Tile Calculator

Category: Housing/Building
- May 14, 2025
| |

Calculate the number of tiles needed for your project, plus grout, thinset, and other materials. Enter your area dimensions, tile size, and spacing to get accurate estimates for your floor, wall, or backsplash project.

Area Dimensions

Tile Information

Common sizes:

Grout & Spacing

Additional Options

%

Tiling Tips

Proper planning is essential for a successful tile installation project. When purchasing materials, always add extra tiles to account for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.

Tile Installation Patterns
  • Grid: The simplest pattern with tiles aligned in straight rows and columns. Good for beginners and showcases the tile design.
  • Brick/Running Bond: Tiles are offset by half their length, creating a brick-like appearance. Great for rectangular tiles and helps disguise imperfections.
  • Herringbone: Tiles are placed at 45° angles to create a V-shaped pattern. Adds visual interest but requires more cuts.
  • Diagonal: Standard grid pattern rotated 45°. Makes spaces appear larger but results in more waste from cuts.
Grout Selection
  • Narrower grout lines (1/16" - 1/8") create a cleaner, more seamless look.
  • Wider grout lines (3/16" - 1/2") are better for rustic tiles with uneven edges.
  • Matching grout color to your tile creates a seamless appearance.
  • Contrasting grout highlights the tile pattern and can hide stains better.
  • Epoxy grout is more stain-resistant but harder to work with than cement-based grout.

What Is the Tile Calculator?

The Tile Calculator is an easy-to-use tool that helps you estimate the number of tiles and materials you’ll need for your floor, wall, or backsplash tiling project. Whether you're renovating a bathroom, upgrading a kitchen, or working on a commercial space, this calculator saves time and reduces guesswork by giving you accurate material estimates based on your input.

Formula Used

Total Tiles Needed = (Total Area ÷ Tile Area) × Pattern Factor × (1 + Waste Factor)

Grout Volume = Grout Area × Grout Depth

Grout Weight (lbs) = (Grout Volume ÷ 1728) × 100

Why Use a Tile Calculator?

Planning a tiling project can be tricky without knowing exactly how many tiles you need or how much grout or mortar to buy. This tile coverage guide takes care of those calculations so you can:

  • Minimize material waste and avoid overbuying
  • Estimate the number of tile boxes required
  • Account for grout, thinset, and tile layout patterns
  • Factor in exclusions like cabinets or fixtures
  • Use built-in presets for common tile sizes

How to Use the Calculator

  1. Select Your Area Shape: Choose between a rectangular area or a custom total area input.
  2. Enter Dimensions: Input the length and width of the area, or the total area if using a custom value. Units like feet, meters, or inches are supported.
  3. Choose Tile Shape: Pick from square, rectangular, hexagonal, or enter a custom tile area.
  4. Set Tile Pattern: Select the layout pattern (Grid, Brick, Diagonal, or Herringbone). The pattern impacts the number of tiles required.
  5. Add Grout and Spacing Details: Input grout width and depth to estimate how much grout is needed.
  6. Optional Settings: Exclude areas (like bathtubs or cabinets), apply a waste factor, and set the number of decimal places for results.
  7. Click “Calculate Tiles” to view your results including tile count, boxes needed, grout and thinset quantities, and a visual pattern layout.

How It Helps You

This tile estimator acts as your digital assistant in home improvement projects. It's especially useful when paired with tools like a Square Footage Calculator to measure your room size or a Concrete Calculator when prepping a foundation for tile. With accurate estimates, you can plan purchases, budget effectively, and avoid mid-project shortages.

The tool is also ideal for comparing different tile patterns or grout line widths before making final decisions. Whether you're a homeowner, contractor, or DIY enthusiast, this tiling project planner makes project prep easier and more precise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use this calculator for wall tiles too?

Yes, you can select "Wall" or "Backsplash" in the Area Type section to estimate tiles for vertical surfaces.

What if I have fixtures or cabinets in the way?

You can use the “Exclude areas” option to subtract non-tile spaces like toilets, sinks, or furniture from your total area.

How do I know how much grout or thinset I need?

The calculator automatically estimates grout and thinset amounts based on your tile size, spacing, and area.

What is the waste factor?

The waste factor accounts for tile cuts, breakage, and future repairs. It is usually set to 10% by default, but you can adjust it as needed.

Can this tool replace professional advice?

While the tool provides solid estimates, consult with a contractor for exact measurements or unique installation needs.

Related Tools

  • Gravel Calculator – For estimating gravel needs before tiling over outdoor surfaces
  • Concrete Calculator – Great for determining slab material and cement mix measurement
  • Square Footage Calculator – Useful for getting accurate floor area measurements
  • Paint Calculator – Plan for painting walls or ceilings around your tiling area
  • Drywall Calculator – Ideal if tiling over newly finished drywall surfaces