Need a hand figuring out how many ceiling tiles to order for your next DIY project?
Whether you're remodeling a room, replacing old tiles or installing a brand new ceiling across an entire basement, getting your tile count right is essential.
Use our easy tile calculator, learn how to measure your room and avoid costly mistakes with our expert tips and real-life examples.
Ceiling Tiles Calculator
Planning mistakes in ceiling tile projects can cost you both time and money. Order too few tiles, and you risk project delays. Order too many, and you're spending more than you need.
Fortunately, our Ceiling Tile Calculator helps you avoid both scenarios. Just enter your room dimensions and choose your tile size. The calculator will instantly tell you how many tiles you need to get the job done right. It even estimates how much adhesive or how many nails you'll need based on your installation method.
Whether you're planning a ceiling or wall tile project, this tool makes it easy to order the right amount of tiles.
How to calculate the number of tiles you need manually?
If you prefer to do the maths yourself, here’s a quick guide.
- Measure your Ceiling
Use a measuring tape to get the length and width of your room in feet.
Example:
Length: 12 ft
Width: 12 ft
12 x 12 = 144 sq ft - Check the Coverage per tiles
Look at your tile’s product description to find how much square footage one tile covers. Most tiles list this clearly.
Example:
Line Art Glue-up Styrofoam Ceiling Tile
Size: 20” x 20”
Coverage: 2.66 sq ft per tile - Divide and Add overage
Take your ceiling square footage and divide it by the tile’s coverage area. Then add 15% extra to account for cuts, waste or replacements.
Example:
144 sq ft / 2.66 sq ft = 55 tiles
55 tiles x 1.15 = 64 tiles
Tip: Always round up to the nearest whole number.
If you would like more info on how to measure, see our guide 10 tips on how to measure like a pro!
What Products will you need depending on Installation Method?
… Other than your favourite tiles of course!
Your installation method affects not only how you install the tiles, but also what supplies you need. Here's what to plan for:
Glue-up installation
Adhesive:
we recommend Instant Grab #310, which covers about 20 sq ft.
Example: 144 sq ft / 20 sq ft = 8 tubes
Nail-up installation
Nails:
You need 9 nails per 24” x 24” tile and 18 nails per 24” x 48”.
Example: For 64 tiles 24” x 24” size,
you need: 64 x 9 = 576
Add extra for overage.
Drop-in installation
No adhesive or nails required.
Make sure your grid is measured and
installed properly.
Tiles drop right in 24” x 24” or 24” x 48” grid.
If you have any questions regarding the best method to use for you, contact our friendly team of experts, we’re happy to help!
Tips from the Pro’s
- Always double check your measurements: accurate length and width = accurate tile count. Even a few inches off can make a big difference.
- Round up to full boxes: tiles are often sold in packs. Always round your final tile number up to the next full box to avoid shortfalls.
- Account for ceiling height and layout: in rooms with low ceilings or slopes, you may need to adjust your tile orientation or selection to fit the space better.
- These tips and methods also apply to wall tile installations!
Ceiling Tiles Calculator FAQ’s
Measure the length × width of the ceiling in feet to get square footage. Divide by the square footage of one tile and add 15% for overage.
Coverage for our 12” x 12” tiles is 1 square feet.
144 sq ft / 1 sq ft = 144 tiles
Add 15%: 144 x 1.15 = 166 tiles
10 ft × 10 ft = 100 sq ft
100 sq ft / 1 sq ft = 100 tiles
Add 15%: 100 × 1.15 = 115 tiles
Coverage for our 12” x 12” tiles is 1 square feet.
50 sq ft / 1 sq ft = 50 tiles
Add 15%: 50 x 1.15 = 58 tiles
We recommend 15% overage in general. But if your project is fairly easy and straightforward, 10% might be enough.
Multiply the length and width of your ceiling in feet: Length × Width = Total Square Feet.
Please call us at 1-866-297-0380 if you have any questions.
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