Tile Calculator
Common Tile Sizes
Grout Joint Sizes
Related Calculators
Tile Installation Guide
Calculating Tile Needs
Measure your area in square feet, then divide by the square footage of each tile. Always add 10-15% extra for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
Formula
Tile Sizes and Coverage
| Tile Size | Sq Ft/Tile | Tiles/Sq Ft |
|---|---|---|
| 4" × 4" | 0.11 | 9 |
| 6" × 6" | 0.25 | 4 |
| 12" × 12" | 1.0 | 1 |
| 12" × 24" | 2.0 | 0.5 |
| 18" × 18" | 2.25 | 0.44 |
| 24" × 24" | 4.0 | 0.25 |
Waste Factors
Materials Needed
Per 100 sq ft (typical)
- Tiles + 10-15% extra
- 2-4 bags thin-set mortar
- 1-2 bags grout (sanded)
- 1 tube caulk (for edges)
Tools
- Tile cutter or wet saw
- Notched trowel
- Tile spacers
- Grout float
- Sponge and buckets
Installation Tips
- Dry-lay tiles first to plan cuts and verify pattern
- Start from the center for balanced cuts at edges
- Use the right trowel notch size for your tile
- Keep tiles from the same box together to avoid shade variations
- Wait 24-48 hours before grouting
- Seal grout to prevent staining (especially light colors)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how many tiles I need?
Divide your area by tile size to get number of tiles, then add waste. For 100 sq ft with 12x12" tiles (1 sq ft each): 100 tiles + 10-15% waste = 110-115 tiles. Always round up to complete boxes.
How much extra tile should I buy for waste?
Add 10% for simple rectangular rooms, 15% for rooms with obstacles and cuts, 20%+ for diagonal patterns or complex layouts. Keep extras for future repairs - tiles can be discontinued.
What grout line spacing should I use?
Rectified (precision-cut) tiles: 1/16". Standard ceramic: 1/8". Natural stone: 3/16". Larger grout lines hide imperfections in handmade or irregular tiles. Always use unsanded grout for lines under 1/8".
How much thin-set mortar do I need?
Coverage depends on trowel notch size: 1/4" square notch covers about 75-80 sq ft per 50lb bag. Larger tiles need larger notches (less coverage). Always back-butter large format tiles for full coverage.