Tile Calculator
To tile a 12 × 14 ft room with 12-inch tiles you need about 168 sq ft plus 10% waste — roughly 13 boxes.
Reviewed by The ponderloop teamUpdated 2026-07-11How we calculate
Buy 0 boxes
0 sq ft + 0% waste = 0 sq ft
≈ 0 tiles
Low
$0.00
Expected
$0.00
High
$0.00
How this number is calculated
0 sq ft (no waste added) ÷ 15 sq ft per box = 0 boxes
Shopping list
- Tile spacers (1/8 inch)
- Manual tile cutter
- Thinset mortar
- Tile grout
- Tile and grout sealer
- Notched trowel (1/4 inch)
Set room and tile dimensions to see the layout preview.
Saved projects
No saved projects yet.
Methodology & assumptions
We compute room area as length × width in feet, subtract any doorway or fixture deductions you enter, then add your chosen waste percentage (10% straight, 15% diagonal, 20% herringbone) to cover cuts and breakage. The result is divided by the box coverage (about 15 sq ft for standard 12x12 in. tile) and rounded up to the next whole box.
- Typical US retail price range for ceramic/porcelain floor tile, 2026
- Manufacturer box coverage specifications (12x12 in. tile)
Worked examples
| Room | Result |
|---|---|
| 10 × 12 ft room, straight lay | 120 sq ft + 10% waste ≈ 132 sq ft → 9 boxes |
| 12 × 14 ft room, diagonal (45°) lay | 168 sq ft + 15% waste ≈ 193.2 sq ft → 13 boxes |
| 8 × 10 ft room, herringbone | 80 sq ft + 20% waste ≈ 96 sq ft → 7 boxes |
Frequently asked questions
- How many tiles do I need for my room?
- Multiply the room length by width in feet to get the square footage, subtract any doorways or fixed openings, then add 10-20% for waste depending on your layout pattern. Divide by the coverage per box (usually about 15 sq ft) and round up.
- How much extra tile should I buy for waste?
- Budget 10% extra for a straight or grid layout, 15% for a diagonal (45°) layout, and 20% for herringbone or other complex patterns — cuts and breakage add up fast on intricate layouts.
- How many tiles come in a box?
- It depends on tile size, but a box of standard 12x12 inch tiles typically holds about 15 tiles, covering roughly 15 sq ft.
- Should I round up or down when figuring out how many boxes to buy?
- Always round up. Buying one extra box is far cheaper than running short mid-project and needing a rush order that may not match your dye lot.