See how your tile fits before you make the first cut. Compare five layouts, check every edge and take a cutting list to the workbench.
Every tile drawn to scale
Cut waste counted separately
Free to share and print
SPACERS & GROUT
Use 1/8 in spacers
8.35 lb (3.79 kg) · Conventional sanded-grout estimate · 1 × 25 lb bag
Joint depth equals tile thickness. Density assumptions: sanded 108 lb/ft³; unsanded 105 lb/ft³. Grout estimates include 10% extra.
Choose a grout product approved for your joint width, tile surface and installation location. These quantity estimates use conventional cement-grout density assumptions. Check the selected product’s coverage chart before ordering.
Tap or click a cut tile to see its size. With the drawing focused, arrow keys step through cuts.
No cut selected.
YOUR TILE ORDER
Live
84tiles to buy
boxes to buy
Includes 5% extra reserve, after cutting.
Room: 144 in × 144 in · Tile: 12 in × 24 in · Joint: 1/8 in · Perimeter gap: 1/4 in · Third offset · center start (Width direction: Grout joint; Length direction: Grout joint) · 5% reserve
Tiles used
80
Cut pieces
33
Offcut material
11.9%
Coverage area
144.0sq ft
The share of allocated tile face area left as offcuts. Grout joints and perimeter gaps are excluded. Extra spare tiles are calculated separately.
Each cut consumes a new tile; offcuts are not reused. Joints and the perimeter gap are drawn to scale. Every cut piece counts as a new tile, including narrow slivers. Coverage area is the measured room area.
Measure the room. Check length and width in several places. Enter the actual tile face size and your planned grout joint.
Choose a starting point. Compare a center start with a corner start. The center start balances opposite cuts in a straight grid; staggered rows shift with the pattern.
Check the perimeter cuts. Look for thin strips at walls and doors. If a layout leaves awkward pieces, try another tile orientation or pattern and dry-lay a row before fixing it.
Check your order. Review the cutting list, then choose a reserve for breakage and repairs. Measure each final cut against the room as you work.
The plan assumes a square, rectangular room and counts each cut as a fresh tile. Doorways, fixtures and uneven walls need measurements on site. Once the layout is set, the thinset calculator estimates mortar bags for the same area and trowel size.
Tile Layout Patterns
Straight
Aligned joints make a regular grid. Compare both starting points to check the edge strips.
Half offset
Rows shift by half a tile. Check the tile maker’s offset limit before using this on long tiles.
Third offset
Rows shift by one third of a tile in a three-row cycle. Watch the cuts on each row.
Diagonal 45°
A 45° grid creates angled edge cuts. Allow time for measuring and cutting those shapes.
Herringbone
Rectangular tiles meet at right angles, with both faces at 45° to the walls. V rows follow the longer room edge.
Use the room length as wall width and the room width as wall height to preview one rectangular wall. Compare the cuts at the ceiling, corners and visible ends. Keep a level reference line: floors and ceilings may not be level.
This view does not subtract windows, niches or fittings. For a shower with several walls and openings, use the shower tile calculator to estimate quantities separately. For a kitchen backsplash between counter and cabinets, the backsplash tile calculator adds each wall section and subtracts windows.
Cut Waste vs Extra Tile
Offcut material is the share of allocated tile face area left after subtracting all laid tile polygons: (allocated face area − laid face area) ÷ allocated face area. A cut piece consumes a whole tile here, even if an offcut could be reused. Grout joints and perimeter gaps are excluded. Extra spare tiles are calculated separately.
Extra reserve is separate. The default 5% adds spares after the cut tiles have been counted. Buying 10–15% again for cuts would count that allowance twice. Boxes round the purchase up further. See tile waste and offcuts for a worked comparison of cut counts, reserve and box rounding. If you only need a count without the drawing, the tile calculator estimates tiles and boxes from area alone. For help choosing a joint width, see the grout line size guide.
BEFORE YOU BUY
Tile layout questions
How do I plan my tile layout?+
Measure the room and the actual tile face, choose a grout joint, then compare a center start with a corner start. Look for narrow cuts along the edges and dry-lay a row before fixing any tile. This planner shows a rectangular room; check doors, fixtures and walls on site.
What is the 3/4/5 rule for tiling?+
Measure 3 units along one reference line and 4 along the other. If the diagonal between those marks is 5 units, the lines meet at a right angle. Use the same unit throughout, and larger multiples when there is room. Check your reference lines before laying the first row.
Is it better to stack or stagger tile?+
A stacked layout lines up the joints and can simplify cuts. A staggered layout shifts each row and changes the edge cuts. For long rectangular tiles, check the manufacturer’s permitted offset: a half offset can make lippage more noticeable on bowed tiles. Compare the layouts here before choosing.
What is the best app for visualizing tile layout?+
Choose a tool that accepts your actual room size, tile dimensions and grout joints, and shows the edge cuts. TilingLab provides a free 2D rectangular layout with five patterns and a printable cutting list. It does not model fixtures, uneven walls or 3D finishes; confirm the plan with a dry layout.