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Tile Calculator

Tiles, grout, thin-set, backer board, and supplies for floor, wall, backsplash, and shower projects.

You'll need
28 tiles · 5 boxes
Cost
$307–$435
Tile types
Most bathrooms use one tile for the floor and a different tile for walls. Add as many as you need.
28 tiles · 5 boxes · $235–$317

Optional override

Areas to tile
Area 1

Standard door = 21 sq ft, window = 15 sq ft, shower niche = 1–2 sq ft

48 sq ftusing Floor tile
Total area48 sq ft · 28 tiles total
Extras & labor

Schluter strips or bullnose tile for exposed edges

Cost breakdown

Per tile type, plus shared materials and labor.
Floor tile · 28 tiles (5 boxes) @ $5/sq ft$235 – $317
Grout · 3 lbs total$5 – $11
Thin-set · 1 × 50 lb bags$15 – $30
Cement backer board · 4 sheets$48 – $72
Spacers · 1 bag$5
Total project cost$307 – $435

Shopping list

Everything you need for this project.
  • Floor tile — 12×245 boxes (28 tiles)
  • Grout3 lbs (~1 × 25 lb bag)
  • Thin-set / tile mortar (50 lb bag)1
  • Cement backer board (3×5 sheets)4
  • Backer board screws1 box (200 ct)
  • Mesh tape for backer board seams32 ft
  • Tile spacers1 bag
  • Tile saw or wet saw rental1
  • Notched trowel set1
  • Grout float & bucket1 set
  • Sponges & clean rags2-3
  • Grout sealer (after install)1 bottle
Ready to shop?
Compare tile selections at Home Depot, Lowe's, or your local tile shop.
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How to use this calculator

Measure each tiling area — floor, backsplash, shower wall — and add it as a separate area. Pick where you're tiling: floors get 15% waste built-in (more cuts) and require backer board; walls get 10%; diagonal patterns add another 5%.

Choose your tile size from common dimensions (subway 3×6, 12×12, 12×24, large format 24×24, mosaic) or enter custom. The calculator adjusts grout and thin-set quantities based on tile size and grout joint width.

Pro tips

Order from the same lot. Tile color varies between manufacturing batches — buying 2 boxes from the same lot ensures uniformity. Buy your full quantity at once and keep the lot number on hand.

Backer board is non-negotiable in wet areas. Bathroom floors, shower walls, and tub surrounds need cement backer board (Durock, HardieBacker) or equivalent. Drywall behind tile in a wet area will fail within a couple years.

Match grout to tile size.Sanded grout for joints over 1/8". Unsanded for joints 1/8" or smaller (and most polished/glass tiles regardless of joint width — sand can scratch them).

Hire pro for showers and large floors. Backsplashes are doable DIY. Showers require waterproofing membranes, slope, and code-compliant drainage — usually worth the $5–$10/sq ft pro install.

Frequently asked questions

How much extra tile should I buy?▾
Plan on 10% extra for straight wall tile, 15% for floors (more cuts around fixtures), and 20% for diagonal layouts and patterns. The calculator handles this based on your application and pattern selection. Save unused tiles for repairs — patterns and lots change yearly.
What's the difference between ceramic and porcelain tile?▾
Porcelain is denser, harder, and more water-resistant — fired at higher temperatures. Better for floors, wet areas, and outdoor use. Ceramic is lighter, easier to cut, and cheaper — fine for walls and dry-area floors. Both can look identical.
How much grout do I need for 100 sq ft of 12×12 tile?▾
About 10 lbs of grout for 1/8" joints. The formula scales: smaller tiles or wider joints need more grout. Mosaic tiles can need 4–5× more grout per sq ft than 12×12 tile.
Sanded vs unsanded grout?▾
Sanded grout for joints 1/8" or wider — sand reinforces wider grout lines. Unsanded for joints under 1/8", glass tile, polished stone, and most polished porcelain (sand can scratch). Always check the manufacturer's grout recommendation.
Do I need backer board?▾
Yes for any floor tile installation, and for walls in wet areas (showers, tub surrounds, behind sinks). Cement board (Durock, HardieBacker) or fiber-reinforced gypsum (DensShield) — never just drywall in wet zones. Backer board is included in the calculator's shopping list when applicable.
How long does tile installation take?▾
A 50 sq ft backsplash: half a day. A bathroom floor: 1–2 days. A shower with waterproofing: 3–5 days. Allow 24 hours for thinset to cure before grouting, and another 24–48 hours before sealing or use.
How much does professional tile installation cost?▾
$5–$10 per sq ft for floors, $10–$15 for walls and backsplashes (more cuts and complexity), $15–$25 for showers (waterproofing). Mosaic and patterns add 25–50% to labor.
Disclaimer. This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes. Actual material quantities and costs vary based on tile dimensions, project complexity, and local pricing. Always consult a licensed contractor for precise project quotes.