Tile Calculator and Tile Layout Calculator

Wall vs floor tile — pick the right calculator

This calculator handles both walls and floors, but each surface has its own measurement, pattern, and waste considerations. For a walkthrough specific to your project, read our wall tile calculator guide (windows, fixtures, vertical patterns, edge trim) or our floor tile calculator guide (room sizes, pattern waste tradeoffs, common floor tile dimensions).

How to Use This Tile Calculator

Start by entering your room dimensions in inches or feet — the calculator accepts both. Next, set your tile size and grout spacing. Choose from over 10 layout patterns including straight grid, brick/subway offset, herringbone, and diagonal to see a live preview of your tiled surface. Full tiles appear in blue while cut tiles are highlighted in red, giving you a clear picture of where cuts are needed. For non-rectangular spaces, switch to advanced mode to build L-shaped, U-shaped, or T-shaped rooms. You can also add obstacles like outlets, windows, or drains so the calculator accounts for tiles around them. When you are satisfied with the layout, export a PDF material list or share a link with your tile supplier or contractor.

What This Calculator Provides

• Exact tile count — the precise number of full and partial tiles for your room dimensions and chosen pattern
• Cut tile breakdown — identifies every tile that needs cutting and shows the cut location on the visual preview
• Waste estimate — adds a 10% buffer for breakage, mis-cuts, and future repairs, the standard recommended by tile installation professionals
• Cost calculation — enter price per tile or price per square foot to see total material cost, waste cost, and a recommended purchasing budget
• Multi-surface support — plan backsplashes, shower walls, and floors in a single project
• PDF export — generate a printable material list with quantities, dimensions, and cost summary

Need to pick a grout joint width before you set the tile? Use our tile spacing calculator to see recommended widths by tile type and estimate grout linear footage.

Plan the rest of your tile project

The calculator gives you the numbers — these guides cover the decisions around them. Start with How much tile do I need? for the full quantity formula and waste percentages by pattern. Picking a layout? Our tile pattern guide compares straight-lay, herringbone, diagonal, and offset by room size. To dial in your buffer, the calculate tile waste guide breaks down how much extra tile to order based on pattern, cuts, and room shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tile calculator?

A tile calculator is a free online tool that tells you how many tiles you need for a room. Enter your length, width, and tile size, and it returns the total tile count, cut tiles, and a 10% waste buffer. Our tile layout calculator goes further by previewing the pattern, cut list, and full cost estimate.

How do I calculate how many tiles I need?

Enter your room width and height, then enter your tile dimensions. The calculator instantly shows the exact number of tiles needed, including which ones need cutting and a 10% waste buffer.

Does this tile calculator account for waste?

Yes. The calculator adds a 10% waste buffer to account for breakage, mistakes, and cut tile waste. This is the industry standard recommendation for residential and commercial projects.

Can I calculate tile costs with this tool?

Yes. Enter your price per tile or price per square foot, and the calculator shows total material cost, waste cost, and a recommended budget including extras.

What tile patterns are available?

Over 10 patterns including straight, 1/2 staggered (brick/subway), 1/3 staggered, herringbone, diagonal, random stagger, and custom patterns. Each pattern shows a live preview so you can compare layouts before buying materials.

How do I choose the right tile size?

Use our tile size recommendation wizard by clicking "Need help choosing?" in the Tile Dimensions section. Tell us your surface type and priorities, and we'll suggest the best tile sizes with visual previews and metrics like cut count and grout coverage.