Tile Calculator
Tiles Needed
111 tiles
~10 boxes • 10% waste included • 100 sq ft
Grout
50 lbs
Thinset
150 lbs
Tile Size
12×12 in
Est. Tile Cost
$111 – $555
Tip: Always buy 10–15% extra tiles (included in our estimate) for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. Keep leftover tiles for matching if replacements are needed later.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Tile Cost Breakdown
| Tile Size | Cost / Tile (Ceramic) | Tiles / Sq Ft | Cost / Sq Ft (Material) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4″ × 4″ | $0.25 – $1.50 | 9.0 | $2.25 – $13.50 |
| 6″ × 6″ | $0.50 – $3.00 | 4.0 | $2.00 – $12.00 |
| 12″ × 12″ | $1.00 – $5.00 | 1.0 | $1.00 – $5.00 |
| 12″ × 24″ | $2.50 – $8.00 | 0.5 | $1.25 – $4.00 |
| 18″ × 18″ | $3.00 – $10.00 | 0.44 | $1.33 – $4.44 |
| 24″ × 24″ | $4.00 – $15.00 | 0.25 | $1.00 – $3.75 |
* Ceramic tile prices shown. Porcelain adds 20–50%, natural stone adds 100–300% to material costs.
Average Project Costs (Installed)
| Project | Size | Tile Type | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Backsplash | 30 sq ft | Subway Ceramic | $300 – $600 |
| Bathroom Floor | 75 sq ft | 12″ Porcelain | $600 – $1,500 |
| Kitchen Floor | 200 sq ft | 12″ × 24″ Porcelain | $1,600 – $4,000 |
| Entryway / Foyer | 100 sq ft | 18″ Natural Stone | $1,500 – $3,500 |
How We Calculate
Our tile calculator estimates how many tiles you need based on room dimensions, tile size, layout pattern, and waste factor. It also provides grout and thinset estimates for complete project planning.
How the math works: Total area = length × width (for rectangular rooms) or sum of sections for L-shaped rooms. Tiles needed = total area ÷ tile area × (1 + waste factor). For example, a 120 sq ft room with 12×12-inch tiles at 10% waste: 120 ÷ 1.0 × 1.10 = 132 tiles. We round up to the nearest whole tile and to the nearest full box.
Tile Size Reference
Small tiles (4×4, 6×6) are best for backsplashes, accent walls, and shower floors where slope-to-drain is needed. More grout lines mean more maintenance but better slip resistance.
Standard tiles (12×12, 12×24) are the most popular for floors and walls. They balance ease of installation with visual appeal. 12×24-inch tiles create a modern, elongated look and can make narrow rooms appear wider.
Large-format tiles (18×18, 24×24) reduce grout lines for a cleaner look. They require a very flat substrate (lippage tolerance under 1/8 inch) and typically need back-buttering during installation. Best for open floor plans.
Grout & Thinset Estimates
Grout quantity depends on tile size, grout joint width, and tile thickness. Standard 1/8-inch joints use less grout than 3/16-inch or 1/4-inch joints. We calculate grout volume based on joint dimensions and recommend sanded grout for joints 1/8 inch and wider, unsanded for narrower joints. Thinset coverage assumes a properly sized notched trowel matched to your tile size.
Waste Factor Guidelines
Waste accounts for cuts at walls, breakage during cutting and installation, and spare tiles for future repairs. Straight layouts in rectangular rooms: 10%. Diagonal and offset layouts: 15%. Complex patterns (herringbone, chevron): 15–20%. Rooms with many obstacles: add 5% more. We recommend keeping 2–3 extra tiles for future repairs since matching dye lots may be unavailable later.
Data Sources
Tile pricing is compiled from Home Depot, Lowe’s, Floor & Decor, and specialty tile retailers. Labor rates are based on HomeAdvisor and Angi contractor data across US markets. We review and update pricing regularly to reflect current market conditions.
Last updated: 2026-02-08
Frequently Asked Questions
How many tiles do I need for my project? +
Divide the total area (in square feet) by the area of one tile. For example, a 100 sq ft floor using 12×12-inch tiles (1 sq ft each) needs 100 tiles before waste. Always add 10% for straight layouts or 15% for diagonal and herringbone patterns to cover cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
How much does tile installation cost? +
Tile installation costs $5–$15 per square foot for labor, plus $1–$20+ per square foot for tile material. Budget ceramic runs $1–$3/sq ft, standard porcelain $3–$7/sq ft, natural stone $5–$20/sq ft, and mosaic or designer tile $10–$30/sq ft. A typical 150 sq ft bathroom floor costs $1,200–$3,000 installed.
How much waste should I add when buying tile? +
Add 10% extra for straight (grid) layouts in rectangular rooms. Add 15% for diagonal, herringbone, or brick-pattern layouts that require more cuts. For rooms with many obstacles (columns, curves, alcoves), add 15–20%. Always buy all tile from the same dye lot, as colors vary between production runs.
How much grout do I need for my tile project? +
Grout coverage depends on tile size, joint width, and tile thickness. A 25 lb bag of sanded grout covers roughly 100–200 sq ft of 12×12-inch tile with 1/8-inch joints. Larger joints or smaller tiles use significantly more grout. Sanded grout is used for joints 1/8 inch and wider; unsanded grout for joints narrower than 1/8 inch.
How much thinset mortar do I need? +
A 50 lb bag of thinset covers approximately 60–80 sq ft when applied with a 1/4×1/4-inch square-notch trowel (standard for most floor tile). Larger tiles (18×18 or 24×24) require a 1/2×1/2-inch trowel, reducing coverage to 40–50 sq ft per bag. Buy one extra bag for leveling and back-buttering large-format tiles.
What tile size should I choose for my room? +
12×12-inch tiles are the most popular for floors and are easy to install. 6×6-inch and 4×4-inch tiles suit backsplashes and shower walls. 18×18 and 24×24-inch large-format tiles make rooms look bigger but require flatter subfloors and more skill. Subway tiles (3×6) are classic for wall applications. Mosaic sheets (1×1 or 2×2) work best for shower floors with slopes.
Can I install tile myself or should I hire a pro? +
DIY tile installation can save 50–70% on labor costs ($5–$15/sq ft). Straight-lay floor tile in a rectangular room is beginner-friendly with proper prep. Hire a pro for shower/tub surrounds (waterproofing is critical), large-format tiles over 18 inches (require lippage-free substrate), heated floors, and complex patterns like herringbone. DIY tools needed: tile cutter or wet saw, trowels, spacers, level, and mixing bucket.
Does tile pattern affect how many tiles I need? +
Yes. A standard straight (grid) layout has the least waste at about 10%. Brick/offset patterns require 12–15% extra. Diagonal layouts need 15% extra due to angled cuts at every wall. Herringbone patterns use 15–20% more tile because of the many angled cuts at borders. Versailles and modular patterns waste less material but require buying specific size ratios.
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