Tile Calculator
Calculate how many tiles and how much grout you need - for floors, walls or backsplashes.
The tile calculator gives you the exact tile count plus a grout estimate for floors, walls or backsplashes. Enter your area and tile size in inches, then the calculator does the math including waste percentage and grout joint width. Standard waste is 10% for straight-lay; bump to 15% for diagonal patterns and 20% for mosaic or accent patterns where you cut every piece. Grout coverage depends on tile size and joint width - smaller tiles with wider joints use much more grout per square foot.
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Frequently asked questions
A 10 ft x 8 ft floor is 80 sq ft. Each 12x12 inch tile covers exactly 1 sq ft, so you need 80 tiles. Add 10% waste = 88 tiles total. If your tiles come 10 per box, buy 9 boxes to be safe (88/10 = 8.8, rounded up).
Grout usage varies massively by tile size and joint width. For 12x12 inch tiles with 1/8 inch joints, expect about 0.1 lbs per sq ft. For 2x2 inch mosaic with 1/8 inch joints, expect 0.6 lbs per sq ft - six times more. Small tiles and wide joints use the most grout.
1/8 inch is the standard for most floor and wall tile. Use 1/16 inch for rectified tile (factory-cut precise edges) for a modern minimal look. Use 3/16 to 1/4 inch for handmade, rustic or natural stone tiles where size variation calls for wider joints to hide imperfections.
Yes - save at least 5-10 tiles after installation. Tile production runs change, and finding a matching tile years later for a chipped or cracked replacement is almost impossible. The waste percentage already covers cuts; keep a few full tiles aside specifically for repairs.
Mosaic tile is sold by the sheet, where each sheet is typically 12x12 inches and covers 1 sq ft. Use the calculator with tile size set to the sheet size (12x12) and bump waste to 15-20% because mosaics need more cutting around edges and around fixtures.