A tile layout calculator tells you exactly how many tiles, boxes of grout, and bags of thin-set mortar you need before you start your installation. Getting the right quantities avoids both a mid-job run to the store and the frustration of having tiles from a different dye lot that won't match.
Room & Tile Dimensions
Deductions (fixtures in room)
e.g. toilet ≈ 3 sq ft, vanity ≈ 6 sq ft, kitchen island ≈ 16 sq ft
Material Summary
How to Use the Tile Layout Calculator
Getting the tile count right is critical: order too few and you risk a dye lot mismatch; order too many and you've wasted money. This tile layout calculator handles all the math — room area, tile area, pattern waste, grout, and thin-set — so you walk into the tile store with a precise shopping list.
Step 1: Enter Room Dimensions
Measure the full length and width of the room in feet (or meters). For L-shaped or T-shaped rooms, break them into rectangles, calculate each section separately, and add the tile quantities together. The deductions section lets you subtract non-tiled areas like fixed islands or vanities.
Step 2: Select Tile Size
Choose from common sizes — 12×12, 12×24, 6×6, 3×6 subway tiles — or enter a custom size. Larger format tiles (18×18 or 24×24) create a more spacious look and are faster to install, but require a very flat, level substrate. Enter the tiles per box from the product packaging — this is what determines box count for ordering.
Step 3: Choose Tile Pattern
The pattern significantly affects waste. A straight grid layout wastes only 5-8% from edge cuts. Running bond (1/3 offset) wastes about 10%. Diagonal (45-degree) and herringbone patterns waste 10-15% from the many angled cuts at room perimeters. The calculator applies the correct industry-standard waste factor for each pattern automatically.
Step 4: Add Deductions for Fixtures
If your bathroom has a toilet, bathtub, or vanity, those floor areas don't need tile. Enter the number of fixtures and average square footage per fixture. Standard estimates: toilet base ≈ 3 sq ft, pedestal sink ≈ 2 sq ft, kitchen island ≈ 12–20 sq ft depending on size. These get subtracted from your total before calculating tile quantity.
Step 5: Review Grout and Thin-Set
The calculator provides grout bags (25 lb standard bags) based on tile size and joint width, and thin-set mortar bags (50 lb) based on room area. For large format tiles or heated floor systems, increase the thin-set estimate by 20%. Always buy grout from the same bag lot for consistent color throughout the room.
FAQ
Is this tile layout calculator free?
Yes, this tile layout calculator is completely free with no signup, no account, and no limits. All calculations run in your browser — your room dimensions and tile choices are never sent to any server.
Is my data private when I use this tool?
Absolutely. Every calculation is performed locally in your browser. No room measurements, tile dimensions, or pricing information are ever transmitted to a server. Your data stays entirely on your device.
How many tiles do I need for a room?
Divide the room area by the tile area, then add a waste factor. For a 10×10 ft room (100 sq ft) with 12×12 in tiles, you need at least 100 tiles, plus 10% waste = 110 tiles. Waste depends on pattern: 5-10% for straight, 10-15% for diagonal, 15% for herringbone.
How do I calculate grout for tile installation?
Grout coverage depends on tile size and joint width. For 12×12 tiles with 1/8-inch grout lines, one 25 lb bag covers roughly 100 square feet. The calculator uses standard industry coverage rates for each tile size and grout width combination to estimate total bags needed.
What waste percentage should I use for diagonal tile patterns?
Diagonal tile patterns (45-degree layout) require 10-15% extra waste compared to 5% for straight layouts. The extra waste comes from the triangular cuts at all room edges and corners. This calculator automatically applies the correct waste factor when you select the diagonal pattern.
How much extra tile should I order for repairs?
Beyond the standard waste factor, it's smart to order 5-10% extra tiles for future repairs. Tile production runs vary slightly in color and texture between batches. Having tiles from the same dye lot stored for repairs means a perfect match years later when individual tiles crack or need replacement.
Can I subtract area for fixtures like toilets or islands?
Yes. The deductions section lets you enter the number of fixtures (toilets, vanities, kitchen islands) and the approximate square footage per fixture. The calculator subtracts these from the room area before calculating the tile and grout quantities you need.
What is thin-set and how much do I need?
Thin-set mortar is the adhesive used to bond tiles to the substrate. A 50 lb bag of thin-set covers approximately 40-50 square feet for floor tiles or 35-40 square feet for wall tiles. The calculator estimates thin-set bags based on your room area after deductions.