Tile calculator
Enter the area, tile size and grout joint to get the number of tiles and boxes for a floor, wall or backsplash, with the right waste for your layout.
Tiles to buy
22
Includes 10% waste
Boxes
3
8 tiles per box
Area
40 sq ft
Order 44 sq ft
Install labor
$200-$560
$5-$14 per sq ft, labor only
Published all-in floor tile installs run about $15-$20 per sq ft, roughly $600-$800 for this area.
Buy from one batch (lot) so the color matches, and keep a spare box for future repairs.
See this floor in your room
The numbers are free. To preview a new floor on your own photo with AI, create a free account. You'll brush the floor area in the studio.
Your photo stays in this browser until you sign up. Free account required for AI renders; eligible new accounts get free credits, and free results carry a small watermark.
Estimates, sources
These are planning estimates from published national figures, not quotes. Local labor, materials and site conditions move real prices a lot. Get at least three local bids.
- Estimating Your DIY Flooring Project (LL Flooring, 2025): add 7-10% straight lay, 15% diagonal, 15-20% herringbone or complex patterns
- How Much Does Tile Installation Cost? (Bob Vila, 2023): labor per sq ft: floors $5-$14, backsplashes $20-$35; old tile removal $2-$7
- How Much Does It Cost to Install Flooring? (HomeAdvisor, 2026): installed per sq ft: hardwood $6-$25, laminate $3-$13, vinyl $2-$14, carpet $3.50-$11, tile $15-$20
How tile count works
Each tile covers its own size plus half the grout joint on every side. A 12 x 24 in tile with a 1/8 in joint covers (12.125 x 24.125) / 144 = about 2.03 sq ft. Divide the area plus waste by that and round up. For a 40 sq ft floor in a straight lay that's 44 sq ft to cover, or 22 tiles.
What tile installation costs
Labor alone runs about $5 to $14 per sq ft for floors and $20 to $35 per sq ft for backsplashes, where small areas and lots of cuts push the rate up (Bob Vila). All-in floor tile installs are often quoted at $15 to $20 per sq ft (HomeAdvisor). Removing old tile adds $2 to $7 per sq ft. Planning a whole bathroom? Try the bathroom remodel cost calculator.
How it works
Measure the area
Length x width for floors, or length x height for a wall or backsplash.
Enter the tile
Tile width and length in inches, plus the grout joint (1/8 in = 0.125).
Pick the layout
Straight, diagonal or herringbone. Patterns cut more tiles.
Buy whole boxes
Enter tiles per box to get boxes, rounded up.
Questions
How many tiles do I need?
Divide the area (plus about 10% waste for a straight lay, 15% diagonal, 20% herringbone) by the area one tile covers including grout. A 12 x 12 in tile covers about 1 sq ft, so 100 sq ft in a straight lay needs about 110 tiles.
How much extra tile should I buy?
About 10% for straight layouts and 15% to 20% for diagonal or herringbone, plus a spare box from the same lot for future repairs.
Does the grout joint change how many tiles I need?
Slightly. Wider joints mean each tile covers a bit more area. The effect matters most with small tiles like mosaics or 3 x 6 subway tile.
How much does tile installation cost?
Labor is about $5 to $14 per sq ft for floors and $20 to $35 for backsplashes; all-in floor installs are often $15 to $20 per sq ft. These are national estimates, not quotes.