Tile Calculator (Tiles, Boxes & Waste)
Enter the area, pick a tile size, and get the exact tile count and boxes to order — with a waste allowance built in so a cut pile or a broken box does not stop the job. The math updates as you type.
Tile Calculator
Pick a tile size, enter your area and box count, and read the order quantity. A 10% waste allowance is included by default.
Boxes are always rounded up to a whole box — you cannot buy a partial box. Estimate only; confirm exact box coverage with your supplier, since lot sizes vary.
How much tile do I need? The formula
Tile is sold by the box, and boxes are sold by the square foot, so the calculation runs in two steps: pad your area for waste, then divide by the coverage of a single tile to get a tile count, then divide by tiles-per-box and round up.
| Step | Example: 120 sq ft, 12×12 tile, 10 per box |
|---|---|
| Area with 10% waste | 120 × 1.10 = 132 sq ft |
| Tiles needed | 132 ÷ 1.0 sq ft per tile = 132 tiles |
| Boxes to order | 132 ÷ 10 per box = 13.2 → round up to 14 boxes |
Waste should track the layout: 10% is standard for a straight lay, 15% for diagonal or herringbone patterns, and small mosaics or subway tile with a lot of cuts around fixtures can run higher. Always round the box count up — a short order mid-job means a delay waiting on a dye-lot match.
Contractor Estimate Calculator (Excel & Google Sheets)
Turn the tile count into a priced, itemized estimate — materials, labor, markup, and profit, auto-totaled. The estimate you hand the client after the calculator tells you the quantity.
Dye lots and overage
Tile is manufactured in batches called dye lots, and color can shift slightly between lots — even for the same SKU. Order all of your tile, including waste, from a single dye lot so a reorder halfway through the job does not leave a visible seam. If the job is large or the pattern is complex, buy a few extra tiles beyond the calculator number and keep them for future repairs.
Once the tile count is set, price the labor
The calculator gives you the material quantity; your bid still needs labor, cuts, and prep. Price the full job with a tile installation estimate template, or start from a broader flooring estimate template and our flooring job pricing calculator if the room mixes tile with other flooring.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how many tiles I need?
Add your waste percentage to the room area, then divide by the square footage of a single tile. For 120 sq ft with 10% waste and a 1 sq ft tile, that is 120 × 1.10 ÷ 1.0 = 132 tiles.
How much extra tile should I buy for waste?
10% is standard for a straight lay. Diagonal or herringbone patterns, small formats, and rooms with lots of cuts around fixtures should use 15% or more.
How many tiles are in a box?
It varies by size and manufacturer — commonly 10 to 18 tiles per box for 12×12, fewer for large-format tile. Check the box label or your supplier for the exact count and enter it in the calculator.
Is this tile calculator free?
Yes — free, no sign-up. Enter your area, tile size, and box count, and read the tiles and boxes needed. Estimates only; confirm with your supplier before ordering.