Tile Calculator: How to Calculate the Number of Tiles Needed

This tile calculator will help you figure out the cost of different tile types—including ceramic and porcelain tile prices—and how much tile you’ll need to buy to complete your project. You’ll need a few simple measurements, and the calculator will take care of the rest for you. To make this calculator work, you need to know the length and width of the area you want to tile, the size of the tiles, and the grout size. The calculator also allows a 10% overage or waste allowance to account for cutting and breakages.

On This Page:

1. Calculating Tile Requirements
1. Step 1: Calculate Area
2. Step 2: Calculate Tile Size
3. Step 3: Divide by Tile Size
2. Additional Tiling Factors
1. Irregular Shapes
2. Pool Size
3. Alternative Layouts

Calculating Tile Requirements

This section will walk through how to make the calculations manually. We also recommend adding an extra 10% to account for spillage and waste. 

Step 1: Calculate Area

Calculate the surface area that requires tiling by multiplying the length and width of the project area.

Step 2: Calculate Tile Size

Be sure to add the grout size to the length and width here, then multiply the two figures. Divide it all by 144 to convert it to square feet. 

Step 3: Divide by Tile Size

Divide the project area from step 1 by the tile size determined above. This tells you how many tiles you need to cover the project area. Don’t forget to add an extra 10% for wastage allowance.

Additional Tiling Factors

There are other factors that impact tile calculations, including irregular shapes, different layouts, and the type of tiles. A local tiling installer can help you figure out the surface area of the tiles you want and how many you’ll need.

Irregular Shapes

It can be challenging to estimate accurately how many tiles you need if they’re an irregular shape, but the principle is still the same. Whether you’re using the tiling calculator or figuring it out manually, you still need to work out the surface area of the tile.

For an odd-shaped tile, that involves separating them into regular shapes, working out the surface area of each piece, and then adding those figures together to give you the total area. And, of course, you need to add the grout line measurement. 

If in doubt, consult a nearby floor tile installer or local ceramic tile contractor. 

Pool Tiles

For pool tiles, find the area of the bottom and sides separately and then add them together. Don’t forget to add the coping and decking to the measurements. Pool tiling costs range from $2,000 to $70,000.

• For square or rectangular pools: Find the area of the bottom and add it to the area of each side.
• For oddly shaped pools like lagoons: It’s best to hire a professional pool tile installer near you.
• For round pools: Measure the circumference and multiply by the height, then add in the area of the bottom. To find the area of a circle, use this formula:

Area = pi times the radius squared

A = π*r²

Area = 3.14*radius²

Alternative Layouts

There are multiple layout patterns aside from the conventional linear grid, which can impact how many tiles you need due to increased cutting and wastage. For example, if you use our subway tile calculator for a standard running bond or offset layout, you’ll see that it allows for 10% wastage. 

However, for herringbone, you should allow a 15% to 20% wastage because it’s cut at a 45-degree angle, creating more waste. For more intricate or complex designs, you could need as much as a 30% wastage allowance.

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