Ever start a tile project and wonder halfway through if you bought enough? Or maybe you bought too much and now you have many tiles stacked in the garage that you might never use. Learning how to calculate tiles required is one of the smartest steps you can take before you start. At Cavastone, we know tile isn’t just about looks, it’s about planning. That is why we created this guide to help you calculate tiles you need with confidence.
Why Tile Quantities Matter
Buying the right number of tiles needed ensures your installation goes smoothly. Order too few, and you risk running into supply issues or color batch differences. Order too many, and you are paying more than you should.
Different tile materials, such as ceramic and porcelain tiles, natural stone, or mosaics, often come in tile boxes priced by the square foot or square inch. Without a good plan, it is easy to miscalculate.
“Getting your tile quantities right is about more than math. It is about peace of mind, knowing you’ll finish your project with the perfect look and no unexpected surprises.” — The Cavastone Team
First Step: Measure Your Space
The first step in figuring out how to calculate tiles required is measuring your floor area or wall. For rectangular spaces, measure the length and width in feet. Then multiply them to get the total square footage.
Calculation formula:
Length (ft) × Width (ft) = Total Area (sq ft)
Example:
A bathroom floor that measures 10 ft long by 8 ft wide.
10 × 8 = 80 sq ft
So your total area is 80 square feet.
For uneven surfaces or rooms with lots of corners, divide the space into smaller rectangles. Measure each one, then add them together to get your total square footage.
Converting to Square Inches
Sometimes tile size is given in inches, like a 12 × 12 tile. To match that to your square feet calculation, convert.
Calculation formula:
Length (in) × Width (in) ÷ 144 = Square feet per tile
Example:
12 in × 12 in = 144 sq in
144 ÷ 144 = 1 sq ft per tile
That means each tile covers 1 sq ft. If your total area is 80 sq ft, you will need 80 tiles.
Step Two: Factor in Grout Lines and Cuts
Tiles are not installed edge-to-edge. You need to plan for grout lines, which slightly reduce the tile area each piece covers. Standard grout spacing is about 1/8 to 3/16 of an inch.
You also need to account for more cuts around corners, fixtures, or uneven surfaces. These cuts create waste.
Larger rectified tiles with clean edges create fewer grout lines and save time, while smaller tiles or detailed patterns usually result in more waste.
As a rule of thumb, add 10–15% extra to your total number of tiles to cover cuts and mistakes.
Step Three: Think About the Application
Tile calculations vary slightly depending on whether you are tiling a floor project, a kitchen backsplash, or shower installations.
- Floor project: Larger floor tiles usually mean fewer cuts. Add 10% extra.
- Shower installations: Plan for vertical applications and lots of cuts. Add 15% extra tile.
- Kitchen backsplash: Because of small spaces and detailed layouts, plan for 15% extra.
This extra tile is not a waste of space. It ensures consistency in case of damage and makes future replacements easier.
Step Four: Consider Tile Size
The tile size you choose affects how many tiles you need.
- Larger tiles: Cover more square footage with fewer pieces, but require precision on uneven surfaces.
- Smaller tiles: Offer flexibility for tight areas but require more pieces and more cuts.
- Rectified tiles: Give sleek, modern lines with less grout.
- Natural stone or handmade tiles: May vary slightly in size, so always order extra tile.
Example:
If your room is 100 sq ft:
Using 12 × 12 tiles = 100 tiles required.
Using 24 × 24 tiles = 25 tiles required.
Same method, but the number of tiles needed is very different.
Step Five: Using a Tile Calculator
You can calculate tile layout by hand, or use a tile calculator to make the math easier. Our Cavastone tile calculator lets you plug in your room dimensions, tile size, and waste percentage.
It then gives you the exact number of tiles required and how many tile boxes you should buy.
At Cavastone, we always suggest double-checking with your installer, since professional experience can make a big difference in tile projects.
Step Six: Plan for Patterns and Layout
If your tile layout includes patterns, such as herringbone or diagonal, there will likely be more waste due to the additional cuts required. Straight layouts usually mean less waste.
When you calculate tiles needed, factor in your layout choice. Adding 15% extra for patterned designs is a safe bet.
Step Seven: Think About Cost
Once you know the tiles required, you can calculate a cost estimate.
Multiply the total number of tiles or tile boxes by the price per box.
Remember to add in an extra tile and account for different sizes if you are mixing materials.
Example:
A 100 sq ft floor project with porcelain tiles at $3.50 per sq ft.
100 × 3.50 = $350
Add 10% extra tile: $35
Total cost = $385
This is before adding labor or installation costs.
Step Eight: Account for Future Replacements
Always plan ahead.
Ordering an extra tile box ensures you have matching tiles for future repairs.
Tiles may not be available one year from now, or the color batch may change.
Keeping a small supply on hand saves stress later.
Special Cases: Walls and Vertical Applications
When tiling a wall or other vertical applications, the same method applies.
Measure the length and width, then multiply them to find the total area. Next, calculate the number of tiles needed.
Keep in mind:
- More waste happens around windows or built-in shelves.
- Smaller tiles work better on tight or uneven surfaces.
- Always round up, never down.
- A negative value in your math is a sign you need to double-check measurements.
Cavastone’s Pro Tips for Calculating Tile
- Always measure twice to avoid errors.
- Order more waste if using patterns or smaller tiles.
- Keep a record of your sq ft and dimensions for future projects.
- Consider grout color in your design. It changes the look and can add depth or create clean lines.
- For uneven surfaces, consult your installer before buying.
Why Cavastone Helps You Save Time
At Cavastone, we know how overwhelming it can be to figure out how to calculate how many tiles you need. Between square footage, tile size, and installation details, the math can feel tricky. That is why we guide you step by step, whether you are tiling a kitchen backsplash, a bathroom wall, or an entire floor project.
Tile drenching, color drenching, or just a simple refresh, all start with the right calculation. Try our tile calculator today!
Summary
Learning how to figure tile square footage and calculate tiles required is easier than it looks. With the right measurements, a solid calculation formula, and a little planning, you can order the perfect number of tiles needed for your tile project.
So before you buy, measure your length and width, simply divide your tile dimensions, and always add a little extra tile for safety. This way, you avoid running out, stay on budget, and enjoy a stress-free installation.
At Cavastone, we believe every tile project deserves confidence, precision, and style. Let us help you bring your vision to life. Contact our team today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how many tiles I need for my room?
Measure the length and width of your room, multiply to get the total square footage, and then divide by the tile size. Always add 10–15% extra tile to cover cuts, grout spacing, and mistakes.
What is the easiest way to figure tile square footage for installing tiles?
The same method works for most projects: multiply the length by the width of the surface in feet. This gives you the total square footage. If your tile size is in inches, convert it to square feet before dividing.
Should I order more tiles than the exact number?
Yes. You should always calculate how much extra tile you need, usually 10–15% more than the exact number. This covers more cuts, uneven surfaces, and keeps some matching tiles for future replacements.
Do larger tiles reduce the number of tiles required?
Yes. Larger tiles cover more square feet with fewer pieces, which means fewer grout lines and less waste. Smaller tiles or detailed patterns usually increase the tiles required.
Can I use a tile calculator to find our how much tile I need for vertical applications like walls or showers?
Absolutely. A tile calculator can help with both flooring and vertical applications, such as shower installations or a kitchen backsplash. Just be sure to add extra for uneven surfaces and designs that require more waste.
Owner, Cavastone Group
With years of perseverance and pride in what we do we have become a very well known and positioned company in the Architectural and Design industry. The same perseverance, pride and attention to detail that made us become who we are, are the same qualities we strive to provide to all our customers.
