Whether you’re planning on installing your own tile floor or simply calculating how much tile you need to budget for, you can determine how much tile you need. If it is a tile wall project instead of a floor, the steps are the same. If you do intend to have a professional complete the installation, the installer will come out and take his or her own measurements too. With a measuring tape and some simple math, you can estimate how much tile you need and how much the project is going to cost you.

Supplies:

Paper

Pen or Pencil

Measuring Tape

Calculator (optional)

Step 1

Measure the length or one side of the room. If it is wall project, then measure the length of the wall running up and down.

Step 2

Measure the length or one side of the room. If it is wall project, then measure the length of the wall running from left to right.

Step 3

Multiply the measurement you obtained from the length by the measurement you obtained from the width. Multiplying the length by the width provides you with the square footage of the project area. For example, if the room measures 10 feet wide by 12 feet, multiply 10 by 12. The square footage of this room is 120 square feet.

Step 4

Calculate the overage. You should never just buy the amount of tile you need. You also need to calculate for cuts, waste and breaks. Multiply the square footage of the room by 15%. Then add this amount to the total square of the room. This is the total amount of square footage you should buy in tile.

Another reason to buy extra tile is in case the tile goes out of stock. If the tile goes out of stock and you need to replace a tile or two, you will the extra tiles you need on hand to make the repairs. If you do not, then to fix the floor, you actually will have to replace the entire floor.

The moral of the story is: Spend a little bit more upfront to save money in the long-run.

Step 5

Translate the square footage in to the amount of tile you need. Tile typically comes in boxes. Divide the total square footage of the room by the total square footage of the tile in the box. For example, if the room is 120 square feet and each box has 10 square feet of tile, then you will need 12 boxes of tile.

Tips

A good rule of thumb to follow is to end up with at least one full box of extra tile when the project is complete.

The steps above can be applied to installing a straight, diagonal or diamond tile pattern. The only difference is in calculating the extra tile. Add 20% to the square footage for a diagonal or diamond pattern. in extra tile than if you are laying a square or straight tile floor pattern.