Calculate the square footage for floors, walls, showers, and backsplashes, then add the right amount for cuts, layout, variation, and future repairs.
The Simple Formula
Add each tiled area together, subtract only substantial openings, and then add the appropriate waste allowance.
Example
12 ft × 9.5 ft = 114 sq. ft.
114 × 1.10 (10% waste)
Round up according to the product’s box, sheet, or piece quantity.
Project Planning Tool
Add each floor, wall, shower, or backsplash section. Choose a waste allowance and the calculator will total the quantity to order.
Enter a length and width greater than zero.
Your Areas
| Area | Dimensions | Sq. ft. | Delete |
|---|---|---|---|
| No areas added yet. | |||
Total to Order
0.00 sq. ft.
Round up to full boxes, sheets, or pieces. Confirm final quantities with your installer.
This calculator provides a planning estimate only. Final field measurements, layout, cuts, and order quantities should be confirmed by the installer.
Treat each distinct surface as a separate area. This keeps the calculation clear when different tile, trim, or layouts are used.
Measure the longest length and width. Divide L-shaped or irregular floors into rectangles and add the areas together.
Calculate floor area →Measure the width and tiled height of each section separately. Add all sections. Do not subtract outlets or tiny interruptions.
Calculate wall area →Calculate each wall separately. Add the shower floor, curb, bench, niche, and any tiled ceiling as separate areas.
Calculate shower area →Measure in linear feet rather than square feet. Divide total linear inches by the nominal length of one piece, then add extra for cuts.
See buying units →Divide the space into rectangles, calculate each section, and add them together for the total square footage.
Add multiple areas →| Installation Type | Suggested Starting Allowance |
|---|---|
| Simple rectangular area, straight layout | 10% |
| Room with numerous corners or cuts | 15% |
| Diagonal or more complex layout | 15% |
| Herringbone, elaborate patterns, or highly fragmented spaces | Confirm with installer, commonly 15% or more |
| Natural stone or handmade tile requiring selection and blending | Confirm before ordering |
| Additional matching material retained for future repairs | Consider separately |
Percentages are starting points. Actual waste varies by product, tile size, pattern, room geometry, installer method, and the amount of material retained for future repairs.
Order the calculated square footage plus the selected waste allowance.
Divide the final square footage by the coverage per box, then round up to the next full box.
Divide the final area by the actual sheet coverage. Mosaic sheets do not always cover exactly one square foot.
Tile width (in.) × tile length (in.) ÷ 144 = area of one tile. Divide the project area by that amount and round up.
Use the product’s stated pattern ratio. Confirm the quantity of each component with BelTile or your installer.
The most common quantity questions, gathered in one tidy stack rather than scattered like loose grout spacers.
Ten percent is a common starting allowance for a simple straight layout. Use approximately 15% for rooms with numerous cuts, diagonal layouts, or more complex patterns. Handmade tile, natural stone, and specialty layouts may require a project-specific quantity.
Subtract only substantial areas that will definitely remain untiled. It is generally not useful to subtract outlets, tiny openings, or narrow interruptions because tile is still needed for the surrounding cuts and fitting.
Measure every tiled plane separately. For a niche, include the back, top, bottom, and both sides. For a bench, include the seat, front, and any exposed sides. Add trim or edge pieces in linear feet.
Divide the final square footage, including waste, by the stated coverage of one sheet. Always use the actual coverage on the product page because not every mosaic sheet equals one square foot.
Measure the total run in linear inches, divide by the nominal length of one border piece, and round up. Add additional pieces for corners, cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
They can. Handmade tile may be selected and blended during installation, and irregular edges or pattern placement can affect cutting. Confirm the allowance for the exact tile, room, and layout before ordering.
Yes. Store clearly labeled matching material in a dry location for future repairs. Later production of natural stone, handmade tile, and even manufactured tile may vary from the original order.
BelTile can help review a drawing, selected product, dimensions, and proposed layout. Final field measurements and installation quantities must still be confirmed by the installer.
Project Assistance
Send us a drawing, measurements, selected tile, and proposed layout. Our team can help check the product quantity before you order. Final field measurements and installation quantities should always be confirmed by your installer.
