How many tiles and boxes do you need?
Measure each floor or wall section as a rectangle. For an L-shaped room, calculate the two non-overlapping rectangles separately. A tile purchase starts with surface area, adds an allowance for cuts and breakage, and rounds up to complete boxes.
Required area = area × (1 + waste ÷ 100)
Tile area (ft²) = tile length (in) × tile width (in) ÷ 144
Boxes = ceil(required area ÷ box coverage)
Without printed box coverage, we estimate it from tile area × tiles per box. With printed coverage, that figure determines the purchase quantity. The separate tile count uses nominal tile dimensions and is approximate; this is an area estimate, not a tile-by-tile cutting plan.
How Tile Cost Is Calculated
This tile cost calculator starts with your project area, adds a waste allowance, and divides the required coverage by the coverage per box. Boxes are rounded up to whole packages; multiply that quantity by your price per box to estimate material cost.
Boxes to buy = round up(required coverage ÷ coverage per box)
Estimated material cost = whole boxes × price per box
Use the coverage and price for the product you plan to buy. Actual prices vary by product, retailer and location. This estimate covers tile material only.
Worked example: 120 sq ft at $35 per box
A 12 × 10 ft project covers 120 sq ft. With 10% waste, 15 sq ft of coverage per box and an example price of $35 per box:
- Required coverage: 120 × 1.10 = 132 sq ft.
- Boxes to buy: 132 ÷ 15 = 8.8, rounded up to 9 boxes.
- Purchased area: 9 × 15 = 135 sq ft.
- Extra coverage beyond the waste allowance: 135 − 132 = 3 sq ft.
- Estimated material cost: 9 × $35 = $315.
What to check before buying
Confirm package coverage, shade and production lot. A simple straight layout starts here at 10% waste; larger tiles, diagonal patterns, obstacles and difficult cuts can require more. Set the allowance to your installer’s estimate. Any tiles left after cutting can serve as repair stock; plan a separate reserve if a precise amount is required.
For mosaics, patterned multi-size sets, or irregular tiles, use the manufacturer’s box coverage to order boxes. The individual-tile estimate assumes rectangular tiles. Mortar, grout, trim, underlayment, labor, delivery and tax are not included.
Product reference: Daltile’s tile FAQs discuss keeping matching material for future repairs.