Tile Layout Calculator

Calculator

Units

Use the same unit for all dimensions.

Room Length

Room Width

Tile Length

Tile Width

Grout Width

Set to 0 for tight-joint layouts.

Pattern

Diagonal typically increases cutting and waste.

Waste Percentage

Typical: 7–10% grid, 10–15% diagonal.

Tiles per Box

Used to estimate boxes needed.

Tile Price (optional)

If provided, material cost is estimated.

Include Border Band

Adds a perimeter band around the room.

Border Width

Must fit inside room dimensions.

Reset

Example Data Table

Room (L×W)	Tile (L×W)	Grout	Pattern	Waste	Tiles/Box	Estimated Tiles	Boxes
6.2×4.0	0.6×0.6	0.003	Straight	10%	10	~77	8
5.0×3.2	0.3×0.6	0.003	Offset	12%	12	~108	9
4.5×3.0	0.45×0.45	0.004	Diagonal	15%	8	~95	12

The example values are illustrative and will vary by room shape, layout direction, and cutting strategy.

Formula Used

Room area: A = L_room × W_room
Effective tiled field (with border option): L_eff = L_room − 2b, W_eff = W_room − 2b
Module size: M_L = L_tile + g, M_W = W_tile + g
Tiles along each direction: N_L = ceil((L_eff + g) / M_L), N_W = ceil((W_eff + g) / M_W)
Grid tile count: N = N_L × N_W
Waste factor: N_waste = ceil(N × (1 + waste% / 100))
Boxes: Boxes = ceil(N_waste / tilesPerBox)

Offset and diagonal patterns apply practical multipliers to account for additional cuts and alignment loss.

How to Use

Measure room length and width in a single unit system.
Enter tile size and grout width to match your installation method.
Select the pattern; diagonal usually needs extra tiles.
Set waste percentage based on cuts, spares, and future repairs.
Enter tiles per box to convert the order into boxes.
Optional: enable a border band if you plan a perimeter frame.
Click Calculate and export the results as CSV or PDF.

Professional Guide

1) Why layout planning matters

Tile installation looks simple until cuts, grout lines, and box quantities start drifting from estimates. A structured layout reduces waste, improves alignment, and prevents late material shortages. This calculator combines a practical count-based layout with an area-based check so you can compare results and order with confidence.

2) Start with reliable measurements

Measure length and width at multiple points and use the smallest value when walls are out of square. Note obstructions like columns, floor drains, or built-in cabinets. If you are tiling around islands or fixtures, plan separate rectangles and sum the totals rather than forcing one oversized rectangle.

3) Tile module concept

Installations do not place tiles edge-to-edge. The working module is tile size plus grout width. Counting modules across a room provides a practical estimate of how many tiles land along each direction, which helps you anticipate edge cuts and choose a clean starting line.

4) Pattern selection and cutting

Straight layouts are fastest and typically need the least waste. Offset patterns improve aesthetics but may increase cuts at ends, especially with long rectangular tiles. Diagonal layouts can visually widen a room, but corner triangles and alignment losses usually raise the cut rate and waste allowance.

5) Waste percentage guidance

Waste covers breakage, color sorting, and future repairs. For straight patterns in simple rooms, 7–10% is common. For offsets, 10–12% is typical. For diagonal or many penetrations, 12–18% may be prudent. Use higher values when tiles have strong veining that requires matching.

6) Border bands and feature strips

A border band can frame a room or create transitions. When enabled, the calculator reduces the effective field and estimates border tiles based on border area. For feature strips and mosaics, treat each material as its own section with its own tile size and waste rules.

7) Example data

Example (straight pattern): Room 6.2×4.0 m, tile 0.6×0.6 m, grout 0.003 m, waste 10%, 10 tiles per box. The layout estimate falls near 70–80 tiles after pattern adjustment, and about 8 boxes after waste. Always round up boxes to avoid mixed dye lots.

8) Practical field checks

Before ordering, confirm tile coverage per box from the manufacturer, confirm grout joint recommendations, and decide your starting reference (centered, from a doorway, or from a long straight wall). For premium work, do a dry layout of a few rows to validate cut sizes and visual balance.

FAQs

1) Should I use area-based or count-based results?

Use count-based for layout realism, and area-based as a quick check. If they differ significantly, re-check measurements, grout width, and tile orientation, or split the room into smaller rectangles.

2) What waste percentage is best?

For straight patterns, 7–10% is common. Offset patterns often need 10–12%. Diagonal layouts and rooms with many corners, drains, or penetrations may require 12–18% depending on cutting complexity.

3) How do I handle rooms that are not rectangular?

Break the floor into rectangles or right triangles, calculate each section, then sum tile totals. Apply waste to the combined total, or use a slightly higher waste value when the shape is irregular.

4) Does grout width affect tile quantity?

Yes. Wider grout joints increase the module size, which can change the number of tiles along each direction, especially in smaller rooms. Use the grout width recommended for your tile and substrate condition.

5) How accurate are the cut-tile estimates?

Cut counts are a practical heuristic based on edge conditions and pattern type. For precise ordering on high-end work, confirm with a scaled drawing, dry layout, or a takeoff that includes obstacles and niches.

6) What about skirting or wall tiles?

This tool targets floor layout. For walls, calculate each wall area minus openings, then convert to tiles. Add extra waste for corner cuts, trim pieces, and pattern alignment across multiple walls.

7) Why should I round up boxes?

Boxes protect against breakage, future repairs, and dye-lot variation. Rounding up prevents last-minute shortages and reduces the chance of receiving tiles with slightly different tones or surface texture.