Tile Guide: Everything You Need to Estimate
To calculate tiles, find the area in square feet (length × width), divide by the area of one tile, then add 10–20% for cuts and breakage. A 10×8 ft floor with 12-inch tiles needs about 88 tiles including 10% waste, costing roughly $160–$1,200 in tile.
Get exact numbers
Use the free Tile Calculator to estimate your project.
How to estimate tile
Formula: Tiles = (Area ÷ tile area) × (1 + waste %), where tile area (ft²) = width in × height in ÷ 144
- Measure the surface. Multiply length × width in feet for the total area.
- Find one tile's area. Multiply tile width × height in inches, then divide by 144 for square feet.
- Divide and add waste. Divide the surface area by the tile area, then add 10–20%.
- Round up to full boxes. Buy by the box and keep spares for repairs and dye-lot matching.
Example: A 10 ft × 8 ft floor = 80 ft². A 12×12 in tile = 1 ft². 80 ÷ 1 = 80 × 1.10 ≈ 88 tiles.
Common mistakes to avoid
Skipping the waste allowance
Cuts at walls and breakage during install mean you need 10–20% extra. Buy it up front — dye lots change.
Subtracting grout lines
Grout lines barely change the count, and the waste factor covers it. Don't reduce your tile total for them.
Forgetting setting materials
Thinset, grout, spacers, and sealer aren't tiles but are essential — budget for them separately.
Not ordering a repair stock
Keep a few spare tiles from the same lot for future cracks and chips you can't re-match later.