Tile Calculator Guide
A tile calculator estimates tile count, waste, thinset, and grout for floors and walls. Enter room dimensions, tile size, grout width, and pattern to get a complete materials list with a realistic waste factor.
What is Tile Calculator?
The tile calculator converts floor/wall dimensions into tile quantities, adjusts for grout and pattern, and adds a 10-15% waste buffer depending on room complexity. It supports rectangles, showers, and backsplashes.
How to Use the Tile Calculator
- Enter area dimensions (length x width or height).
- Enter tile size and grout joint width (e.g., 12x24 in with 3/16 in grout).
- Choose layout (straight, brick/running bond, herringbone).
- Add waste (10-15%; more for complex cuts).
- Calculate tile count, boxes needed, thinset, and grout.
Formulas & Methods
- Area:
A = L*W. - Effective tile area:
(tile_L + grout) * (tile_W + grout). - Tile count:
Count = (A / A_tile_eff) * (1 + waste); round up to full boxes. - Thinset/grout: use coverage charts; as a rule of thumb, multiply area by coverage per unit, adjusted for trowel/joint size.
- Layout: patterns may increase waste; brick/herringbone typically add cuts.
Assumptions & limitations
- Substrate must be flat; large-format tiles need stricter flatness.
- Wet areas require waterproofing and proper backer boards.
- Tile calibers and shade may vary; order extra from the same lot for repairs.
Examples
Example A — Bathroom floor
Room 10x8 ft -> 80 sq ft. Tile 12x24 in, grout 3/16 in.
Effective tile area = (12.1875 in x 24.1875 in) = 2.046 ft^2.
Waste = 12%.
Count = 80/2.046 * 1.12 ~ 43.8 → Order 44-46 tiles (plus box rounding).
Example B — Backsplash
Area 8 ft x 2 ft -> 16 sq ft, tile 3x6 in subway, grout 1/8 in, pattern running bond.
Effective tile area = (3.125 x 6.125) in = 19.14 in^2 = 0.133 ft^2. Waste = 10%.
Count = 16/0.133 * 1.10 ~ 132 tiles.
| Item | Quantity | |---|---:| | Tiles | ~44 (12x24) | | Thinset | per coverage | | Grout | per coverage | | Spacers | 3/16 in |
Pro Tips & Best Practices
- Dry-lay to verify layout and edge cuts before mixing thinset.
- Use the right trowel notch for tile size; back-butter large tiles.
- Maintain grout joint consistency with spacers and level lines.
- Order extra tiles for repairs and shade matching.
- Consider movement joints per standards, especially in large areas.
Related Calculators
FAQ
Q: How many tiles do I need?
A: Divide total area by the coverage of one tile (including grout spacing) and add 10-15% for cuts and waste.
Q: How do I account for grout lines?
A: Increase tile area slightly by including grout joint width in the effective coverage.
Q: Do I need backer board?
A: Wet areas typically require cement backer or waterproofing per code and manufacturer instructions.
Q: What layout reduces waste?
A: Centered layouts with equal edge cuts look balanced; larger tiles can reduce grout lines but may need a flatter substrate.
Q: How much thinset and grout do I need?
A: Use manufacturer coverage charts based on trowel size and joint width.
Call to Action
Enter room and tile details to get accurate counts and material estimates—choose a layout and waste factor to match your design and space.