Home Improvement
Interactive Planning StudioTile Calculator
Whether specifying Moroccan zellige backsplashes, large-format porcelain floors, or marble shower walls, calculate exact tile pieces and coverage.
Project Parameters
Enter your exact dimensions and specifications
Architectural methodology
About the Tile Calculator
Tiling requires meticulous spatial planning. Unlike paint, cutting porcelain, terracotta, or marble around shower niches, plumbing valves, and electrical sockets generates unavoidable tile scrap.
Smaller subway tiles (3×6" or 3×12") are forgiving, but large-format slabs (24×48") require higher percentage allowances because any miscut ruins an entire large panel.
Underlying Formula
Surface Area ÷ Tile Size + Layout Waste
Tiles Required = (Area ÷ Tile Area) × (1 + Waste Factor)
Step-by-step guidance
How to Use This Tool
Follow these four essential steps to take accurate architectural measurements and prepare your project quantities.
Step 1
Measure the height and width of the surface to be tiled.
Step 2
Choose your tile dimensions in inches or centimetres.
Step 3
Select a waste margin based on complexity (10% standard, 15% for herringbone/diagonal).
Step 4
Review tile count and square footage to place your order with suppliers.
Expert clarity
Frequently Asked Questions
Common queries answered by our architectural editors and renovation consultants.
What is the standard waste factor for tile?
10% is standard for straight grid runs. Increase to 15% for herringbone, chevron, irregular rooms, or tiles with handmade variations like zellige.
How do I calculate bathroom shower walls?
Measure each of the three shower walls (height × width), sum them together, and subtract any window openings.
How much grout do I need?
As a rule of thumb, 100 square feet of standard subway tile with 1/16" joints uses approximately 10 to 12 lbs of dry grout.
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