The Wall Tile Layout Calculator works out how to center tiles on a wall so the cut tiles at both edges are equal and never too thin.
It fits as many full tiles (plus grout joints) as possible across the width and up the height, then splits the leftover space equally between the two edges. If an edge cut would be less than one-third of a tile, it drops one full tile so both cuts become wider.
Wall Tile Layout Calculator
Centre your wall tile layout: full tiles per row and column, and the width of the balanced cut tiles at each edge.
Formula
- Full tiles: n = ⌊(W − j) ÷ (t + j)⌋
- Edge cut: c = (W − n × t − (n + 1) × j) ÷ 2
- If c < t ÷ 3, use n − 1 full tiles and recalculate c
Where W = wall width (or tiled height), t = tile width (or height), j = grout joint.
How the Calculation Works
Step 1: Count how many full tiles and joints fit across the wall.
Step 2: Divide the leftover space in half so both edges get the same cut.
Step 3: If that cut is a sliver, remove one full tile so the two cuts are larger. Repeat the process for the height.
Variables Explained
| Input | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wall width, tiled height | Area you are tiling |
| Tile width, height | Size of one tile |
| Grout joint | Gap between tiles |
Example Calculation
Given: wall 96 in wide, tiled to 60 in, 12 × 6 in tiles, ⅛ in joints
Across: 7 full tiles; cuts = (96 − 84 − 8 × 0.125) ÷ 2 = 5.5 in at each side
Up: 9 full tiles; cuts = (60 − 54 − 10 × 0.125) ÷ 2 ≈ 2.38 in at top and bottom
Result: 7 full tiles per row with 5½ in cuts at both ends; 9 rows with 2⅜ in cuts
Dimensions Explained
Starting with a full tile instead
Some installers prefer a full tile at a visible edge, such as the top of a backsplash or the outside corner. In that case, the leftover at the other edge is W − n × (t + j).
Layout lines
Mark the wall’s center, then snap lines at tile-plus-joint intervals out from it to check the cut sizes before setting tiles.
Material Estimation Notes
To know how many tiles to buy, use the Wall Tile Calculator. Each cut edge still uses a full tile, so the tile count is often higher than area alone suggests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you center wall tile?
Find the leftover width after full tiles and split it equally between the two edges.
How small is too small for a cut tile?
Very narrow slivers are hard to cut and look unbalanced; this calculator keeps each cut at least one-third of a tile.
Should I start tiling from the middle or the corner?
Starting from the center line gives equal cuts at both corners, which usually looks better.
Does the grout joint matter for layout?
Yes — joints add up across the wall and change the cut sizes.
Can I use this for a backsplash?
Yes — enter the backsplash width and height.