Tile Layout Calculator
Estimate tile count, boxes, cuts, and cost with a live visual preview of the layout pattern — straight, brick, 1/3 offset, or diagonal.
Inputs
Selecting a pattern auto-fills a typical waste % for that layout — adjust below if needed.
Suggested: 10% straight / brick, 12% 1/3 offset, 15% diagonal, 20% herringbone.
Tick "Include" to add tile/box pricing and a total cost.
Pattern preview (to scale)
Straight grid · 10 × 8 ftYour estimate
About Tile Layout Calculator
The Tile Layout Calculator helps you plan a tiling job before you head to the store. Enter the room and tile dimensions, choose a layout pattern, and the calculator gives you a live to-scale preview alongside the numbers you actually need to buy: tile count, edge cuts, boxes, and total cost.
It works for floor tile, wall tile, backsplash, and shower jobs in any standard rectangular space. Patterns supported: straight grid, brick (50% offset), 1/3 offset, and diagonal 45° — each with a typical waste-percentage recommendation baked in.
How to Use Tile Layout Calculator
- 1 Pick your unit. Toggle Imperial (feet for room, inches for tile, inches for grout) or Metric (m / cm / mm). All inputs and outputs follow the selection.
- 2 Enter the room. Type the length and width of the tiled area. For L-shaped rooms, calculate each rectangle and add the results yourself.
- 3 Enter the tile. Length, width, and the grout joint width. Common grout sizes are 1/16" (1.5mm), 1/8" (3mm), and 1/4" (6mm).
- 4 Choose a pattern. The preview updates immediately and a sensible waste percentage is filled in for you — bump it up if the room has lots of cuts.
- 5 (Optional) Cost it. Tick "Include" and switch between By box (asks for tiles per box and price per box) or By tile (asks for price per tile). The estimate panel shows total cost.
- 6 Buy the "with waste" amount. The bottom panel's "With X% waste" tile count is the number to order — never the exact number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What waste percentage should I add? ▾
10% is enough for a straight grid or 50% brick in a regular rectangular room. Bump to 12% for 1/3 offset, 15% for diagonal, and 20% for herringbone. If you're working with large-format tile (24"+), expensive natural stone, or a room with lots of niches, doors, and corners, add another 5%. You can never have too much spare — most stores won't take partial boxes back, but having a few tiles in storage for future repairs is worth it.
What grout width should I use? ▾
Rectified porcelain and ceramic accept 1/16" (1.5mm) for a near-seamless look. Standard floor and wall tile is typically 1/8" (3mm). Stone and handmade tiles need 3/16" to 1/4" (5–6mm) to absorb their dimensional variation. Outdoor and large-format tile often uses 1/4" (6mm) or wider.
Does the calculator include grout joints in the area? ▾
Yes. The tile footprint used for counting is (tile + grout) × (tile + grout) so that each tile claims half the grout joint on every side. This gives you the correct count for the room — tile-only area calculations slightly under-count.
Why is the diagonal pattern's waste so high? ▾
In a diagonal layout, every tile meeting a wall is cut at a 45° angle — and the offcuts are usually too small to reuse. Straight layouts let you flip many edge-cuts to the opposite side; diagonal layouts can't. Plan for at least 15% waste, more for small rooms.
How accurate is the "edge cuts" number? ▾
It's a rough estimate — the room perimeter divided by tile size. The real cut count depends on where your starting tile lands, which patterns flip cuts to the opposite side, and how many obstacles (toilets, vanities, kick-outs) the floor has. Use it to gauge how much cutting time the job will need, not as a guaranteed waste number.
Can I use this for herringbone or hexagonal tile? ▾
For herringbone — yes, treat it like a diagonal layout and use 20% waste. The tile count by area is the same; only waste differs. For hexagonal tile, treat each hex's bounding rectangle as the tile dimensions and add 15–20% waste; the calculator's edge-cuts estimate won't be meaningful (hex cuts are inherently more wasteful).
Is my data saved or sent anywhere? ▾
No. Everything runs in your browser. Your room dimensions, prices, and pattern choice never leave your device and nothing is stored on a server.