Tile is durable, water-resistant, and available in endless styles for floors, walls, and backsplashes. This calculator determines tile quantities including waste for cuts and breakage.
Common tile sizes include 4x4, 6x6, 12x12, and 18x18 inches, plus rectangles like 3x6 subway tiles. Larger tiles cover faster with fewer grout lines but waste more on cuts. Smaller tiles conform better to irregular surfaces and create detailed patterns.
Always add 10% waste minimum for straight layouts. Diagonal or herringbone patterns require 15-20% waste. Buy extra tiles from the same lot as colors vary. Keep extra tiles for future repairs - discontinued patterns are difficult to match.
Tile installation requires cement board or suitable substrate, thin-set mortar, grout, and sealers. Proper substrate prevents cracking. Use spacers for consistent grout lines. Seal grout in wet areas to prevent staining and moisture damage.
Quick Tips
- Always order 10-15% extra materials for waste
- Check local building codes before starting
- Measure twice, cut once — verify all inputs
Frequently Asked Questions
Divide area by tile size, then add 10-20% for waste depending on pattern complexity.
Larger tiles (12x12+) for floors, subway tiles (3x6) for backsplashes, small tiles for showers.
10% for simple layouts, 15% for diagonal, 20% for complex patterns.
Yes if existing tile is solid and level, but adds height to floor.
Porcelain is denser, harder, and more water-resistant. Use porcelain for floors and wet areas.