Ever run out of tiles halfway through a project? Or worse — over-order and waste money?
That's where planning comes in. And when it comes to tiling, accounting for waste is just as important as calculating surface area.
In this guide, we'll show you how to get it right from the start using our free Tile Calculator with Waste. It's the easiest way to ensure you buy exactly what you need — with just enough extra for cuts, breakage, and backups.
What You'll Learn
Skip the guesswork — use our Tile Calculator for instant, accurate results.
Step 1: Measure the Area You're Tiling
Start with the basics:
- Length × Width for floors
- Height × Width for walls
This gives you your total surface area in square feet or meters.
Step 2: Add Your Tile Size
Enter your tile dimensions into the Tile Calculator. Common options include:
- 12×12 inches = 1 sq ft per tile
- 24×24 inches = 4 sq ft per tile
- 10×20 cm = 0.2 m² per tile
The calculator will determine how many tiles you need before adding waste.
Step 3: Include Waste Percentage
Waste happens. You cut corners, make mistakes, or drop a tile.
Here's what most professionals recommend:
| Project Type | Recommended Waste |
|---|---|
| Straight-lay pattern | 5–10% |
| Diagonal or herringbone | 10–15% |
| Small spaces w/ many cuts | 15% |
| Large open areas | 5–7% |
Our calculator lets you adjust the waste buffer, so you can confidently order just the right amount — no math needed.
Example Calculation
Room Size: 10 ft × 12 ft
Tile Size: 12×12 in
Area: 120 sq ft
Waste: 10%
Base tiles: 120
+10% waste: 12
Total tiles needed: 132
🔗 Try it yourself with our Tile Calculator
Bonus: Estimate Boxes of Tile
Many tiles are sold by the box, not per tile. Each box typically covers:
- 10 to 20 sq ft (depends on tile size)
132 tiles = 13.2 boxes → round up = 14 boxes
Our calculator can help you estimate how many boxes you need too.
FAQ: Tile Waste & Ordering Tips
Q: Why do I need extra tiles?
A: Cuts, corners, human error, and future repairs — tile waste is real.
Q: How much extra tile should I order?
A: Add 5–15%, depending on layout complexity.
Q: What if I don't add waste and run out?
A: You might not find the same tile batch again — and color/size could mismatch.
Q: Does the calculator support metric units?
A: Yes! Use feet/inches or meters/centimeters.
Q: Can I remove waste from the calculation?
A: Absolutely — set the waste buffer to 0% for exact tile counts.
Get Your Tile Estimate Right — Every Time
Save money. Avoid frustration. Make one trip to the store — not three.
Use the free Tile Calculator with Waste to:
- Measure accurately
- Add smart overage
- Estimate tiles and boxes
- Prevent mid-project surprises
Start your tiling project the smart way — try the Tile Calculator now.
It's fast, free, and helps you buy just what you need.
Key Points Covered
- How to measure tile areas
- Smart waste percentage tips
- Tile size calculations
- Pattern-specific waste
- Box estimation formula
- Pro ordering advice