How do I calculate how many tiles I need?

Divide your total area by the area of one tile. For example, a 100 sq ft room with 12x12 inch tiles (1 sq ft each) needs 100 tiles. Always add 10-15% extra for waste, cuts, and breakage.

How much extra tile should I buy for waste?

For straight lay patterns, add 10% extra. For diagonal patterns, add 15%. For herringbone or complex patterns, add 20%. Also consider keeping a few spare tiles for future repairs.

What is the most common tile size?

12x12 inches and 12x24 inches are the most popular floor tile sizes. For walls and backsplashes, 3x6 inch subway tiles and 4x4 inch tiles are common choices.

How wide should grout lines be?

Standard grout lines are 1/8 inch (3mm) for rectified tiles and 3/16 inch for regular tiles. Larger format tiles often use 1/16 inch grout lines, while rustic tiles may use up to 1/2 inch.

Tile Calculator | Galick Tools

Room / Area Dimensions

Length

Width

OR enter total area

Total Area

Tile Dimensions

Select a common size or enter custom dimensions

Tile Length

Tile Width

Grout & Spacing

Grout Gap Width

Standard: 1/8" (3mm)

Include grout gaps in tile calculations

Tile Pattern

Waste / Overage Factor

10%

Account for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. Pattern affects recommended minimum.

Box Configuration

Tiles Per Box

OR Square Feet Per Box Leave blank to calculate from tile size

Price Estimate (Optional)

Price Per Tile

OR Price Per Box

OR Price Per Sq Ft

Tile Calculation Results

Tiles Needed (with waste)

0 tiles

Room Area

sq ft

Room Area

sq m

Tiles (Exact)

tiles

Coverage Per Tile

sq in

Boxes Needed

boxes

Total Grout Length

linear ft

Tile Reference Guide

Common Tile Sizes

Size	Coverage	Common Use
12" x 12"	1 sq ft	Floors, walls
18" x 18"	2.25 sq ft	Large floors
24" x 24"	4 sq ft	Open spaces
12" x 24"	2 sq ft	Modern floors
3" x 6"	0.125 sq ft	Subway/backsplash
6" x 6"	0.25 sq ft	Walls, accents

Waste Factor Guide

Pattern	Min. Waste	Notes
Straight lay	10%	Most efficient
Brick/offset	10-12%	Minimal extra cuts
Diagonal	15%	Edge cuts required
Herringbone	20%	Many angled cuts
Complex mosaic	20-25%	High breakage risk

Measuring Tips

Measure length and width at the widest points
For L-shaped rooms, split into rectangles and add areas
Subtract area for permanent fixtures (islands, cabinets)
Measure twice, order once - returns can be costly
Keep 2-3 extra tiles for future repairs
Order all tiles from the same lot for color consistency

Tile Calculator