Tile Calculator — Square Feet, Tiles & Waste

How Much Tile Do I Need?

Most residential tile projects need between 50 and 500 square feet of tile. The exact amount depends on three things: the area you're tiling, the tile size, and how much extra to order for waste, cuts, and breakage.

The basic formula is straightforward:

Tiles needed = (Total area in sq ft ÷ Tile coverage per piece) × 1.10 (waste buffer)

For example, a 100 sq ft floor tiled with 12-inch × 12-inch tiles (1 sq ft each) needs 100 × 1.10 = 110 tiles.

Quick estimates for common projects:

• Bathroom floor (35 sq ft) — 39 tiles of 12×12, or 14 boxes of 6×24 plank
• Kitchen backsplash (30 linear ft × 18 inches) — 50 sq ft after waste buffer
• Standard shower walls (3 walls × 7 ft tall × 7 ft total width) — 165 sq ft
• Average bathroom (8×10 floor + tub surround) — 145-180 sq ft total
• Open-plan kitchen floor (200 sq ft) — 220 sq ft ordered

Always order 10 to 15% extra to account for cuts at corners, broken tiles during installation, and future repair needs. For complex layouts (diagonal patterns, herringbone, multiple corners), increase the buffer to 15-20%.

The calculator above does this math instantly. For specialty projects (showers, backsplashes, walls), see the dedicated sections below.

Floor Tile Calculator

Floor tile is the most common tile application. Calculations are straightforward — measure the room area, choose a tile size, account for waste.

Standard floor tile sizes and coverage:

• 12 × 12 inch tile — 1 sq ft per tile (100 sq ft = 100 tiles)
• 18 × 18 inch tile — 2.25 sq ft per tile (100 sq ft = 45 tiles)
• 24 × 24 inch tile — 4 sq ft per tile (100 sq ft = 25 tiles)
• 6 × 24 inch plank — 1 sq ft per tile (100 sq ft = 100 tiles)
• 8 × 48 inch plank — 2.67 sq ft per tile (100 sq ft = 38 tiles)
• 12 × 24 inch rectangle — 2 sq ft per tile (100 sq ft = 50 tiles)
• 6 × 6 inch tile — 0.25 sq ft per tile (100 sq ft = 400 tiles)

Floor tile project examples:

• Small bathroom floor (5 × 7 ft = 35 sq ft) at 12×12 tile: 39 tiles ordered (with 10% buffer)
• Medium kitchen (12 × 14 ft = 168 sq ft) at 18×18 tile: 83 tiles ordered
• Large open floor (20 × 30 ft = 600 sq ft) at 24×24 tile: 165 tiles ordered

Considerations for floor tile:

• Diagonal layouts add 10-15% waste above the standard buffer
• Patterned tile (herringbone, basketweave) adds another 5-10% waste
• Long plank tiles require longer cuts at edges — add 15% buffer minimum
• Border or accent tiles should be calculated separately, not as percentages

The calculator above handles standard rectangular layouts. For complex patterns, calculate the main field tile separately, then add accent/border quantities.

Shower Tile Calculator

Shower tile calculation is the most-misunderstood tile project because most homeowners forget to include the ceiling and any niches.

For a standard 3-wall shower (no ceiling tile, no niches):

• Measure each wall's height × width separately
• Add wall areas together
• Add 10% for waste

Standard shower wall measurements:

• Standard tub surround (3 walls, 5 ft tall × 5+3+3 ft = 11 ft total): 55 sq ft + 10% = 61 sq ft
• Walk-in shower, small (3 walls, 7 ft tall × 3+3+3 ft = 9 ft total): 63 sq ft + 10% = 70 sq ft
• Walk-in shower, medium (3 walls, 7 ft tall × 4+3+4 ft = 11 ft total): 77 sq ft + 10% = 85 sq ft
• Walk-in shower, large (3 walls, 8 ft tall × 5+4+5 ft = 14 ft total): 112 sq ft + 10% = 124 sq ft

Add these areas if applicable:

• Shower ceiling (3 ft × 5 ft typical): 15 sq ft
• Niche shelves (12 × 24 inch typical): 4 sq ft per niche, but include sides and bottom
• Bench top and front (24 inch × 60 inch bench): 14 sq ft
• Curb top (4 × 60 inch curb): 1.7 sq ft

Common complete shower tile orders:

• Small alcove shower with niche: 75 sq ft
• Medium walk-in with ceiling and niche: 105 sq ft
• Large walk-in with bench, ceiling, niche: 145 sq ft
• Master walk-in with bench, niche, decorative band: 175 sq ft

Consider tile orientation:

• Vertical tile patterns (long edge up) make ceilings look taller — common in modern designs
• Horizontal tile patterns (long edge across) make rooms look wider — common in spa-style showers
• Mixed sizes require separate calculations for each tile type

The calculator above gives you total square footage for any shower configuration. Plug in each wall separately, then add ceiling/niche/bench areas to your total.

Backsplash Tile Calculator

Backsplash is one of the easiest tile projects to calculate but the most-undermeasured. The trick is remembering you're measuring linear feet × height, not square footage of the wall.

Standard backsplash measurements:

• Counter run length (in linear feet)
• Backsplash height (typically 18 inches = 1.5 ft, sometimes full ceiling)
• Account for outlets, windows, and obstructions

The backsplash formula:

Backsplash sq ft = Linear feet × Height in feet

Common backsplash project examples:

• Small kitchen (15 linear ft of counter × 1.5 ft height = 22.5 sq ft): 25 sq ft ordered
• Medium kitchen (20 linear ft × 1.5 ft = 30 sq ft): 33 sq ft ordered
• Large kitchen (30 linear ft × 1.5 ft = 45 sq ft): 50 sq ft ordered
• Full-height backsplash to ceiling (15 linear ft × 4 ft = 60 sq ft): 66 sq ft ordered

Subtract for obstructions:

• Window above counter: subtract window dimensions
• Range hood area (if not tiling behind): subtract that section
• Outlets are too small to subtract (don't bother)

Corner allowances:

For inside and outside corners, add 1 extra tile per corner to the buffer. Most kitchens have 2-4 corners, so add 4-8 tiles to standard waste buffer.

Mosaic vs. subway vs. large format:

• Mosaic sheets typically come in 12×12 inch sheets covering 1 sq ft each
• Subway tile is most common at 3×6 inch — 8 tiles per sq ft
• Large format (12×24 plank) — 2 sq ft per tile

For typical kitchen backsplash, plan on 30-50 sq ft of tile total. The 18-inch standard height has been giving way to ceiling-height backsplashes in modern designs, which doubles the order quantity.

How Much Does Tile Cost?

Tile pricing varies enormously by material, size, and pattern complexity. Here are realistic 2026 ranges.

Tile material costs per square foot:

• Ceramic tile — $1 to $5 per sq ft
• Porcelain tile — $3 to $10 per sq ft
• Travertine — $4 to $12 per sq ft
• Marble — $8 to $25 per sq ft
• Glass mosaic — $7 to $20 per sq ft
• Granite tile — $8 to $20 per sq ft
• Slate — $5 to $15 per sq ft
• Subway tile (basic) — $1.50 to $5 per sq ft

Installation cost per square foot (labor only):

• Standard ceramic floor — $5 to $10 per sq ft installed
• Porcelain floor — $7 to $14 per sq ft installed
• Natural stone (marble, travertine) — $10 to $20 per sq ft installed
• Mosaic tile (small pieces) — $15 to $30 per sq ft installed
• Diagonal or pattern installation — add $2 to $5 per sq ft
• Demolition of existing tile — $2 to $6 per sq ft

Total project cost ranges (material + installation):

• 100 sq ft basic ceramic floor: $600 to $1,500
• 100 sq ft porcelain floor: $1,000 to $2,400
• 50 sq ft kitchen backsplash (ceramic subway): $400 to $900
• 50 sq ft kitchen backsplash (glass mosaic): $1,100 to $2,500
• Standard 60 sq ft shower (ceramic): $900 to $1,800
• 60 sq ft shower (premium porcelain): $1,500 to $2,800
• 60 sq ft shower (natural stone): $2,200 to $4,500

What changes the cost:

• Subfloor preparation: $200-800 if existing floor needs leveling
• Waterproofing membrane (showers/wet areas): $4-8 per sq ft additional
• Heated floor system: $8-15 per sq ft additional
• Removal of existing tile: $3-6 per sq ft
• Pattern complexity (herringbone, mixed sizes): 15-30% labor premium

For accurate estimates, get 2-3 quotes from local tile installers. Online calculators give ballpark figures; final pricing varies 20-40% by region and tile complexity.

Tile Mortar Calculator

Mortar (also called thinset) is the adhesive that bonds tile to substrate. Different tile sizes and substrates need different mortar coverage.

Mortar coverage by trowel size and tile size:

For thinset mortar applied with the appropriate trowel:

• 1/4-inch V-notch trowel (for tiles up to 8 inches) — covers 60-80 sq ft per 50-lb bag
• 1/4-inch square notch trowel (for tiles 8-12 inches) — covers 50-70 sq ft per 50-lb bag
• 1/2-inch square notch trowel (for tiles 12-18 inches) — covers 40-50 sq ft per 50-lb bag
• 3/4-inch U-notch trowel (for large format 18+ inches) — covers 25-35 sq ft per 50-lb bag

Quick mortar estimates by project:

• 50 sq ft of 12×12 tile: 1 bag of thinset (use 1/4-inch square notch)
• 100 sq ft of 12×12 tile: 2 bags
• 100 sq ft of 24×24 large format: 3-4 bags (1/2-inch trowel)
• 50 sq ft of mosaic/subway: 1 bag (1/4-inch V-notch)

Modified vs. unmodified thinset:

• Modified thinset (with polymers) is required for impervious tile (porcelain, glass) and most floor applications. Costs $25-45 per bag.
• Unmodified thinset is for ceramic tile in dry locations only. Costs $15-25 per bag.

Always order one extra bag beyond your calculation. Running out mid-project means stopping, going to the store, and creating a cold joint where the new mortar meets the old.

The calculator above estimates total tile quantity. Multiply your tile sq ft by your trowel size's coverage rate to get bags of mortar. For most residential projects, 2-3 bags handles the entire job.

Tile Installation Cost Calculator

Tile installation cost combines labor, materials, and project complexity. Here's the realistic 2026 framework for budgeting.

Standard tile installation pricing:

• Floor tile (basic ceramic) — $5 to $10 per sq ft labor
• Floor tile (porcelain) — $7 to $14 per sq ft labor
• Floor tile (natural stone) — $10 to $20 per sq ft labor
• Wall tile (ceramic) — $7 to $14 per sq ft labor
• Backsplash (subway) — $10 to $18 per sq ft labor
• Backsplash (glass mosaic) — $15 to $30 per sq ft labor
• Shower tile (full installation) — $10 to $20 per sq ft labor
• Shower tile (with waterproofing) — $15 to $25 per sq ft labor

Premium installation surcharges:

• Diagonal layout: +20% labor cost
• Herringbone pattern: +30-40% labor cost
• Mixed tile sizes: +25% labor cost
• Curved walls or features: +50% labor cost
• Heated floor installation: +$5-10 per sq ft
• Ceiling tile in shower: +30% labor on that area

Bathroom tile installation cost — typical ranges:

• Small bathroom (40 sq ft floor + tub surround) — $1,200 to $2,400
• Medium bathroom (60 sq ft floor + tub surround) — $1,800 to $3,500
• Large bathroom (80 sq ft floor + walk-in shower) — $2,800 to $5,500
• Master bath (120 sq ft + large shower + bench) — $4,500 to $9,000

Shower-only installation costs:

• Standard tub surround (50 sq ft): $700 to $1,400
• Small walk-in shower (75 sq ft): $1,200 to $2,300
• Medium walk-in (100 sq ft): $1,800 to $3,200
• Large luxury shower (150 sq ft): $3,000 to $5,500

What's included in standard installation:

• Surface prep and substrate cleaning
• Layout marking and reference lines
• Cutting tiles to fit edges and obstructions
• Mortar application and tile setting
• Spacers placement
• Initial cleanup

What's typically extra:

• Tile removal (if replacing): $3-6 per sq ft
• Subfloor repair: $200-800 typical
• Underlayment installation: $1-3 per sq ft
• Grout sealing (recommended for natural stone): $0.50-1.50 per sq ft
• Waterproofing membrane: $4-8 per sq ft

For accurate estimates, get 2-3 quotes from local tile installers. Pricing varies 20-40% by region; high cost-of-living areas (West Coast, Northeast) tend to be at the upper ranges.

How Much Extra Tile Should I Buy?

The most common tiling mistake is underbuying. Here's the practical breakdown of buffer percentages.

Standard waste buffer recommendations:

• Square or rectangular layout, simple cuts — 10% extra
• Diagonal layout — 15% extra
• Herringbone pattern — 20% extra
• Basketweave or complex pattern — 20% extra
• Mixed tile sizes (modular) — 15% extra
• Natural stone or marble (more breakage) — 15% extra
• Mosaic sheets — 10% extra (sheets are easier to cut)
• Long plank tiles (24+ inch) — 15% extra

Why the buffer matters:

• Cut tiles at room edges and corners — typically 10-15% of total
• Breakage during installation — 2-5% on average
• Future repair needs — keep 5-10 spare tiles even after install completes
• Color/lot matching — if you run out, a second batch may not match exactly

Industry guidance for specific situations:

• Adding to existing tile (matching old installation): order 20% extra because color matching is harder
• DIY installation (less experienced cuts): bump buffer to 15% minimum
• Professional installation (skilled cuts): 10% buffer is usually adequate
• Hard-to-find tile (specialty, imported): order 25% to ensure you have spares for future repairs

Quick rule: When in doubt, order more rather than less. The cost of extra tile is small compared to the disaster of running short mid-project, especially with patterned or specialty tiles where the next batch may not match.

After installation, store the unused tile in a dry, climate-controlled area (basement, garage with insulation). Spare tiles last decades and become invaluable for repairs.

Step-by-Step — How to Calculate Tile

If you want to do the math without the calculator, here's the exact process.

Step 1: Measure the area in feet

• For floors: length × width = sq ft
• For shower walls: each wall measured separately (height × width), then summed
• For backsplash: linear feet × backsplash height

Step 2: Account for obstructions

Subtract square footage for permanent fixtures that won't be tiled:

• Tub or shower base
• Vanity footprint
• Toilet base (for bathroom floors)
• Kitchen island (for kitchen floors, if not tiling under)
• Windows or large fixed features in shower walls

Step 3: Choose your tile size

Different tile sizes give different coverage per piece:

• 12×12 (1 sq ft each) — 1 tile per sq ft
• 18×18 (2.25 sq ft each) — 0.44 tiles per sq ft
• 24×24 (4 sq ft each) — 0.25 tiles per sq ft
• 12×24 (2 sq ft each) — 0.5 tiles per sq ft
• 6×6 (0.25 sq ft each) — 4 tiles per sq ft

Step 4: Calculate base tile count

Total area ÷ Coverage per tile = Base count

Example: 100 sq ft of 12×24 plank = 100 ÷ 2 = 50 tiles

Step 5: Apply waste buffer

• Simple layout: × 1.10 (10% buffer)
• Diagonal: × 1.15 (15%)
• Herringbone: × 1.20 (20%)

Example: 50 tiles × 1.10 = 55 tiles ordered

Step 6: Round up to box quantities

Tile is sold in boxes (typically 6-12 tiles per box). Round up to the next full box. Example: If your math says 55 tiles and boxes hold 8 tiles each, order 7 boxes (56 tiles).

Step 7: Calculate mortar and grout

• 1 bag of thinset covers ~50 sq ft (varies by trowel)
• 25-lb bag of grout covers 80-100 sq ft (varies by tile size and joint width)

The calculator above does all this automatically. For complex patterns or mixed tile sizes, calculate each tile type separately, then combine.