← All Tools

Tile Calculator

Calculate tiles needed, grout, thin-set mortar, and total cost for any floor or wall tiling project. Supports diagonal lay, cutout subtractions, and custom tile sizes.

Project Type

Tile Size

Common Sizes

Grout Joint Width

Waste Factor

Custom %

Boxes & Cost

Tiles per Box

Cost Per Tile ($) — optional

— or Cost Per Sq Ft ($) — optional

Floor Area

Length (ft)

Width (ft)

Subtract Cutouts optional

Doors, windows, cabinets — enter width × height in inches or feet.

Net Area

sq ft

Area with Waste

sq ft

Tiles (exact)

tiles

Tiles (with waste)

tiles

Boxes Needed

@ 10 tiles/box

Grout Needed

lbs

Thin-Set Mortar

bags (50 lb)

Quick Notes

Grout weight: estimated at ~0.5 lb per sq ft for 1/8 in joints — adjust for wider joints.
Thin-set mortar: one 50 lb bag covers 40–50 sq ft; buy 10% extra for waste.
Diagonal lay adds 15%+ waste — always round up boxes.
Tile prices listed on the label are per sq ft; multiply by tile area for cost per piece.

How to Use This Calculator

Choose Project Type

Select Floor, Wall, or Both. For walls, add up to 4 surfaces with individual length × height dimensions. Subtract door and window cutouts to avoid overbuying.

Pick Tile Size & Grout Joint

Choose from six common sizes or enter a custom width × height. Match the grout joint to your tile type — rectified tiles use 1/16 in; natural stone typically uses 3/16 in or wider.

Set Waste Factor & Cost

Use 5% for simple straight-lay rooms, 10% for offset/brick patterns, 15% for diagonal. Enter your price per tile or per sq ft for a full material cost estimate.

Lay Pattern Guide

Straight Lay (Grid) — Tiles set in rows and columns. Easiest to install, fewest cuts, minimum waste (5%). Best for large-format tiles like 24×24.

Offset / Brick Pattern — Each row offset by 33–50%. Hides grout line imperfections, popular for subway and 12×24 tiles. Use 10% waste.

Diagonal (45°) — Tiles rotated 45°. Makes rooms feel larger but produces the most waste (15%+). Requires significantly more cuts at every wall.

Herringbone / Chevron — Zigzag pattern, typically with rectangular tiles (12×24). High waste (15%+) and high labor cost. Use custom waste field for 18–20%.

Grout Joint Selection Guide

1/16 in — Rectified / Porcelain

Machine-cut rectified tiles have very precise dimensions. Tight joints give a seamless, modern look. Must use unsanded grout.

1/8 in — Standard Ceramic / Porcelain

Most common choice for floor and wall tile. Works with both sanded and unsanded grout. Forgives minor size variation.

3/16 in — Natural Stone / Handmade

Handmade and natural stone tiles vary in size. Wider joints accommodate variation. Use sanded grout for joints 1/8 in and wider.

1/4 in — Rustic / Tumbled Tile

Tumbled marble, saltillo, and rustic pavers have rough edges and irregular sizes. Wide joints are necessary. Use sanded or coarse-sanded grout.

Tile Size Selection Guide

12 × 12 in — Most Common

The industry standard for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Versatile, widely available, and easy to work with. Best suited for rooms over 60 sq ft.

24 × 24 in — Large Format

Makes spaces feel larger. Requires a very flat, level subfloor. Fewer grout lines = easier cleaning. Popular for modern living areas and master baths.

12 × 24 in — Plank / Subway

Elongates rooms visually. Very popular for shower walls, backsplashes, and bathrooms. Works great in offset/brick pattern. High waste if diagonal.

6 × 6 in — Accent / Mosaic

Small tiles for borders, shower niches, and decorative accents. Typically sold on mesh sheets. More grout = more cleaning. High labor cost.

16 × 16 and 18 × 18 in

Middle ground between 12×12 and large format. Good for medium-sized rooms and outdoor patios. Fewer cuts than small tiles in irregular rooms.

Subfloor Requirement

Any tile over 15 in requires a subfloor deflection of L/360 or better. Large-format tiles are unforgiving — even slight movement causes cracks. Use cement backer board.