Tile count by square footage
| Project area | 12 × 12 in tile | 12 × 24 in tile | 18 × 18 in tile | 24 × 24 in tile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 ft² | 55 tiles | 28 tiles | 25 tiles | 14 tiles |
| 75 ft² | 83 tiles | 42 tiles | 37 tiles | 21 tiles |
| 100 ft² | 110 tiles | 55 tiles | 49 tiles | 28 tiles |
| 125 ft² | 138 tiles | 69 tiles | 62 tiles | 35 tiles |
| 150 ft² | 165 tiles | 83 tiles | 74 tiles | 42 tiles |
| 200 ft² | 220 tiles | 110 tiles | 98 tiles | 55 tiles |
| 250 ft² | 275 tiles | 138 tiles | 123 tiles | 69 tiles |
| 300 ft² | 330 tiles | 165 tiles | 147 tiles | 83 tiles |
Counts include 10% extra and use nominal tile dimensions for planning. Verify actual product dimensions, grout-joint layout and box coverage before purchase.
Tile quantity and box formulas
Tile area (ft²) = tile length (in) × tile width (in) ÷ 144. Multiply installation area by 1 plus the extra-material percentage, divide by tile area, then round up to a whole tile.
Boxes to buy = waste-adjusted area ÷ coverage per box, rounded up. Calculate boxes from the manufacturer’s carton coverage, rather than assuming every tile size comes in the same box quantity.
Example: 10×10 room with 12×24 tile
A 10×10-foot room is 100 ft². A nominal 12×24-inch tile covers 2 ft², so the room needs 50 tiles before extra material. With 10% extra, the planned coverage is 110 ft² and the quantity is 55 tiles. If each box covers 15 ft², buy 8 boxes, providing 120 ft². The tile count and box count describe the same project; they are not separate purchases to add together.
Measure irregular rooms and partial tiles
Split an L-shaped room into rectangles, calculate each area and add them together. Subtract areas that will not receive tile. Edge cuts and tiles around obstacles still cover part of the installation area; allow for offcuts that cannot be reused instead of counting every cut tile as a full extra tile.
How much extra tile should I buy?
For a straightforward layout, 10% extra tile is a common starting allowance. For a 100 ft² room, that means planning for 110 ft² of tile coverage before rounding up to full boxes. Complex patterns, diagonal cuts, awkward room shapes and spare replacement tiles can require a larger allowance; check your installer’s layout and the product’s guidance before ordering.
Patterns can change waste
The chart’s 10% allowance is a starting point. Diagonal, herringbone and other patterns can create more offcuts than a straightforward grid. Room shape, obstacles, tile dimensions, breakage and spare repair tiles also matter. Plan the actual layout before choosing the allowance.
Continue your tile project
The Tile Calculator also estimates mortar, grout and optional membrane supplies using your product coverage inputs. For a shower pan or mortar bed, use the Deck Mud / Floor Mud Calculator. See the Flooring & Tile Planning Hub for related tools.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate how many tiles I need?
Measure the installation area, add your chosen waste allowance, divide by the coverage of one tile and round up. For boxed tile, divide the waste-adjusted area by the manufacturer’s coverage per box and round up to complete boxes.
How many 12 by 24 tiles do I need for 100 square feet?
A nominal 12×24-inch tile covers 2 square feet. For 100 square feet with 10% extra, plan for 55 tiles. At 15 square feet per box, buy 8 boxes. Verify the product’s actual dimensions and carton coverage.
Do partial tiles and cut pieces count toward coverage?
Yes, but every cut does not produce a reusable offcut. Include a waste allowance for the actual pattern and room shape, then round purchases to whole tiles or complete boxes.
Is 10% extra tile always enough?
The chart uses 10% as a planning assumption. Diagonal patterns, herringbone, obstacles, breakage and future repair stock can require more. Confirm the allowance for your actual layout before buying.