Tile Layout & Pattern Calculator
Room and tile
1/8 in = 0.125
Full tiles across × along
9 × 5
- Cut at far wall (across)
- 10.88 in
- Cut at far wall (along)
- 23.38 in
- Centered cut, both sides (across)
- 11.5 in
- Centered cut, both sides (along)
- 23.75 in
- Recommended waste for pattern
- 10%
Cuts look reasonable — dry-lay one row to confirm before setting.
Do this math on the job site — in the free app
Smart Tile Calculator for Android: offline, in your pocket, no ads. iPhone version coming soon.
Tools the pros use for this job
Cross-Line Laser Level
Tile Tools Stainless Steel Square Notch Trowel Set Plus Rubber Grout Float and Grout Sponge for Tiling Installation Grouting
Check price on AmazonPerfect layout lines in both directions without snapping chalk all day.
Leveling Clips & Wedges
DGSL Tile Leveling System with Plier, 300 Tile Spacers 1/8" and 100 Wedges | Tile Leveling Clips with Tile Plier, Anti Lippage Tile Leveler Spacers for Professional Ceramic Tile and Stone Installation
Check price on AmazonHolds large-format tile flat while the mortar sets.
Framing Square
Tile Tools Stainless Steel Square Notch Trowel Set Plus Rubber Grout Float and Grout Sponge for Tiling Installation Grouting
Check price on AmazonConfirms your reference lines are truly at 90°.
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How this calculator works
Each tile occupies its own width plus one grout joint — that is the "module". Divide the run by the module for full tiles; the remainder is your cut at the wall.
The sliver rule: never end with a cut narrower than about one third of a tile (or under 2 inches). Instead, center the layout so you get an equal, larger cut at both walls.
Start layout lines from the most visible sightline — the doorway view in a floor, the level line at the top of the shower for walls — not from the wall that happens to be longest.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I start laying tile in a room?
Snap two perpendicular reference lines through the center of the room, dry-lay a row in each direction, and adjust until the perimeter cuts are even and larger than a third of a tile.
Should walls be tiled top-down or bottom-up?
Bottom-up from a level line, with the cut course at the bottom or behind the tub where it is least visible — never at eye level.
How much offset should a brick pattern have?
One third offset is the standard for tile 15 inches and longer; a 50% running bond on long plank tile exaggerates any bow in the tile and increases lippage.
Related calculators
- Tile Quantity CalculatorHow many tiles you need for any room, wall, or floor — with waste.
- Waste Factor CalculatorHow much extra tile to buy for cuts, patterns, and breakage.
- Backsplash Tile CalculatorKitchen backsplash square footage between counter and cabinets.
- Shower Tile CalculatorWalls, floor, curb, and niche for a full shower surround.
Guides worth reading next
- Choosing the Right Tile Size for Your RoomHow tile size changes a room: when 12×24 beats 4×4, why small rooms can take large tile, grout line math, and the flatness rule for big formats.
- The 7 Tile Mistakes That Show Up a Year LaterSkips that pass inspection on day one and fail by month twelve: no membrane, thin coverage, slivers at the doorway, wrong caulk, and more.
- 7 Subway Tile Layout Patterns (and Which Ones Hide Mistakes)Running bond, stacked, herringbone, vertical and basketweave — what each pattern does to a wall, which ones forgive wobbly walls, and the waste each adds.