Construction

Tile Calculator

Estimate tile quantity from surface length, surface width, tile size, gap width, and waste factor. The calculator counts tiles by layout direction, then adds waste.

Tile Calculator

Unit system

Result
Ready

Guide

Tile estimate basics

This tile calculator counts tiles for a rectangular surface. It uses surface size, tile size, gap width, and a waste allowance. It does not estimate grout volume, adhesive, trim pieces, boxes, or material cost.

Estimate

How many tiles do I need?

The count depends on the surface size, the tile size, and the gap between tiles. Instead of dividing area alone, this calculator counts how many tiles fit along the length and width of the surface. That makes the gap width part of the count instead of an afterthought.

Diagram

Surface, tile size, and gap width

What gap width meansGap width is the planned visible space between neighboring tiles. The calculator adds it to the tile length and width when counting rows and columns.

Inputs

How to use the tile calculator

Surface length and widthEnter the size of the floor, wall, or flat surface being tiled.
Tile length and widthUse the actual tile dimensions, not the box coverage.
Gap widthEnter the planned grout gap in the same unit as the other dimensions.
Waste factorAdd waste for cuts, breakage, layout changes, and spare tiles.

Gap width

How gap width affects the count

Gap width increases the spacing module for each tile. A tile that is 0.6 m wide with a 0.003 m gap uses a 0.603 m module when the calculator counts across the surface. The outside edge does not add an extra gap; the formula accounts for gaps between tiles.

Planning

Other considerations

Diagonal layouts, herringbone patterns, uneven walls, niches, and many cuts can increase tile use. For a simple square or rectangular layout, a modest waste factor may be enough. For complex layouts, increase the waste allowance before ordering.

Formula

Formula steps

1

Surface area

Surface length x Surface width

2

Tile module length

Tile length + Gap width

3

Tile module width

Tile width + Gap width

4

Tiles along length

ceil((Surface length + Gap width) / Module length)

5

Tiles along width

ceil((Surface width + Gap width) / Module width)

6

Base tile count

Tiles along length x Tiles along width

7

With waste

ceil(Base tile count x (1 + Waste factor / 100))

Example

Example calculation

This example uses metric units: a 3 m by 2 m surface, 0.6 m by 0.6 m tiles, a 0.003 m gap, and 10% waste.

Module length0.6 + 0.003 = 0.603 m
Module width0.6 + 0.003 = 0.603 m
Tiles along lengthceil((3 + 0.003) / 0.603) = 5
Tiles along widthceil((2 + 0.003) / 0.603) = 4
Base tile count5 x 4 = 20 tiles
Add 10% wasteceil(20 x 1.10) = 22 tiles

FAQ

Tile calculator FAQ

How many tiles do I need?

Enter the surface length and width, tile length and width, gap width, and waste factor. The calculator counts how many tiles fit in each direction, then adds waste.

How does gap width change the tile count?

Gap width increases the spacing module used for each tile. The calculator uses tile size plus gap width when counting rows and columns.

Should I enter grout width as gap width?

Yes. Use the planned visible gap between tiles. Keep it in the same unit system as the tile dimensions.

Does this estimate grout or adhesive?

No. It estimates tile count only. Grout, adhesive, trim, and box quantities are outside this version.

Does this handle diagonal layouts?

Not directly. Use a higher waste factor for diagonal layouts, complicated cuts, or patterned installations.

Can I use feet or meters?

Yes. Use one unit system consistently across surface, tile, and gap dimensions.

Related Calculators

Paint CalculatorEstimate paintable wall area and paint quantity for metric or imperial room measurements.Brick CalculatorEstimate brick quantity from wall size, brick size, mortar joint, and waste.

Sources

  • Tile quantity estimate based on rows and columns using tile size plus gap width.
  • Waste allowance is applied to the base tile count.
Disclaimer. Tile quantities change with layout, cuts, tile tolerance, grout spacing, breakage, and site conditions. Check the amount before buying materials.