Tile Layout and Measurement Tips
Measure tile areas, waste, tile size, and layout direction before buying.
Measure the surface
Measure the length and width of the floor, wall, or backsplash in feet. Split odd shapes into smaller rectangles.
Know tile area
A 12 inch by 12 inch tile covers 1 square foot. Larger or smaller tiles need exact conversion.
Plan waste
Use 10-15% waste for most tile jobs. Diagonal layouts, small cuts, and patterned tile often need more.
Keep repair tile
Buy a little extra from the same lot so future repairs match color and shade.
FAQ
Does grout spacing change tile count?
It can slightly reduce tile count, but planning by tile face area is safer for shopping.
How much extra tile should I keep?
Keep a few spare tiles from the same lot for future repairs.
Do accent tiles count separately?
Yes. Measure accent strips or borders as their own material.
Next step
Open the calculators and enter your dimensions to estimate materials before you shop.