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Tile Calculator

Plan your tiling project

Units

Boxes Needed

14

Tiles

140

Waste

10%

Cost

$350.00

Total: 120 sq ft

You Need

14

boxes

(140 tiles total)

Estimated Cost

$350.00

Calculation Details

Area120 sq ft
Tiles (exact)120 tiles
+ 10% Waste132 tiles
Coverage per Box10.0 sq ft

Tile Quantity Breakdown

Tiles Needed (exact)120 tiles
+ 10% Waste132 tiles
Total Purchased (14 boxes)140 tiles

Pattern Preview

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

How do I calculate how many tiles I need?

Area (sq ft) ÷ Tile size (sq ft per tile) = tiles needed. Add 10-20% waste. Example: 100 sq ft floor with 12×12 tiles (1 sq ft each) = 100 tiles + 10% = 110 tiles. Always round UP and buy from same lot.

  • Formula: Room sq ft ÷ Tile sq ft = Tiles needed
  • Add 10% waste for straight lay
  • Add 15% waste for diagonal pattern
  • Add 20% waste for complex patterns or mosaic
  • Buy extra from same lot (dye lots vary)
Tile SizeSq Ft per TileTiles per 100 sq ftWith 10% Waste
6×6 inch0.25400 tiles440 tiles
12×12 inch1.0100 tiles110 tiles
12×24 inch2.050 tiles55 tiles
18×18 inch2.2545 tiles50 tiles
24×24 inch4.025 tiles28 tiles
Q

How much grout do I need?

Grout needed depends on tile size, grout joint width, and tile thickness. Larger tiles with narrow joints need less grout. Small mosaic with wide joints needs more. 25 lb bag covers 50-200 sq ft depending on these factors.

  • Sanded grout: For joints 1/8" or larger
  • Unsanded grout: For joints smaller than 1/8"
  • Epoxy grout: Waterproof, stain-proof (bathrooms)
  • Buy 10-20% extra grout for repairs later
Tile Size1/8" Joint1/4" Joint3/8" Joint
6×6 inch100 sq ft/25lb60 sq ft/25lb40 sq ft/25lb
12×12 inch180 sq ft/25lb100 sq ft/25lb70 sq ft/25lb
12×24 inch200 sq ft/25lb120 sq ft/25lb80 sq ft/25lb
18×18 inch220 sq ft/25lb140 sq ft/25lb95 sq ft/25lb
Q

How much thin-set mortar do I need?

Thin-set coverage: 50 lb bag covers 50-75 sq ft (1/4" trowel) or 30-50 sq ft (1/2" trowel). Larger tiles need larger trowel notches. Uneven substrate uses more thin-set. Back-buttering large tiles adds 20-30%.

  • Large format tile (12×24+): Back-butter + trowel floor
  • Uneven floor: May need self-leveling compound first
  • Floor use: Use polymer-modified thin-set
  • Shower: Use waterproofing membrane + thin-set
Trowel SizeCoverage (50 lb bag)Best for Tile Size
1/4" × 1/4"75-100 sq ftMosaic, 4×4 to 6×6
1/4" × 3/8"50-75 sq ft8×8 to 12×12
1/2" × 1/2"40-55 sq ft12×12 to 16×16
3/4" × 3/4"25-35 sq ft18×18 and larger
Q

What tile size is best for my space?

Larger tiles make rooms look bigger but require flatter floors. 12×24 is currently most popular. Small bathrooms: 12×12 or 12×24. Large rooms: 18×18 or 24×24. Smaller tiles are easier to curve around obstacles.

  • Larger tiles: Fewer grout lines, harder to install
  • 12×24: Versatile, works almost anywhere
  • Mosaic: Best for shower floors (conforms to slope)
  • Hexagon: Trendy, more cutting, more waste
SpaceRecommended SizePatternNotes
Small bathroom12×12, 12×24Straight layLarger tiles = fewer grout lines
Large bathroom12×24, 18×18Brick layMix sizes for interest
Kitchen floor12×12, 12×24Brick layConsider maintenance
Living room18×18, 24×24Straight layDramatic, modern look
Shower floor2×2 mosaicN/ASlopes to drain easily
Q

How much does tile installation cost?

DIY material: $1-15/sq ft (tile) + $50-100 (thin-set, grout, tools). Professional install: $5-15/sq ft labor. Total pro cost: $8-25/sq ft installed. Complex patterns and small tiles cost more.

  • Large format tile: Higher labor cost
  • Diagonal/herringbone: 20-30% more labor
  • Demolition/removal: Add $2-4/sq ft
  • DIY rental: Tile saw ~$50-75/day
ComponentBudgetMid-RangePremium
Tile (per sq ft)$1-3$3-8$8-20+
Thin-set (per sq ft)$0.30$0.30$0.50
Grout (per sq ft)$0.20$0.20$0.40
Labor (per sq ft)$5-8$8-12$12-20
Total installed$7-12$12-22$22-40+
Q

How much tile waste should I plan for?

10% minimum for straight layout. 15% for brick/offset pattern. 20% for diagonal or herringbone. 25%+ for complex patterns or small spaces with many cuts. Keep leftover tiles for future repairs.

  • Always buy from same lot (dye lot variations)
  • Keep 5-10% of tiles for future repairs
  • Measure twice, cut once
  • Plan layout on paper first to minimize waste
Pattern TypeWaste %ReasonTips
Straight grid10%Minimal cutsEasiest layout
Brick/offset15%Staggered endsMost popular
Diagonal20%Angled edge cutsMakes room look larger
Herringbone20-25%Many angled cutsLabor intensive
Chevron25%Parallelogram cutsHigh waste, stunning look

Example Calculations

1Bathroom Floor with 12×12 Tiles (Straight Lay)

Inputs

Area Length10 ft
Area Width12 ft
Tile Size12" × 12"
PatternStraight (+10% waste)
Tiles per Box10
Price per Box$25

Result

Boxes Needed14 boxes
Area120 sq ft
Tiles (exact)120 tiles
Tiles with 10% waste132 tiles
Total Tiles (14 boxes)140 tiles
Estimated Cost$350.00

Area = 10 × 12 = 120 sq ft. Each 12×12 tile = 1 sq ft, so 120 tiles needed. With 10% straight-lay waste: 120 × 1.10 = 132 tiles. At 10 per box: ceil(132/10) = 14 boxes. Cost: 14 × $25 = $350.

2Kitchen Floor with 18×18 Tiles (Diagonal)

Inputs

Area Length15 ft
Area Width12 ft
Tile Size18" × 18"
PatternDiagonal (+15% waste)
Tiles per Box10
Price per Box$40

Result

Boxes Needed10 boxes
Area180 sq ft
Tiles (exact)80 tiles
Tiles with 15% waste92 tiles
Total Tiles (10 boxes)100 tiles
Estimated Cost$400.00

Area = 15 × 12 = 180 sq ft. Each 18×18 tile = 2.25 sq ft, so 180/2.25 = 80 tiles. With 15% diagonal waste: 80 × 1.15 = 92 tiles. At 10 per box: ceil(92/10) = 10 boxes. Cost: 10 × $40 = $400.

Formulas Used

Tiles Needed (exact)

Tiles = Area / Tile Area

Divides total floor area by the area of one tile to get the exact number of tiles.

Where:

Area= Floor area (Length × Width) in sq ft
Tile Area= Area of one tile in sq ft (tile width × tile height / 144)

Tiles with Waste

Tiles with Waste = Tiles × (1 + Waste% / 100)

Adds waste percentage based on the installation pattern (straight 10%, diagonal 15%, herringbone 20%).

Where:

Waste%= Waste percentage based on pattern type

Boxes Needed

Boxes = ceil(Tiles with Waste / Tiles per Box)

Rounds up to the next full box to ensure full coverage.

Where:

Tiles per Box= Number of tiles in each box

Tile Calculator Guide

Accurate tile calculation prevents project delays and extra trips to the store. Always buy 10-20% extra and keep some for future repairs.

Tile size and pattern significantly affect both the look of your space and the amount of waste. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines but require flatter floors and more precise installation.

Don't forget the hidden costs: thin-set, grout, spacers, tile saw rental, backer board for wet areas, and waterproofing membrane for showers.

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Last Updated: Feb 12, 2026

This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.

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