How to Measure for Tile Installation
Accurately measuring your space requires a small amount of focused time and some simple tools. Careful measuring, however, will ensure you order the correct amount of tile. We also recommend double-checking your measurements before placing an order. Additionally, it is necessary to order more than you will need; this extra tile is called overage. See the Overage section for instructions on how much extra tile you should order based on the dimensions of your space.
What You will Need Before You Begin
- Measuring Tape and/or Laser Measurer
- Calculator or Phone App
- Notebook or Tablet to Record Measurements
Tile Size and Shape
The size, shape, and pattern of your chosen tile is important to consider before measuring your space, because all three characteristics affect how to measure for a tile installation and how to calculate the recommended overage. The tile size also affects the overall look of the tiled space, notably because of how many grout lines will be used. For example, a 24” x 24” tile used on a floor will have fewer grout lines than a 3” x 6” tile. Fewer grout lines can create the illusion of space, making rooms appear larger. If you want to emphasize the geometry of the tile, then increasing the width of the grout joint will highlight the tile shape, whether it is a square, rectangle, hexagon, or irregular shape.
Tile Size
For large-format tile (any tiles 18” x 36” and larger), a minimum of 30% overage is recommended. If the tile is very large or if the room has a complex layout, order 30 – 35% overage to account for cuts and waste. For small-format tile (any tile with an edge measuring 4 – 9 inches), a minimum of 20% overage is recommended. The Artistic Tile website will automatically add the recommended overage amount. For clients shopping at one of our showrooms, our design experts will recommend the correct overage.
Tile Shape
Tile shape affects measurement and waste. The simplest forms—square or rectangular tiles—require the least amount of overage. Complex shapes such as hexagons and octagons will require more waste because more pieces will need to be cut to fit a specific area.
Square and rectangular tile requires the least amount of overage. If you use square or rectangular tile installed in a simple grid pattern (straight lay), you should have 20% overage. If the room has an irregular shape with many corners, then increase to 25% overage. For large-format tile, regardless of the tile shape, account for 30% overage for rooms with a simple layout and 30 – 35% for rooms with complex floorplans.
Hexagonal tile has six edges of equal size. To measure hexagonal tile, measure from side to side, or from point to point. Follow the instructions below based on what surface you are tiling with hexagonal tiles. For standard rooms, calculate 20% overage; for complex layouts or small spaces, we recommend 25 – 30% overage for hexagonal tile.
Tile Pattern
For herringbone layout, it is easiest if you choose a tile that has a length divisible by its width. For example, a 2” x 6” or 3” x 6” subway tile works well for a herringbone layout. Before measuring the room, surface, or area to be tiled, decide if you want a 45-degree or 90-degree tile layout. To ensure symmetry, best practice is to start laying tiles at the exact center of the room, surface, or area. If the room, surface, or area has angles, corners, or jogs, then the herringbone pattern will look symmetrical if you begin your layout in the center. For a herringbone layout, use 20 – 25% overage.
For complex installation patterns—including herringbone, chevron, basketweave, and brick pattern—add 25 – 30% overage. If you plan to lay tile in a diagonal layout, you should also add 25 – 30% overage.
For seamless mosaics with irregular interlocking edges, and mosaics with multiple pieces that create a larger pattern, you will need to measure more carefully. You can request Artistic Tile to lay out the mosaic you are installing according to the layout of your space; this is a service called carpet cutting, which streamlines installation and reduces waste. Part of our Tailored To Custom services, carpet cutting also lets you see how the tile will work in your room or space. We lay out the mosaic specific to your space and label mosaics for ease of installation. Account for a minimum of 30% overage for seamless irregular waterjet-cut mosaics.
How to Measure for Each Project Area
Different areas have slightly different methods for taking proper measurements. Find your specific application below for area-specific instructions.
1. Measure the area.
Working in inches, measure the length and width of the entire space you plan to tile.
2. Calculate square inches.
Multiply the length by the width to find the total area for the floor tile in square inches.
3. Convert to square feet.
How to Measure Square Feet: Because tile is sold by the square foot, divide the total square inches by 144 to determine the total square footage.
Example: 100” length × 60” width = 6,000 sq. in. ÷ 144 = 41.67 sq. ft.
4. Round up.
Always round up to the nearest whole number for accuracy and ease of ordering.
Example: 41.67 sq. ft. → 42 sq. ft.
5. Add overage.
To ensure you have enough material for cuts, waste, and pattern alignment, add 20% overage to your total.
Example: 42 sq. ft. × 20% = 8.4 sq. ft. additional → 50.4 sq. ft. total.
6. Adjust for irregular layouts.
For rooms with jogs, alcoves, or angled walls, divide the floor into distinct rectangles or squares. Measure each section separately, calculate the area for each, and then add them together to determine the total square footage for your floor tile.
1. Measure the area.
How to Measure for Tile Backsplash: Working in inches, measure the length and height of the space where you would like to apply wall tile—from the countertop to the bottom of your cabinets or from the countertop to the ceiling.
2. Divide irregular spaces.
If your backsplash includes features such as windows or cabinets of varying heights, divide the area into separate rectangles or squares and measure each section individually.
3. Calculate the total area.
Multiply the height by the length for each section to find the square inches, then add all sections together to get your total square inches.
4. Convert to square feet.
How to Measure Square Feet: Divide the total number of square inches by 144 to find the total square footage.
Example: 36” height × 64” length = 2,304 sq. in. ÷ 144 = 16 sq. ft.
5. Add overage.
For wall tile, always add a minimum of 20% extra tile to allow for cuts, waste, and pattern alignment.
Example: 16 sq. ft. + 20% = 20 sq. ft. total.
1. Measure each wall separately.
How to Measure Bathroom Tiles: Working in inches, measure the length and height of each wall you plan to tile. For showers, measure from the top of the tub (or shower base) to the ceiling. For bathtub surrounds, measure from the top of the tub deck to the ceiling or to the desired height of the tile.
2. Divide into sections if needed.
How to Measure Tile for Shower: If your shower includes multiple wall heights or built-in features like niches or windows, divide the area into separate rectangles and measure each one individually.
3. Calculate the area of each wall.
Multiply the length by the height of each wall (or section) to find the total square inches. Then add all wall areas together.
4. Convert to square feet.
How to Measure Square Feet: Divide your total square inches by 144 to convert to square feet.
Example:
Wall 1: 80” height × 60” width = 4,800 sq. in.
Wall 2: 80” height × 36” width = 2,880 sq. in.
Wall 3: 80” height × 60” width = 4,800 sq. in.
Total = 12,480 sq. in. ÷ 144 = 86.7 sq. ft.
5. Account for trim, accent tiles, or borders.
If you plan to include decorative borders or a different tile for the floor or ceiling, measure those areas separately.
6. Add overage.
Add 20% extra tile to allow for cuts, breakage, and pattern alignment.
Example: 86.7 sq. ft. + 20% = 104.4 sq. ft. total.
Decorative elements and finishing pieces—such as trims, bullnose edges, or moldings—are typically sold by the linear foot. These finishing pieces typically come in a smaller tile size. Follow these steps to calculate how much tile you will need:
1. Measure the height or length.
Working in inches, measure the height (for vertical applications) or the length (for horizontal applications) of the area you plan to finish.
2. Convert to linear feet.
Divide the total number of inches by 12 to convert to linear feet.
Example: 48” ÷ 12 = 4 linear feet
3. Add overage.
Include an additional 20% to allow for cuts and adjustments.
Example: 4 linear feet × 20% = 0.8 → 4.8 linear feet
4. Round up.
Always round up to the nearest whole number to ensure full coverage.
Example: 4.8 linear feet → 5 linear feet total
Measuring for a countertop slab requires you to determine the entire area to be covered by the slab as well as to account for sink basin and appliance cutouts and slab overhangs. Drawing a diagram of the countertop that includes islands and peninsulas (many kitchen countertop configurations require more than one slab) can be helpful.
1. Measure each section.
Working in inches, measure the length and width of every slab section. For L-shaped or multi-section countertops, divide the surface into distinct rectangles and measure each separately.
2. Account for overhangs and cutouts.
If your design includes overhangs or cutouts for sinks and appliances, note those measurements as well. Overhangs are usually about 1 inch on each exposed edge.
3. Calculate the total square inches.
Multiply the length by the width for each section. Add the totals together to find the full surface area in square inches.
4. Convert to square feet.
Divide the total square inches by 144 to get the total square footage.
5. Add overage.
Include an additional 25 – 30% to allow for cuts, seams, and natural variations in the slab pattern.
Example:
Let’s say you are measuring an L-shaped kitchen countertop with a 1-inch overhang on each exposed edge.
• Section A: 96” length × 25” depth = 2,400 square inches
• Section B: 72” length × 25” depth = 1,800 square inches
• Total: 2,400 + 1,800 = 4,200 square inches
• Convert to square feet: 4,200 ÷ 144 = 29.17 sq. ft.
• Add 30% overage: 29.17 × 1.30 = 37.92 sq. ft.
Total slab needed: Approximately 40 square feet
Mosaics are most often sold on mesh-backed sheets by the square foot, so you will follow the same principles as measuring for standard tile. If the pattern is especially complex, installation may be more complicated, so you should increase the amount of overage.
1. Measure the area.
Working in inches, measure the length and height of the space you plan to tile. If your area includes multiple sections—such as a backsplash surrounding a window or a shower niche—divide it into rectangles and measure each one separately.
2. Calculate the total square inches.
Multiply the height by the length of each section, then add them together to get the total number of square inches.
3. Convert to square feet.
Divide the total number of square inches by 144 to determine the square footage.
4. Check the sheet coverage.
Mosaic sheets are usually one square foot each, but some patterns vary. Confirm the exact coverage per sheet before ordering.
5. Add overage.
Because mosaic tiles often require trimming to fit borders, corners, or edges, plan for at least 20% overage—and up to 30% for intricate patterns or curved installations.
Example:
Your tiling project includes a shower accent wall that measures 60” high × 48” wide.
• 60 × 48 = 2,880 square inches
• 2,880 ÷ 144 = 20 square feet
• Add 20% overage: 20 × 1.20 = 24 square feet total
If each mosaic sheet covers 1 square foot, you will need 24 sheets for full coverage.
Overage Guidelines by Tile Type
Overage or Tile Waste refers to the amount of tile in each project that is unusable due to breakage, cuts, and layout adjustments. A good rule of thumb is to order an additional 20% for each project. This overage also ensures you have extra tile on hand for repairs. The more complex the tile layout or installation, the more overage you will need.
Overage Guidelines by Project and Tile Type:
- Flooring (large-format tiles): 30% minimum
- Flooring (small-format tiles): 20% minimum
- Backsplashes: 20% minimum
- Finishing Pieces: 20% minimum
- Showers and Tub Surrounds: 20% minimum
- Slabs (countertops and vanities): 25 – 30% minimum
- Mosaics: 20 – 25% minimum
- Custom and Waterjet Designs: 25 – 30% minimum
- The Artistic Tile website will automatically add the recommended overage amount. For clients shopping at one of our showrooms, our design experts will recommend the correct overage.