Ekuation
tile-typeSpecialized calculator for Subway
Back to main calculator

Subway Tile Calculator | Brick Pattern Tile Estimator

Calculate subway tiles needed for your project with this specialized calculator for brick pattern layouts.

Area Configuration
Define the area you want to tile

Choose how you want to enter your area measurements

Choose your preferred units of measurement

Enable to calculate tiles for multiple connected areas (L-shaped rooms, etc.)

Length of the area to be tiled

ft

Width of the area to be tiled

ft

Select the shape of your room

Tile Configuration
Define your tile size and pattern

Length of a single tile

in

Width of a single tile

in

Choose units for tile dimensions

Different patterns require different waste percentages

Width of grout lines between tiles (optional)

in

Choose units for grout line width

Calculate Your Tile Needs
Enter your area dimensions and tile size to calculate how many tiles you need.

Documentation Contents

About This Calculator

The Tile Calculator helps you accurately estimate the number of tiles needed for various projects like flooring, walls, or backsplashes. By accounting for the area dimensions, tile size, and waste percentage, this calculator helps you avoid buying too few tiles (which can lead to delays) or too many (which wastes money).

This calculator works with all types of rectangular or square tiles, including:

  • Ceramic Tiles: Common for bathrooms, kitchens, and indoor floors
  • Porcelain Tiles: Durable option for high-traffic areas
  • Natural Stone: Marble, granite, travertine, slate, and limestone tiles
  • Glass Tiles: Popular for backsplashes and decorative accents
  • Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT): Water-resistant alternative to natural materials
  • Mosaic Tiles: Small tiles often on mesh backing for decorative applications

How to Use

Basic Measurement Guide

Before using the calculator, accurately measure your space:

  1. Use a tape measure to determine the length and width of your area in the same unit (feet, inches, meters, etc.).
  2. For complex spaces, divide the area into simple rectangles and measure each separately.
  3. Sketch your space on paper with measurements to visualize the project.
  4. Measure twice to verify accuracy.

Calculator Instructions

To use the Tile Calculator, follow these steps:

  1. Select Measurement Type: Choose whether you want to enter the area dimensions (length and width) or the total area directly.
  2. Choose Room Shape: Select rectangle for simple spaces, or L-shape/irregular for more complex layouts.
  3. Multiple Area Mode: For L-shaped or complex rooms, enable this option to calculate each section separately.
  4. Enter Area Information:
    • If using dimensions: Enter the length and width of the area to be tiled.
    • If using total area: Enter the total square footage/meters of the area.
    • If using multiple area mode: Enter dimensions for each area section.
  5. Enter Tile Size: Specify the length and width of a single tile in the same units as your area measurements.
  6. Select Tile Pattern: Choose from grid (standard), diagonal (45°), herringbone, or other patterns. This affects waste percentage recommendations.
  7. Set Waste Percentage: Choose a waste percentage to account for cuts, breakage, and future replacements. The default is 10%, but you may want to increase this for:
    • Complex room shapes (15-20%)
    • Diagonal patterns (15-20%)
    • Herringbone patterns (20-25%)
    • Beginner installers (15-20%)
    • Fragile tiles (15-20%)
  8. Optional Settings:
    • Grout Line Width: Enter the width of grout lines for more accurate calculations.
    • Price Per Tile: Enter to calculate total material cost.
    • Tiles Per Box: Enter to calculate the number of boxes needed.
  9. Calculate: Click the Calculate button to see your results.

Interpreting Results

The calculator provides these key results:

Primary Results

  • Total Tiles Needed: The total number of tiles you should purchase, rounded up to the nearest whole tile. This includes both the tiles needed for the area and additional tiles for waste.
  • Area to Tile: The total area that needs to be covered with tiles.
  • Waste Allowance: The number of extra tiles included based on your waste percentage.
  • Boxes Needed: If you entered the number of tiles per box, this shows how many boxes to purchase.
  • Estimated Cost: If you entered the price per tile, this shows the estimated material cost.

Understanding Visualizations

The calculator provides several visualizations to help you understand your project:

  • Tile Breakdown Chart: Visual representation of base tiles vs. waste tiles.
  • Pattern Preview: Shows your selected pattern and provides specific tips for that pattern.
  • Room Layout: Simple visualization of your room shape with dimensions.
  • Tile Grid: Approximate visualization of how tiles will be arranged (for rectangular rooms).
  • Cost Overview: Detailed breakdown of material costs if price information was provided.

Important: Remember that this calculator provides an estimate. It's generally a good practice to buy a few extra tiles beyond the calculated amount for future repairs or replacements.

Recommended Waste Percentages by Pattern

PatternBeginnerExperiencedNotes
Grid (Standard)10-15%5-10%Most efficient pattern, least waste
Diagonal (45°)15-20%10-15%Requires more edge cuts
Herringbone20-25%15-20%Complex pattern with many cuts
Other/Custom20-30%15-25%Varies by complexity

Methodology

This calculator uses the following formulas to determine the number of tiles needed:

1. Calculate the area to be tiled:

Area=Length×WidthArea = Length \times Width

2. Calculate the area of a single tile:

Tile  Area=Tile  Length×Tile  WidthTile\;Area = Tile\;Length \times Tile\;Width

3. Calculate the number of tiles needed for the area (before waste):

Tiles  For  Area=AreaTile  AreaTiles\;For\;Area = \frac{Area}{Tile\;Area}

4. Calculate the additional tiles needed for waste:

Waste  Tiles=Tiles  For  Area×Waste  Percentage100Waste\;Tiles = Tiles\;For\;Area \times \frac{Waste\;Percentage}{100}

5. Calculate the total tiles needed:

Total  Tiles  Needed=⌈Tiles  For  Area+Waste  Tiles⌉Total\;Tiles\;Needed = \lceil Tiles\;For\;Area + Waste\;Tiles \rceil

6. If grout line width is provided, adjust the calculation:

Grout  Impact=1−Grout  WidthTile  Area×2Grout\;Impact = 1 - \frac{Grout\;Width}{\sqrt{Tile\;Area}} \times 2
Adjusted  Tiles  For  Area=Tiles  For  AreaGrout  ImpactAdjusted\;Tiles\;For\;Area = \frac{Tiles\;For\;Area}{Grout\;Impact}

7. If price per tile is provided, calculate cost:

Estimated  Cost=Total  Tiles  Needed×Price  Per  TileEstimated\;Cost = Total\;Tiles\;Needed \times Price\;Per\;Tile

8. If tiles per box is provided, calculate boxes needed:

Boxes  Needed=⌈Total  Tiles  NeededTiles  Per  Box⌉Boxes\;Needed = \lceil \frac{Total\;Tiles\;Needed}{Tiles\;Per\;Box} \rceil

Note: The ⌈x⌉\lceil x \rceil symbol represents the ceiling function, which rounds a number up to the nearest integer. We always round up to ensure you have enough tiles.

If "Multiple Area Mode" is enabled, the calculator applies these formulas to each area separately and then sums the total tiles needed.

Applications & Examples

This calculator is useful for a variety of tiling projects:

  • Floor tiling (bathroom, kitchen, living areas)
  • Wall tiling (shower, bathroom, kitchen backsplash)
  • Countertop tiling
  • Patio or outdoor tiling projects
  • Decorative tile work

Example Calculations

Bathroom Floor Example

Project: Bathroom floor with 12" x 12" ceramic tiles

Room dimensions: 8 ft x 10 ft

Tile size: 12 in × 12 in (1 ft × 1 ft)

Pattern: Grid

Waste: 10%

Calculation:

  • Area: 8 ft × 10 ft = 80 sq ft
  • Tile area: 1 sq ft
  • Tiles for area: 80 ÷ 1 = 80 tiles
  • Waste tiles: 80 × 0.1 = 8 tiles
  • Total tiles needed: 88 tiles

Kitchen Backsplash Example

Project: Kitchen backsplash with subway tiles

Area dimensions: 20 ft × 1.5 ft

Tile size: 3 in × 6 in (0.25 ft × 0.5 ft)

Pattern: Herringbone

Waste: 20%

Calculation:

  • Area: 20 ft × 1.5 ft = 30 sq ft
  • Tile area: 0.25 ft × 0.5 ft = 0.125 sq ft
  • Tiles for area: 30 ÷ 0.125 = 240 tiles
  • Waste tiles: 240 × 0.2 = 48 tiles
  • Total tiles needed: 288 tiles

Frequently Asked Questions

What waste percentage should I use?

For simple rectangular rooms with a straight grid pattern, 10% is usually sufficient. Increase to 15-20% for complex shapes, diagonal patterns, or if you're a beginner. For very intricate designs or herringbone patterns, you might want to use 20-25%.

What if my room has an irregular shape?

For irregular or L-shaped rooms, you have two options:

  1. Enable "Multiple Area Mode" and break the area into rectangles, entering each section separately.
  2. Measure the total square footage/meters and use the "total area" option with a higher waste percentage (15-20%).

Does this calculator account for grout lines?

Yes, if you enter a grout line width. The calculator adjusts the number of tiles needed by factoring in the space that grout will occupy. For accurate results, measure your grout line width in the same units as your tile dimensions.

What if my tiles are sold in boxes of varying quantities?

Enter the number of tiles per box in the "Tiles Per Box" field. The calculator will tell you how many boxes to purchase, always rounding up to the nearest whole box.

Can I use this for round or unusually shaped tiles?

This calculator is designed for rectangular or square tiles. For irregularly shaped tiles, you would need to calculate based on coverage area provided by the manufacturer.

Why am I getting a different result than another calculator?

Different calculators may use different rounding methods or waste calculations. This calculator uses the ceiling function to always round up to the nearest whole tile, ensuring you have enough materials.

How do I account for doorways, windows, or other obstacles?

Measure the area of these obstacles and subtract them from your total area. Alternatively, for more complex rooms, use the Multiple Area Mode to measure each section separately.

Important Considerations

  • Double-check all measurements before purchasing materials. Measure twice, order once.
  • Account for pattern complexity when selecting waste percentage. More complex patterns require more waste.
  • Buy all tiles from the same batch/dye lot to ensure color consistency. Tiles from different batches may have slight color variations.
  • Consider future repairs by purchasing a few extra tiles beyond the calculated amount.
  • Factor in tile thickness if it impacts transitions to other flooring or fixtures.
  • This calculator provides an estimate. Consult with a professional for complex projects or when you're uncertain.

Tips for Tiling

Preparation

  • Ensure the surface is clean, level, and properly prepared
  • Gather all tools before starting: tile cutter, spacers, level, trowel, etc.
  • Acclimate tiles to the installation room for 24 hours
  • Create a detailed layout plan before starting
  • Mix tiles from different boxes to ensure color consistency

Installation

  • Start from the center of the room for a balanced appearance
  • Use spacers for consistent grout lines
  • Work in small sections, especially with quick-setting adhesives
  • Wipe excess adhesive promptly
  • Allow proper drying time before grouting
  • Seal grout after installation if recommended for your tile type
Calculates: Tile quantity, waste, and cost
Intermediate calculations with pattern adjustments

Related Calculators

Related tile-type calculators

Mosaic

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...