How Many Tiles Do I Need?
Enter your room and tile dimensions to find out exactly how many tiles to buy, including waste allowance for cuts and breakage.
Room / Area Dimensions
Tile Size
How to Calculate Tiles Needed
To calculate tile quantity, divide the total area (in sq ft) by the area of each tile. Always add a waste factor of 10–20% for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. For diagonal or herringbone patterns, use 15–20% waste.
For example, covering a 10×8 ft floor (80 sq ft) with 12×12 inch tiles at 10% waste requires approximately 89 tiles.
How Much Waste Factor Should I Use?
Use 10% for straight lay patterns in simple rectangular rooms. Use 15% for diagonal layouts or rooms with multiple angles. Use 20% for herringbone, chevron, or other complex patterns where more cuts are required.
Tile Quantity Quick Reference
| Room Size | 12×12" Tiles (10% waste) | 18×18" Tiles (10% waste) |
|---|---|---|
| 50 sq ft bathroom | 61 tiles | 28 tiles |
| 100 sq ft bathroom | 122 tiles | 55 tiles |
| 150 sq ft kitchen | 183 tiles | 82 tiles |
| 200 sq ft space | 243 tiles | 109 tiles |
Always buy from the same production batch (dye lot) — tiles from different batches can have subtle color and size variations that show up clearly on a finished floor. Check every box for the lot number before purchasing and before starting installation.
Choosing the Right Tile Size for Your Space
Tile size has a significant visual impact on room proportions. Large-format tiles (18×18 in or bigger) make small rooms feel larger by reducing the number of grout lines. Small mosaic tiles (2×2 in or smaller) add texture and work well in showers and backsplashes but require more time to install and more grout to maintain.
For floor tile, the general rule is to use tiles no larger than one-third the width of the narrowest wall in the room. A 5-ft wide bathroom can use up to 18×18 in tiles comfortably. A 10-ft wide kitchen can handle 24×24 in large-format tiles without looking out of scale.
Tile Material Cost Comparison
| Tile Type | Material Cost (per sq ft) | Labor Cost (per sq ft) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | $1–$5 | $4–$8 | Walls, low-traffic floors |
| Porcelain | $3–$10 | $5–$10 | High-traffic floors, wet areas |
| Natural stone (travertine) | $5–$15 | $7–$15 | Upscale bathrooms, entry |
| Marble | $10–$30 | $10–$20 | Master baths, accent walls |
| Subway tile (ceramic) | $2–$6 | $5–$10 | Kitchen backsplash, shower walls |
| Glass mosaic | $8–$25 | $10–$20 | Backsplash accents |
Tile Installation Tips
- Start from the center — Find the center of the room and work outward so cut tiles are equal on opposite walls
- Check for lippage — Use a straightedge to confirm tiles are flush; lippage (tiles not level with each other) is the most common installation complaint
- Let mortar cure before grouting — 24–48 hours minimum before applying grout
- Seal grout after curing — Unsealed grout stains easily and is difficult to clean; seal within 72 hours of grouting
- Use the right trowel notch size — 3/16 in V-notch for wall tile, 1/4 in square-notch for floor tile, 1/2 in for large-format tile