculator handles the math for any tile size, including grout gap adjustments.

Straight lay patterns need 10% extra. Running bond and basketweave need 12%. Diagonal layouts need 15%. Herringbone needs 18% because every tile gets cut at an angle along walls. If your room has columns, curves, or alcoves, multiply these percentages by 1.3x to 1.6x. This calculator adjusts automatically based on your pattern and room complexity.

Break the L-shape into two rectangles. Measure each rectangle separately (length x width), then add them together. This calculator has a built-in "Add Second Area" toggle that does exactly this. Enter each rectangle and the calculator combines them for accurate tile counts.

Grout quantity depends on tile size, grout width, and total area. Smaller tiles with wider grout lines need more grout per square foot than large-format tiles with thin joints. This calculator estimates grout weight in pounds based on your specific tile size and grout width selection, using a standard 3/8-inch joint depth.

Yes. Herringbone wastes about 18% compared to 10% for straight lay. Every tile along walls and edges gets cut at a 45-degree angle, and the offcuts are often too small to reuse. The pattern also requires more precise layout work, which increases installation time and cost.

For most floor tiles, 1/4-inch grout lines are standard and the most common. Rectified (precision-cut) tiles can use 1/16 to 1/8-inch joints for a minimal grout look. Natural stone and handmade tiles often need 3/8-inch joints to accommodate size variation. Wider grout lines are easier for DIY installation.

It varies by manufacturer and tile size. Standard 12x12-inch tiles typically come 10-15 per box. Large 24x24-inch tiles come 4-6 per box. Small subway tiles (3x6) often come 20-25 per box. Check the box label or product listing for the exact count and enter it in the calculator for accurate box quantities.

The tile count math is the same for walls and floors: measure the area, pick your tile size, and account for waste. The main difference is that wall tile waste tends to be higher because you have more edges, outlets, and fixtures to cut around. Use the "Moderate" or "Complex" room complexity setting for walls with multiple cutouts.

Large-format tiles (12x24 or 24x24) with minimal grout lines make small rooms feel more spacious because fewer grout lines mean less visual clutter. Laying rectangular tiles in a running bond pattern along the longest dimension elongates the space. Avoid busy mosaic patterns in small rooms.

Buy all tiles from the same production lot (the lot number is printed on each box). Even identical tiles from different production runs can have slight color and caliber differences. Open and mix tiles from multiple boxes during installation to blend any minor variation across the floor.