Tile Calculator · Practical guide
How Many Tiles Do I Need for a Bathroom Floor?
Bathroom floor tile counts for common room sizes and tile dimensions, waste included.
At a glance
The Short Answer
A typical 5 ft x 8 ft bathroom (40 sq ft) needs about 44 tiles in 12x12-inch size or about 176 tiles in 6x6-inch size, including a 10% wastage allowance and a standard 1/8-inch grout gap.
Interactive tool
Tile Calculator
Enter your own values, then compare the result with the examples below.
Tile Estimate
Worked Example: 5 x 8 ft Bathroom
With 12x12 tiles plus a 0.125-inch grout gap, each tile effectively covers 12.125 inches. The 60-inch width fits 5 tiles (60 / 12.125 = 4.95, rounded up) and the 96-inch length fits 8, giving 40 tiles. Ten percent wastage adds 4, for 44 tiles total.
| Tile Size | Tiles Before Waste | With 10% Waste |
|---|---|---|
| 6 x 6 in | 160 | 176 |
| 12 x 12 in | 40 | 44 |
| 12 x 24 in | 20 (laid lengthwise) | 22 |
Bathroom-Specific Tips
- Expect more cuts: toilets, vanities, and doorways force partial tiles, so 10% waste is a minimum — use 15% for small or oddly shaped baths.
- Smaller tiles on shower floors: mosaic or 6x6 tiles slope better to drains and offer more grip.
- Subtract nothing for the vanity: tile under it anyway if you might change the layout later, or subtract its footprint if the cabinet is permanent.
Measuring an L-Shaped Bath
Split the floor into rectangles, measure each one, and run the calculator per section, or measure the largest enclosing rectangle and adjust. Either way, enter the exact width and length in feet above for a count you can take to the store.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet is a typical bathroom floor?
A small full bath is around 5 x 8 ft (40 sq ft), a powder room 4 x 5 ft (20 sq ft), and a large primary bath 10 x 10 ft or more (100+ sq ft). Measure your own room rather than assuming.
Should I use big or small tiles in a small bathroom?
Both work. Large 12x24 tiles mean fewer grout lines and a more spacious look; smaller tiles follow slopes better and give more traction underfoot. The calculator shows the count either way.
Do I need extra tile for the shower area?
Yes — walls and shower pans are separate surfaces. Measure each wall's width and height and run the calculator again for those areas, keeping the same wastage allowance.
How much wastage for a diagonal bathroom layout?
Use 15% instead of 10%. Diagonal layouts cut nearly every edge tile at an angle, and small bathrooms have a high ratio of edges to open floor.