ToolForage.
CONSTRUCTION CALCULATOR

Tile Calculator

Estimate tile boxes from known area, one rectangle or editable surface rows. Convert measurements, apply an allowance and use tile counts or supplier box coverage.

Calculator

Measurement systemChanging units converts surface measurements, tile dimensions, grout width and area coverage.
ft
ft
in
Enter the actual tile length, excluding the grout joint.
in
%
Enter the number of this exact tile size in one full box, not box coverage area.
ft²
One row: length, width. Enter non-overlapping rectangular areas.
ft²
Advanced options
in
Optional area-module estimate: each tile dimension plus one joint. It is not a row-by-row cut layout.
USD
Currency labels your price; it does not convert it.
YOUR RESULTS
Boxes to buy10
Tiles required
110
Tiles purchased
120
Surface area
100 ft²
Area including waste
110 ft²
Purchased area above surface
20 ft²
Purchased area
120 ft²
Tile box cost
250.00 USD

Tile count includes the allowance and boxes round up using the entered whole tile count. Grout-width entry uses an approximate repeating module.

Measured surfaces before allowance
Measured surfaces before allowance
SurfaceNet area
1100 ft²
Page guide

Surface coverage and whole-tile orders

The entered surfaces are summed before one allowance. Tile estimates divide this area by a tile-plus-joint module. Whole boxes use either tiles per box or the supplier coverage you enter; the two package methods need not give the same result.

If the tiled surface also needs a new rectangular concrete slab, the Concrete Calculator estimates volume from the footprint and slab thickness.

The formula

Net area = sum of entered rectangular surfaces, or supplied total area. Module = (tile length + grout joint) × (tile width + grout joint). Tiles = ceil(net area × (1 + allowance/100) ÷ module). Boxes = ceil(tiles ÷ tiles per box), or ceil(order area ÷ supplier box coverage).

With a zero grout joint, the area module is the actual tile face and the original area estimate is preserved. A positive joint is an approximate repeating module, not a count of boundary joints or reusable cuts. Supplier coverage determines purchase area directly in coverage mode.

A 100 ft² floor with 12-inch tiles

A 10% allowance requires 110 ft² of tile. Each 12 by 12 inch tile covers 1 ft², so 110 tiles are required; the exact package count depends on tiles per box.

How to use this calculator

  1. Choose a known total area, a rectangle or several rectangular surfaces. Enter actual tile dimensions. Unit changes convert the measurements.
  2. Enter the allowance. If useful, set a positive grout width under Advanced options; this uses an approximate area module.
  3. Choose tiles per box or supplier box coverage, and enter a box price under Advanced options. Review whole-box purchases and surplus area.

Layout changes cutting waste

Straight layouts in simple rooms usually create less cutting waste than diagonals, borders, or rooms with many corners.

Measure alcoves and obstacles carefully, and select an allowance that matches the actual layout and installer guidance.

Purchase planning uses full boxes

Tile-count mode rounds the calculated tiles to whole boxes. Supplier-coverage mode instead divides order area by the coverage printed for the selected box.

Purchased area and cost follow the selected box method. Verify manufacturer coverage, installation details and matching spare tiles before ordering.

Assumptions & limitations

What this calculation assumes

  • The surface and each tile are rectangular.
  • Tiles in every box have the same stated dimensions.
  • The entered package count is current for the chosen product.

What to keep in mind

  • Grout-width entry is an area-module approximation, not a row layout, overlap model or patterned installation.
  • Broken pieces and edge offcuts may not be reusable; supplier coverage, returns and package contents vary.

Common questions

Why are both tiles and boxes rounded up?

A fraction of a tile cannot cover the remaining area, and retail packages are usually sold as whole boxes.

Does tile size use inches in imperial mode?

Yes. Surface dimensions use feet while tile dimensions use inches.

What waste rate should I use?

Use the product, layout, room complexity, and installer guidance; 10% is only an editable starting point.

Sources & further reading

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