How much tile do I need? Calculate tile quantity, thinset, grout, and spacers for floor and wall projects. Supports different tile sizes, layouts, and pattern styles.
Tile Project Details
Area Length (ft)
Area Width (ft)
Tile Size
Tile Type
Layout Pattern
10% for straight layouts, 15% for complex cuts or patterns
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Enter your project details for tile estimates
Last updated March 2026 by our expert review team
Material costs only. Professional installation adds $4 to $12 per sq ft depending on tile type and pattern.
Hawkin
Certified Cost & Estimating Professional
AACE-certified estimator working with 20+ insulation companies including the two largest franchises in America.
See full profileEhsan Ghazanfari
Licensed Structural Engineer
FISE-certified structural engineer with 11+ years designing bridges, retaining walls, and foundations. MSc from Aalto University.
See full profileUpdated March 2026
How we verify our calculatorsFor full room flooring estimates including hardwood, laminate, and carpet, use our flooring calculator.
Uneven subfloor? Use our self-leveling concrete calculator to estimate leveler and primer for subfloor prep before tiling.
Always back-butter large format tiles (12x24 and bigger). Spread thinset on both the substrate and the tile back to achieve full coverage and prevent hollow spots.
Use a tile leveling clip system to prevent lippage (uneven tile edges). This is especially important with large format tiles and rectified edges.
Install a waterproof membrane (like RedGard or Schluter DITRA) in all wet areas including showers, tub surrounds, and bathroom floors. Thinset alone is not waterproof.
Diagonal and herringbone patterns look great but waste 5 to 10% more material due to extra cuts at the edges. Budget accordingly.
Mix tiles from multiple boxes during installation to blend any slight color variation across the entire floor evenly.
Let thinset cure for at least 24 hours before grouting. Rushing this step weakens the bond and can shift tiles.
Enter the area length and width in feet or meters.
Select tile size, tile type, layout pattern, and adjust the waste factor.
Get tile count, boxes, thinset bags, grout bags, spacers, and cost estimate.
Formulas
Total Area = Area x (1 + Waste% + Layout Waste%)
Tiles = Total Area / Sq Ft per Tile (rounded up)
Thinset = Total Area / 80 sq ft per bag (rounded up)
Grout = Total Area / 200 sq ft per bag (rounded up)
How many tiles per square foot?
It depends on tile size. A 12x12 tile covers 1 sq ft. A 6x6 tile covers 0.25 sq ft (4 tiles per sq ft). A 12x24 tile covers 2 sq ft (0.5 tiles per sq ft). A 24x24 tile covers 4 sq ft.
How much thinset do I need?
One 50 lb bag of thinset mortar covers about 80 sq ft with a 1/4-inch square notch trowel. Large format tiles need a 1/2-inch trowel and use about twice as much thinset.
How much grout do I need?
One 25 lb bag of sanded grout covers about 200 sq ft of standard 12x12 tiles with 1/8-inch grout lines. Wider grout lines and smaller tiles use more grout.
Does diagonal layout waste more tile?
Yes. Diagonal layouts waste about 5% more than straight layouts because every edge tile needs an angled cut. Herringbone wastes about 10% more.
Porcelain vs ceramic: what is the difference?
Porcelain is denser, harder, and more water-resistant (less than 0.5% absorption rate). It costs more but handles freezing temps and heavy traffic. Ceramic works fine for light-traffic interior floors and walls.
What makes large format tile challenging?
Large tiles (18x18 and bigger) require a perfectly flat substrate, back-buttering, a leveling system, and large-format thinset. They amplify even small subfloor imperfections into visible lippage.
Do I need waterproofing under tile?
In wet areas (showers, steam rooms, bathroom floors) you need a waterproof membrane. Tile and grout are water-resistant but not waterproof. Moisture seeping through joints causes mold and subfloor damage.
Can a beginner tile a floor?
A bathroom floor (under 50 sq ft) with 12x12 tiles in a straight layout is a good beginner project. Large format tiles, shower builds, and complex patterns are better left to experienced installers.
A standard bathroom floor with 10% waste. Porcelain handles moisture well. Use a waterproof membrane under the tile near the shower and tub.
Small mosaic or subway-style backsplash. Ceramic is affordable for wall applications. Use unsanded grout for joints under 1/8 inch.
Open kitchen with brick offset pattern. The 12x24 format creates a modern look. Back-butter each tile for full coverage on this size.
Large bathroom including floor and lower wall wainscoting. Natural stone costs more but adds significant visual impact. Seal stone tiles before and after grouting.
Using thinset not rated for tile size
Large format tiles (12x24 and bigger) need large-and-heavy-tile (LHT) thinset mortar. Standard thinset does not provide enough bond strength and leads to hollow spots and tile popping.
Not back-buttering large tiles
Tiles 12x24 and larger need thinset on both the substrate and the tile back. Skipping this creates air pockets that cause cracking under weight and foot traffic.
Grouting too soon after setting tile
Thinset needs at least 24 hours to cure before grouting. Walking on or grouting tiles too early shifts them out of alignment and weakens the bond permanently.
Using the wrong grout type
Use sanded grout for joints 1/8 inch and wider. Use unsanded grout for joints under 1/8 inch. Using sanded grout in thin joints scratches polished tile surfaces.
Skipping waterproofing in wet areas
Tile and grout are not waterproof. Showers, tub surrounds, and bathroom floors need a liquid membrane (RedGard) or sheet membrane (DITRA) to prevent water damage behind the tile.
Important Disclaimer
These estimates are for planning purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, material availability, and project complexity. Always get at least 3 local quotes. This calculator does not replace professional advice.