How Many Tiles for a Bathroom Floor?
Quick Answer
A typical 5×8 foot bathroom floor is 40 square feet. Using 12×12 inch tiles (1 sq ft each), you need 40 tiles, or about 44 after a 10% waste factor for cuts around fixtures.
- 5×8 bathroom (40 sq ft): ~44 12×12 tiles
- 12×12 tile = 1 sq ft each
- 12×24 tile = 2 sq ft each (half the count)
- Add 10–15% waste for cuts around toilet and vanity
Formula
Divide the floor area by the coverage of one tile, then add 10 to 15% for waste. A 12×12 tile covers 1 sq ft; a 12×24 tile covers 2 sq ft.
Step-by-Step Calculation
- 1
Floor area
5 × 8 = 40 square feet
- 2
Tiles at 1 sq ft each
40 ÷ 1 = 40 tiles
- 3
Add 10% waste
40 × 1.10 = 44 tiles
- 4
For 12×24 tiles
40 ÷ 2 = 20 → 22 tiles with waste
Bathroom Floor Tiles by Size
| Bathroom Size | Floor Area | 12×12 Tiles | 12×24 Tiles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5×7 (half bath) | 35 sq ft | 39 | 20 |
| 5×8 | 40 sq ft | 44 | 22 |
| 8×10 | 80 sq ft | 88 | 44 |
| 10×12 (master) | 120 sq ft | 132 | 66 |
Counts include a 10% waste factor. Diagonal or herringbone patterns need 15–20% waste due to more cut tiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much waste should I add for bathroom tile?
Add 10% for a standard straight layout, and 15 to 20% for diagonal or herringbone patterns or rooms with many fixtures. Buying extra from the same batch also protects against future repairs with matching tile.
What size tile is best for a small bathroom?
Larger tiles like 12×24 make a small bathroom feel bigger and mean fewer grout lines to clean. Very small mosaic tiles suit shower floors for grip but need more grout maintenance.
How much does it cost to tile a bathroom floor?
Tile materials run $1–$15 per square foot. For a 40 sq ft bathroom, expect $150–$500 in materials. Professional installation adds $5–$10 per square foot, or $200–$400 for the labor.