| Size | Tiles per Sq Ft | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8" (10mm) | ~250-300 | Detailed artwork, intricate patterns |
| 1/2" (13mm) | ~140-160 | Standard mosaics, portraits |
| 3/4" (19mm) | ~65-75 | Larger projects, abstract designs |
| 1" (25mm) | ~35-40 | Bold designs, outdoor projects |
Inputs
Result
2,093 tiles needed (524 per color), 4.2 sq ft area, 2.1 lbs grout, 1.3 lbs adhesive. Perfect for a kitchen or patio table centerpiece with a colorful geometric design.
Inputs
Result
12,111 tiles needed (2,423 per color), 12 sq ft area, 6.0 lbs grout, 3.6 lbs adhesive. Small tiles create intricate detail for an ocean wave or floral pattern behind a vanity.
Inputs
Result
398 tiles needed (133 per color), 1.8 sq ft area, 0.9 lbs grout, 0.5 lbs adhesive. Larger tiles work well for outdoor durability with a simple mandala or sunburst pattern.
Divide your project dimensions by the tile size plus grout gap to get tiles per row and column, then multiply them together. Add 10-20% waste factor for cuts and breakage. For example, a 24"x24" project with 1/2" tiles and 2mm grout needs approximately 1,800-2,000 tiles.
It depends on your design complexity. Use 3/8" (10mm) tiles for detailed artwork and intricate patterns, 1/2" tiles for standard mosaics and portraits, 3/4" tiles for larger abstract designs, and 1" tiles for bold patterns and outdoor projects. Smaller tiles allow more detail but take longer to place.
Plan for approximately 0.5 lbs of grout per square foot for small mosaic tiles. A 2 sq ft project needs about 1 lb of grout. Smaller tiles with more grout lines require more grout, while larger tiles with fewer gaps need less. Always buy 10-20% extra for mixing errors.
A 2mm grout gap is standard for most mosaic projects, providing good definition without overwhelming the design. Use 1mm gaps for very detailed work where you want minimal grout visibility, and 3mm gaps for rustic or outdoor projects. Consistent spacing creates a professional look.
Use approximately 0.3 lbs of thin-set adhesive or mastic per square foot for mosaic tiles. A 2 sq ft project needs about 0.6 lbs of adhesive. The amount varies based on substrate texture and tile thickness. Apply adhesive in small sections to prevent drying before tile placement.
Yes, always add 15-20% waste factor for mosaic projects. Tiles break during cutting, colors may need adjustment, and you'll need extras for repairs. Buying more upfront from the same batch ensures color consistency, as different production runs can vary slightly in shade.
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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2026
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