Tiling Guide
Tiling estimates start with area, then divide by your tile size and add waste for the layout.
Tile Area Math
Measure the floor or wall area in square feet, subtract openings, and divide by the coverage of one tile (from its size in inches).
Tiles = area (sq ft) × 144 ÷ (tile length in × tile width in)Add Waste by Layout
| Layout | Add Waste |
|---|---|
| Straight grid | 5-8% |
| Diagonal | 10-12% |
| Herringbone / patterned | 12-15% |
| Backsplash with many cut-ins | 10% |
Grout by the Joint
Grout quantity depends on tile size, joint width and joint depth. Thinner, larger tiles with narrow joints use far less grout than small tiles on wide joints.
Check the Box
- Tiles ship by the box with a fixed tile count.
- Round your tile count up to whole boxes.
- Keep extra tile and the batch label for repairs — you can't match a dye lot later.
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Related Calculators
Disclaimer: Figures on this page are general reference information. Always verify exact requirements with your project specifications and a qualified professional.