How to Calculate Tiles
Divide your room's area (in square feet) by the area of one tile (in square feet). For a 12×12 inch tile, each tile covers exactly 1 square foot. For a 12×24 inch tile, each covers 2 square feet. Always add a waste factor — 10% is standard for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal patterns, and 20% for complex designs or rooms with many obstacles.
Choosing the Right Tile Size
Larger tiles (18×18, 24×24) make rooms appear bigger and have fewer grout lines to maintain. However, they're harder to install on uneven floors. Smaller tiles (6×6, 8×8) work better for small bathrooms, shower floors, and backsplashes. The most popular all-around size is 12×24 inches.