Tile Calculator
Calculate tile quantity for floors or walls including grout, mortar, and waste factor. Supports different tile sizes and patterns.
Area to Tile
Tiles Needed
108 tiles (12x12)
Tile Installation Reference
- 1/16": Rectified tile, clean look
- 1/8": Standard for most tile
- 3/16": Natural stone
- 1/4": Rustic, large format
- Thinset: 40-60 sq ft/bag
- Grout: 80-120 sq ft/bag
- Back-butter large tiles
- Use leveling clips for large format
- Order 10-15% extra for cuts and future repairs
- Dry-fit tiles before mortaring to plan cuts
- Mix thinset to peanut butter consistency
- Clean grout haze within 24 hours
- Seal grout and natural stone after installation
Related Calculators
About This Calculator
Calculate the exact number of tiles, grout, mortar, and backer board needed for your flooring, backsplash, or shower project. This tile materials calculator accounts for different tile sizes, grout joint widths, and pattern waste factors to ensure you purchase the right quantities—with enough extra for cuts and future repairs.
2026 tile installation costs: Ceramic tile flooring runs $12-$40 per square foot installed, while porcelain costs $15-$50 per square foot. Labor alone averages $8-$20 per square foot, with large format tiles (24x48) pushing labor costs to $25-$30 per square foot due to weight and leveling requirements.
For a typical 100 square foot bathroom floor, expect to pay:
- Ceramic tile: $1,200-$2,500 installed (materials + labor)
- Porcelain tile: $1,500-$3,500 installed
- Natural stone: $2,500-$5,000+ installed
Backsplash installations average $200-$1,100 for a standard 35 square foot kitchen backsplash, while shower tiling costs $1,800-$5,000 including waterproofing. Material costs have stabilized after 2025 supply chain adjustments, but skilled tile setter labor remains in high demand—book professionals 4-6 weeks ahead for quality work.
How to Use the Tile Calculator
- 1Enter the length and width of the area to be tiled in feet (or use the square footage calculator).
- 2Select your tile size from the dropdown (4x4 to 24x48 inches) or enter custom dimensions.
- 3Choose your installation pattern: straight (10% waste), diagonal (15%), or herringbone (20%).
- 4Adjust grout joint width: 1/16" for rectified, 1/8" standard, or 1/4" for rustic/stone.
- 5Toggle advanced mode to customize waste factor, mortar coverage, and pricing.
- 6Review the complete shopping list: tiles (in pieces and boxes), grout bags, mortar bags, and backer board sheets.
- 7Add 5% to your tile count for future repairs—matching tiles years later is nearly impossible.
Formula
Tiles Needed = (Area in Sq Ft × Tiles per Sq Ft) × (1 + Waste Factor)Calculate the area, divide by individual tile coverage (accounting for grout joints), then multiply by the waste factor based on pattern complexity. Round up to full boxes—partial box returns are rare. For boxes, divide total tiles by tiles per box and round up.
2026 Tile Installation Costs
Current pricing reflects stable material costs but rising labor rates:
Floor Tile (Materials + Labor):
| Tile Type | Materials/SF | Installed/SF | 100 SF Bathroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic (glazed) | $3-$10 | $12-$25 | $1,200-$2,500 |
| Porcelain (standard) | $4-$15 | $15-$35 | $1,500-$3,500 |
| Porcelain (large format) | $8-$20 | $25-$50 | $2,500-$5,000 |
| Natural stone | $10-$50 | $25-$75 | $2,500-$7,500 |
| Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) | $3-$8 | $8-$15 | $800-$1,500 |
Wall Tile & Backsplash:
| Application | Materials/SF | Installed/SF | Typical Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen backsplash (35 SF) | $5-$25 | $15-$40 | $525-$1,400 |
| Subway tile (ceramic) | $2-$8 | $12-$25 | $420-$875 |
| Glass/mosaic accent | $15-$50 | $25-$60 | $875-$2,100 |
| Shower walls (75 SF) | $5-$20 | $20-$40 | $1,500-$3,000 |
Labor Costs Only:
| Surface | Labor/SF | Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Simple floor (12x12) | $4-$12 | Standard layout |
| Complex floor (patterns) | $10-$20 | Diagonal, herringbone |
| Large format (24x24+) | $15-$30 | Weight, leveling |
| Shower/wet areas | $15-$25 | Waterproofing, slopes |
| Backsplash | $10-$20 | Outlets, corners |
Additional Costs:
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Tile removal | $2-$7/SF |
| Subfloor leveling | $2-$5/SF |
| Backer board installation | $5-$8/SF |
| Waterproofing membrane | $3-$8/SF |
| Heated floor mat | $10-$25/SF |
Tile Size Coverage Reference
How many tiles cover one square foot (with 1/8" grout joints):
Standard Tile Sizes:
| Tile Size | Tiles per SF | Per Box (typical) | Box Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2x2" mosaic sheet | 1 sheet/SF | 10 sheets | 10 SF |
| 3x6" subway | 5.3 tiles | 80 tiles | 15 SF |
| 4x4" | 8.4 tiles | 80 tiles | 9.5 SF |
| 4x12" | 2.8 tiles | 15 tiles | 5.4 SF |
| 6x6" | 3.8 tiles | 44 tiles | 11.6 SF |
| 6x24" plank | 0.95 tiles | 8 tiles | 8.4 SF |
| 12x12" | 0.98 tiles | 15 tiles | 15.3 SF |
| 12x24" | 0.49 tiles | 8 tiles | 16.3 SF |
| 18x18" | 0.43 tiles | 9 tiles | 20.9 SF |
| 24x24" | 0.24 tiles | 4-6 tiles | 16-24 SF |
| 24x48" | 0.12 tiles | 2-3 tiles | 16-24 SF |
Coverage Formulas:
Tiles per SF = 144 ÷ [(Tile Width + Grout) × (Tile Length + Grout)]
Example (12x24 tile, 1/8" joints):
= 144 ÷ [(12.125) × (24.125)]
= 144 ÷ 292.5
= 0.492 tiles per SF
Note: Grout joint width affects coverage. Wider joints = fewer tiles needed but more grout.
Pattern Waste Factors
Waste factor depends on room complexity and tile pattern:
Waste by Installation Pattern:
| Pattern | Waste Factor | Labor Premium | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight/grid | 10% | Baseline | Budget, simple rooms |
| Brick/offset (1/3) | 10-12% | +5% | Modern, elongated look |
| Brick/offset (1/2) | 12% | +5% | Classic subway look |
| Diagonal (45°) | 15% | +15-20% | Hiding crooked walls |
| Herringbone | 18-22% | +25-40% | High-end, focal areas |
| Chevron | 20-25% | +30-50% | Premium, complex |
| Versailles | 15-20% | +20-30% | Natural stone |
| Basketweave | 15% | +15-20% | Traditional |
Waste by Room Complexity:
| Factor | Add to Waste |
|---|---|
| Simple rectangle | +0% |
| L-shaped room | +3-5% |
| Many outlets/obstacles | +3-5% |
| Curved walls | +5-10% |
| Shower with niche | +5% |
| First DIY project | +5-10% |
| Future repair reserve | +5% |
Example Calculation:
Bathroom floor: 75 SF, diagonal pattern, 3 outlets, first DIY project
- Base waste (diagonal): 15%
- Outlets: +3%
- DIY buffer: +5%
- Repair reserve: +5%
- Total waste factor: 28%
- Tiles needed: 75 × 1.28 = 96 SF worth of tile
Grout and Mortar Requirements
Calculate support materials based on tile size and area:
Grout Coverage (25-lb bag):
| Joint Width | 12x12 Tile | 6x6 Tile | 3x6 Subway |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16" | 200 SF | 150 SF | 120 SF |
| 1/8" | 100 SF | 75 SF | 60 SF |
| 3/16" | 65 SF | 50 SF | 40 SF |
| 1/4" | 50 SF | 38 SF | 30 SF |
Grout Type Selection:
| Type | Joint Width | Best Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unsanded | Up to 1/8" | Wall tile, small joints | $15-$25/25lb |
| Sanded | 1/8" to 1/2" | Floor tile, wide joints | $15-$25/25lb |
| Epoxy | Any | Showers, high-moisture | $40-$80/unit |
| Urethane | Any | Stain resistance | $35-$50/unit |
Thinset/Mortar Coverage (50-lb bag):
| Trowel Notch | Coverage/Bag | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4" × 1/4" square | 80-100 SF | Wall tile, mosaics |
| 1/4" × 3/8" U-notch | 50-70 SF | 12x12 floor tile |
| 1/2" × 1/2" square | 30-40 SF | Large format (18x18+) |
| Back-buttering add | -20-30% | 24x24+ tiles |
Mortar Types:
| Type | Use | Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Standard gray | Interior, dry areas | Baseline |
| White thinset | Glass, translucent tile | +15% cost |
| Large tile mortar | 15x15+ tiles | +20% cost |
| Rapid-set | Fast projects, repairs | +25% cost |
Quick Shopping List Formula:
For 100 SF of 12x12 tile with 1/8" joints:
- Tiles: 100 + 15% waste = 115 tiles (8 boxes of 15)
- Thinset: 100 SF ÷ 60 = 2 bags (50-lb)
- Grout: 100 SF ÷ 100 = 1 bag (25-lb sanded)
Tile Material Comparison
Choose the right tile for your application:
Ceramic vs Porcelain:
| Factor | Ceramic | Porcelain |
|---|---|---|
| Water absorption | 3-10% | <0.5% |
| Hardness (PEI rating) | 1-3 | 3-5 |
| Outdoor use | No | Yes |
| Frost resistance | No | Yes |
| Price range | $2-$15/SF | $4-$30/SF |
| Best use | Walls, dry floors | All applications |
| DIY difficulty | Easier to cut | Harder, needs wet saw |
Natural Stone Types:
| Stone | Cost/SF | Durability | Maintenance | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marble | $10-$50 | Low-medium | High (seal yearly) | Walls, accents |
| Travertine | $8-$25 | Medium | Medium (seal 2-3 yr) | Floors, patios |
| Slate | $5-$20 | High | Low-medium | Floors, outdoors |
| Granite | $15-$50 | Very high | Low (seal 3-5 yr) | Counters, floors |
| Limestone | $8-$30 | Low | High (seal yearly) | Walls, fireplaces |
Specialty Tiles:
| Type | Cost/SF | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | $15-$75 | Translucent, delicate, accent use |
| Cement/encaustic | $10-$40 | Artisan look, must seal |
| Metal | $20-$100 | Accent only, scratches easily |
| Penny round | $8-$25 | Small, many joints |
| Large format (24x48) | $8-$30 | Fewer joints, harder install |
PEI Ratings (Wear Resistance):
| Rating | Traffic Level | Application |
|---|---|---|
| PEI 0 | None | Wall only |
| PEI 1 | Light | Bathroom walls |
| PEI 2 | Light | Bathroom floors |
| PEI 3 | Moderate | Residential floors |
| PEI 4 | Heavy | Commercial, kitchens |
| PEI 5 | Extra heavy | Commercial, exterior |
Shower and Wet Area Requirements
Shower installations require additional materials and preparation:
Shower Waterproofing Systems:
| System | Cost/SF | Method | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| RedGard (liquid) | $1-$2 | Paint-on | Budget, DIY-friendly |
| Hydroban | $2-$3 | Paint-on | Premium liquid |
| Kerdi membrane | $3-$5 | Sheet + seams | Industry standard |
| Kerdi-Board | $5-$8 | Tile-ready panels | No backer needed |
| PVC liner | $2-$4 | Traditional pan | Code-required in some areas |
Shower Material Quantities (3x4 Shower):
| Component | Quantity | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Walls (75 SF) | 86 SF tile | $430-$2,150 |
| Floor (12 SF) | 14 SF tile | $70-$350 |
| Waterproofing | 87 SF | $175-$435 |
| Cement board | 10 sheets (3x5) | $80-$150 |
| Thinset (walls) | 2 bags | $30-$50 |
| Thinset (floor) | 1 bag | $15-$25 |
| Grout | 2 bags | $30-$50 |
| Corners/curb | Prefab or tile | $50-$200 |
| Materials total | — | $880-$3,410 |
Shower Slope Requirements:
| Surface | Slope Required |
|---|---|
| Shower floor to drain | 1/4" per foot |
| Bench top | 1/4" toward drain |
| Curb top | Slope inward |
| Niche bottom | Slight slope out |
Critical Shower Details:
- Cement board joints sealed with membrane
- Corners pre-formed or taped
- Drain flange integrated with membrane
- Curb fully waterproofed (top and sides)
- Niche waterproofed on all surfaces
DIY vs Professional Installation
Evaluate whether to DIY based on project complexity:
DIY Savings Potential:
| Project | Professional | DIY Materials | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backsplash (35 SF) | $700-$1,400 | $200-$500 | $400-$900 |
| Bathroom floor (50 SF) | $1,000-$2,000 | $350-$700 | $500-$1,300 |
| Shower (87 SF walls+floor) | $2,500-$5,000 | $800-$1,500 | $1,500-$3,500 |
| Kitchen floor (150 SF) | $2,500-$5,000 | $750-$1,500 | $1,500-$3,500 |
DIY Time Investment:
| Task | Time (100 SF) |
|---|---|
| Remove old flooring | 3-6 hours |
| Prep subfloor/leveling | 4-8 hours |
| Install backer board | 3-5 hours |
| Dry layout and planning | 2-3 hours |
| Tile installation | 8-12 hours |
| Grouting | 3-4 hours |
| Cleanup and sealing | 2-3 hours |
| Total | 25-41 hours |
When to Hire a Pro:
- Shower installations (waterproofing is critical)
- Large format tiles (24x24+)—need leveling system
- Pattern installations (herringbone, complex)
- Natural stone (requires special handling)
- Heated floor systems
- Unlevel subfloors requiring major prep
- Tight timeline (pro does 100 SF/day)
When DIY Makes Sense:
- Simple backsplash with no pattern
- Small bathroom floor (under 50 SF)
- Standard 12x12 or smaller tiles
- Straight/grid pattern
- Good, level subfloor
- Flexible timeline
- You own proper tools
Essential DIY Tools:
| Tool | Cost | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Wet tile saw | $100-$400 (buy) or $50/day (rent) | All cuts |
| Tile nipper | $15-$30 | Curves, small cuts |
| Notched trowel | $10-$25 | Mortar application |
| Grout float | $10-$20 | Grout application |
| Tile spacers | $5-$15 | Consistent joints |
| Level (4 ft) | $30-$60 | Flat surface check |
| Knee pads | $20-$40 | Comfort |
| Sponge and bucket | $15-$25 | Cleanup |
Pro Tips
- 💡Open all tile boxes and mix tiles from different boxes during layout—this blends any color variations between manufacturing lots.
- 💡Dry-fit your entire layout before applying mortar—mark cut lines and verify the pattern looks right before commitment.
- 💡Start layout from the center of the room, not the wall—this ensures cut tiles at edges are equal size on both sides.
- 💡For floor tiles, use a leveling system (clips and wedges) to eliminate lippage—especially critical for tiles 12x12 and larger.
- 💡Mix thinset to a peanut butter consistency—too wet causes shrinkage and weak bonds; too dry prevents adhesion.
- 💡Back-butter large format tiles (16x16+) in addition to the floor for 95%+ mortar coverage and no hollow spots.
- 💡Allow mortar to cure 24 hours before grouting—rushing causes tile movement and grout cracking.
- 💡Clean grout haze within 20-30 minutes using a damp sponge—dried haze requires acid cleaners and damages tile glazes.
- 💡Seal grout 48-72 hours after installation and reseal annually in wet areas—prevents staining and mildew.
- 💡Keep 5% extra tiles in storage for future repairs—matching discontinued or different-lot tiles is often impossible.
- 💡Rent a quality wet saw rather than buying cheap—clean cuts prevent chipping and reduce waste significantly.
- 💡Never use mastic (pre-mixed adhesive) in wet areas or on floors—it softens with moisture and causes tile failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
At 0.98 tiles per square foot (with 1/8" grout joints), you need 98 tiles to cover 100 SF. However, always add waste: 10% for straight patterns (108 tiles), 15% for diagonal (113 tiles), or 20% for herringbone (118 tiles). Round up to full boxes—if boxes contain 15 tiles, buy 8 boxes (120 tiles) for a straight layout. Keep extra tiles for future repairs.
