Tile Calculator
Calculate exactly how much tile, grout, and adhesive you need for any tiling project. Get accurate quantities based on your tile size and installation pattern.
Tile Calculator
Calculate tiles, grout, and adhesive for your project
10% waste - Grid pattern, most efficient
Tiles Needed
87 tiles
9 boxes for 88 sq ft (includes 10% waste)
80 sq ft
10
2 bags
17 lbs
$530
Materials List
9 boxes (87 tiles)
2 x 10lb bags
2 bucket(s)
Waste by Pattern
Don't Forget
- Tile spacers
- Notched trowel
- Wet saw/tile cutter
- Grout float
- Sponges
- Bucket
- Knee pads
- Safety glasses
- -Always dry-lay tiles before installing to check pattern and minimize cuts
- -Buy extra tiles (10-15%) for future repairs - matching later can be difficult
How to Use This Calculator
Select your surface type (floor, wall, backsplash, or shower) and enter the area dimensions in feet.
Choose your tile size from common options or enter custom dimensions. Select your installation pattern - this affects waste percentage significantly.
Select your grout width and check the options for materials you need: grout, thinset adhesive, and cement backer board.
Enter pricing to get cost estimates. The calculator automatically adds appropriate waste factor based on your pattern choice.
Understanding Your Results
The tiles needed includes waste factor for cuts and breakage. Round up when buying boxes - you cannot buy individual tiles.
Grout bags are calculated based on tile size and grout width. Most home improvement stores sell 10 lb bags that cover approximately 25-35 sq ft.
Thinset adhesive coverage assumes a standard 1/4" x 1/4" notched trowel. Large format tiles may require larger trowel notches and more adhesive.
Backer board sheets are 3x5 feet (15 sq ft). Always use cement backer board in wet areas like showers and around tubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how many tiles I need?
Measure your area (length x width) to get square footage. Divide by the area of one tile (convert tile dimensions to feet first). Add 10-20% for waste depending on your pattern. For example, for 100 sq ft with 12x12" tiles: 100 sq ft + 10% = 110 tiles needed.
How much grout do I need for tiling?
Grout coverage depends on tile size, grout width, and depth. Larger tiles need less grout per square foot. As a rule of thumb: for 12x12" tiles with 1/8" grout lines, expect about 1 lb of grout per 10-15 square feet.
What is the best tile pattern for waste?
Straight (grid) patterns produce the least waste at around 10%. Brick/offset patterns need 12%, diagonal patterns need 15%, and herringbone patterns need 20% or more due to angled cuts at edges.
Do I need backer board for floor tiles?
Cement backer board is recommended for wet areas (bathrooms, showers) and required over plywood subfloors. It provides a stable, moisture-resistant substrate. For concrete subfloors in dry areas, you can tile directly with proper preparation.
How much thinset adhesive do I need?
Coverage varies by trowel size and tile type. A 50 lb bag typically covers 50-100 sq ft for floor tiles with a 1/4" x 1/4" trowel. Large format tiles and uneven substrates require more thinset.
Should I buy extra tiles?
Yes, always buy 10-15% extra for cuts and future repairs. Save leftover tiles - matching exact colors later can be impossible as dye lots vary. Most manufacturers discontinue patterns within a few years.
Related Calculators
Found this calculator helpful?
Check out our other free calculators for everyday math problems.
View All Calculators