Tile Calculator - Calculate Tiles, Grout, and Thinset Needed
Free tile calculator. Calculate exact tiles, boxes, grout bags, and thinset needed for any room. Supports straight, diagonal, herringbone, and brick patterns.
Room & Tile Dimensions
Surface & Exclusions
Enter room and tile dimensions to see results.
About This Calculator
How to Calculate Tile Needed
Measuring Tips
- Measure length and width of the area in feet
- For multiple areas, calculate each separately and add totals
- Subtract areas not being tiled (fixtures, cabinets)
- For walls, measure height and width, subtract windows and doors
- Account for pattern waste: 10% straight, 15% diagonal, 20% herringbone
Tile Pattern Guide
| Pattern | Waste Factor | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | 10% | Simple rooms, minimal waste |
| Diagonal | 15% | Visual interest, small rooms |
| Brick/Offset | 12% | Subway tile, classic look |
| Herringbone | 20% | Decorative, high-end projects |
Tips for Best Results
- Buy all tiles from the same dye lot for color consistency
- Keep extra tiles for future repairs
- Use spacers for consistent grout lines
- Seal grout after installation to prevent staining
- Plan layout before starting to minimize small cuts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how many tiles I need?
Measure the length and width of the area in feet and multiply to get square footage. Divide by the square footage of one tile. Add 10% for straight cuts, 15% for diagonal patterns, or 20% for herringbone patterns to account for waste and cuts.
How much extra tile should I order?
Order 10% extra for straight layouts, 15% for diagonal layouts, and 20% for herringbone or complex patterns. This accounts for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. Keep extra tiles for replacements.
How much grout do I need per square foot?
Grout coverage depends on tile size and joint width. For 1/8" joints, one 25 lb bag covers approximately 150-200 sq ft. For 1/4" joints, coverage drops to 75-100 sq ft. Larger tiles with smaller joints use less grout.
How much thinset do I need for tile?
A 50 lb bag of thinset covers approximately 40-50 sq ft with a 1/4" trowel, or 25-30 sq ft with a 3/8" trowel. Larger tiles require thicker thinset beds. Plan for one bag per 40-50 sq ft as a general rule.
What size trowel should I use for floor tiles?
Use a 1/4" × 3/8" trowel for tiles up to 8×8 inches, a 3/8" × 3/8" trowel for tiles up to 12×12 inches, and a 1/2" × 1/2" trowel for tiles larger than 16×16 inches. Larger tiles need deeper thinset coverage.