Tile Square Footage Calculator
Calculate tile square footage with the right waste factor for your pattern. Standard layouts need 10%, diagonals need 15%, and complex patterns like herringbone need 20%.
Tile Calculator
Choosing the right waste factor for tile
Tile waste depends on pattern complexity, room shape, and tile size. Standard grid patterns in a simple rectangular room need about 10%. Diagonal layouts need 15% because every edge tile is cut. Herringbone, basketweave, and chevron need 20% or more.
Larger tiles (24×24 and up) often need a higher waste factor — fewer cuts are reusable. Smaller tiles, especially mosaics, sometimes need less.
Counting tiles vs. counting square footage
When ordering, count both square footage AND number of tiles per box. A 12×24 tile gives you 2 sq ft per piece, so a 200 sq ft floor needs 100 tiles plus waste.
Always order at least one extra full box for future repairs. Tile is dye-lot sensitive — a year from now, the same SKU may not match your batch.
Pro tips
Save attic stock
Set aside 5 unused tiles for future repairs. Dye lots and product runs change.
Mosaic sheets count differently
Mosaic sheets are sold by the sheet, but each sheet covers about 1 sq ft. Order by sq ft and let the supplier calculate sheets.
Account for grout
Grout coverage depends on tile size and joint width. For standard 12×12 with 1/8" joints, one bag covers about 100 sq ft.
Buy from the same batch
Always specify "same dye lot" when ordering. Otherwise you risk getting two slightly different shades in your shipment.