If you're planning a tile project, one of the most common questions is:
"How many boxes of tiles do I need to buy?"
Tile is typically sold by the box—not individually—and each box contains a specific number of tiles or square footage of coverage. So how do you figure out how many boxes you need for your project?
That's where our free Tile Calculator with Box Coverage comes in. Just enter your room size and tile dimensions, and we'll do the math for you — including tile coverage, box estimates, and optional waste allowance.
What You'll Learn
Start calculating now with our Tile Calculator.
Step 1: Know Your Tile Dimensions
Start by checking the size of the tile you plan to use:
- Common tile sizes: 12×12 in, 24×24 in, 30×60 cm, etc.
- Larger tiles = more coverage per tile, fewer tiles per box
- Some tiles are sold in boxes by area (sq ft/m²), others by tile count
Step 2: Measure Your Room or Surface
To calculate how many boxes you'll need:
- Measure your room or surface area (length × width for floors, height × width for walls).
- Multiply to get the total area to be tiled.
- Example: 10 ft × 12 ft = 120 sq ft
Step 3: Use Our Tiles Per Box Calculator
Now that you have your area and tile info, use our Tile Calculator to:
- Input tile dimensions
- Enter total area
- Set how much area one box of tile covers (e.g. 15 sq ft per box)
- Include a waste buffer (usually 5–15%)
The calculator will instantly tell you how many tiles and boxes you need.
Example Calculation
Room Size: 120 sq ft
Tile Size: 12×12 in (1 sq ft per tile)
Box Coverage: 10 sq ft per box
Grout Gap: 0.25 cm (standard)
Waste Buffer: 10%
Result:
- Tiles needed (incl. waste): 134
- Waste tiles: 13
- Total area covered: 121 sq ft
- Boxes needed: 14 boxes
🔗 Try it yourself with our Tiles Per Box Calculator
Common Tile Box Coverage Reference
| Tile Size | Tiles Per Box | Coverage Per Box |
|---|---|---|
| 12×12 in (30×30 cm) | 10–15 tiles | ~10–15 sq ft |
| 18×18 in (45×45 cm) | 6–10 tiles | ~13.5–22.5 sq ft |
| 24×24 in (60×60 cm) | 4–6 tiles | ~16–24 sq ft |
| Mosaic sheets | 10–12 sheets | ~8–12 sq ft |
📌 Always round up when calculating — it's better to have extra than run short.
FAQ: Tiles Per Box & Ordering
Q: How many tiles are in a box?
A: Depends on the size. Smaller tiles = more per box. Always check the product specs.
Q: Can I buy tiles individually?
A: Some stores allow this, but most sell by the box to ensure matching dye lots and patterns.
Q: Should I include waste in my estimate?
A: Yes. Add 5–15% to cover breakage, miscuts, or future repairs.
Q: Can I enter box coverage directly into the calculator?
A: Yes! Our calculator lets you input how many square feet or meters each box covers.
Q: What if my tile is in metric?
A: The calculator works with both metric (cm, m²) and imperial (in, ft²) units.
Plan Smarter — Order the Right Amount
Avoid the stress of running out mid-project or spending more than you need.
With the Tiles Per Box Calculator, you'll:
- Measure once, calculate accurately
- Include smart waste coverage
- Know exactly how many boxes to order
Start your project the right way — use the Tile Calculator now.
It's fast, free, and takes the guesswork out of tiling.
Key Points Covered
- How to calculate boxes needed based on tile dimensions
- Understanding tiles per box vs. box coverage
- Common tile box coverage reference chart
- Including waste allowance in your estimates
- Tips for ordering the right amount
- FAQ about tile boxes and ordering