ToolForage.
CONSTRUCTION CALCULATOR

Tile Calculator

Estimate how many rectangular tiles and full boxes to buy from the surface dimensions, tile dimensions, waste allowance, and package count.

Calculator

Measurement system
%
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

Tile count includes 10% allowance and boxes are rounded up using 12 tiles per box.

Understanding your result

The surface area is increased by the waste allowance and divided by one tile's area. Tiles and boxes both round up so the purchase covers the estimate.

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

The formula

Tiles = ceil(surface area × (1 + waste rate) ÷ tile area)

Imperial mode converts tile dimensions from square inches to square feet. Metric mode converts square centimetres to square metres before division.

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 the measurement system and enter surface dimensions.
  2. Enter tile dimensions, waste allowance, and tiles per box.
  3. Calculate whole tiles and the rounded-up number of boxes.

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

A tile count may not divide evenly by the package quantity. This calculator rounds boxes up and reports the resulting purchased tile count.

Keeping spare matching tiles can help with future repairs, especially when colors and production lots change.

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 spacing and patterned layouts are not modeled separately.
  • Broken pieces may not be reusable in another location.
  • Supplier returns and package coverage rules 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