Floor Tile Calculator - Tiles, Grout, Cost & Materials
Calculate floor tiles needed, materials, grout, adhesive, and installation costs. Includes 10-15% waste calculation and professional installation tips.
Floor Tile Calculator
Calculate floor tile materials and costs for your tiling project.
Results
How to Use This Floor Tile Calculator
Measure Your Floor Area
Measure the length and width of your room in feet. For irregular spaces or bathrooms with alcoves, break the area into rectangular sections and measure each separately.
Calculate Square Footage
Multiply length × width for total square footage. If you measured multiple sections, add them all together. The calculator automatically computes this for you.
Select Tile Size
Choose your tile size: 4×4, 6×6, 8×8, 12×12, 18×18, or 24×24 inches. Larger tiles cover more area per tile but may require more cuts in small rooms.
Add Waste Factor
Standard straight installation: add 10%. Diagonal pattern: add 15%. Intricate patterns or small tiles: add 20%. This accounts for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
Get Complete Materials List
View tiles needed, thinset adhesive, grout (sanded vs unsanded), grout sealer, and total estimated cost including materials and labor.
Pro Tips for Floor Tile Installation
- • Always add 10-15% extra for waste, breakage, and future repairs
- • Buy all tiles from the same lot to ensure color consistency
- • Use larger tiles (18×18 or 24×24) in large spaces for fewer grout lines
- • Start tiling from the center of the room, not a corner
- • Allow thinset to cure 24-48 hours before grouting
- • Seal natural stone tiles before grouting to prevent staining
- • Use sanded grout for joints 1/8" or wider, unsanded for narrower joints
Floor Tile Types & Selection Guide
Popular Floor Tile Materials
| Type | Durability | Water Resistance | Best For | Cost/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ceramic | Good | Excellent | Bathrooms, kitchens, light traffic | $1-3 |
| Porcelain | Excellent | Excellent | All areas, high traffic, outdoors | $3-8 |
| Natural Stone | Excellent | Varies | Luxury spaces, natural look | $5-15 |
| Marble | Moderate | Moderate | Luxury bathrooms, foyers | $10-25 |
| Slate | Excellent | Good | Entryways, rustic spaces | $4-8 |
| Travertine | Good | Moderate | Bathrooms, living spaces | $5-12 |
| Vinyl (LVT) | Good | Excellent | Budget-friendly, DIY | $2-7 |
*Costs are material-only estimates and vary by region, style, and quality grade.
Tile Size Selection Guide
Small Tiles (4×4 to 8×8)
- Best For: Small bathrooms, accent areas
- Pros: Better traction, traditional look
- Cons: More grout lines, longer installation
- Coverage: 4×4 = 0.11 sq ft, 8×8 = 0.44 sq ft
Medium Tiles (12×12 to 16×16)
- Best For: Bathrooms, kitchens, most rooms
- Pros: Versatile, balanced look
- Cons: More cuts needed in small spaces
- Coverage: 12×12 = 1 sq ft, 16×16 = 1.78 sq ft
Large Tiles (18×18 to 24×24)
- Best For: Large rooms, open spaces
- Pros: Fewer grout lines, modern look
- Cons: Requires very level subfloor
- Coverage: 18×18 = 2.25 sq ft, 24×24 = 4 sq ft
Floor Tile Installation Cost Guide (2025)
Complete Project Cost Breakdown (100 sq ft)
| Item | Low Cost | Mid Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Floor Tiles | $100 | $400 | $1,200 |
| Thinset Adhesive | $30 | $40 | $60 |
| Grout | $15 | $25 | $40 |
| Grout Sealer | $10 | $15 | $25 |
| Tile Spacers & Tools | $20 | $30 | $50 |
| Professional Installation Labor | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Total Project Cost | $575 | $1,110 | $2,175 |
| Cost per Square Foot (Installed) | $5.75 | $11.10 | $21.75 |
💰 DIY Cost Savings
Save 60-70% on labor by installing yourself. A 100 sq ft bathroom costs $175-1,375 for materials only.
- • Rent tile saw: $40-60/day
- • Rent tile cutter: $20-30/day
- • Total tool rental: ~$80
📊 Cost Factors
- Tile Material: Ceramic is cheapest; marble costs 10× more
- Tile Size: Large tiles (24×24) cost 20% more to install
- Pattern: Diagonal or herringbone adds 30-40% to labor
- Subfloor Prep: Leveling adds $2-5/sq ft
Professional Tile Installation Guide
Clean & Level Subfloor
- • Remove old flooring and debris
- • Repair cracks and holes
- • Check level (1/8" per 10 ft max)
- • Apply primer if needed
Mark Center Lines
- • Find and mark room center
- • Snap chalk lines (cross pattern)
- • Dry-lay tiles to check pattern
- • Adjust to avoid small cuts at walls
Spread Adhesive
- • Mix thinset to peanut butter consistency
- • Spread with notched trowel (1/4" or 3/8")
- • Work in 2-3 sq ft sections
- • Maintain consistent ridge height
Place Tiles
- • Start from center, work outward
- • Twist tiles slightly when placing
- • Use spacers for consistent joints
- • Check level frequently
Measure & Cut
- • Measure gaps at walls
- • Mark tiles for cutting
- • Use tile cutter or wet saw
- • Leave 1/8" expansion gap at walls
Apply Grout
- • Wait 24-48 hrs for thinset to cure
- • Remove spacers, clean joints
- • Spread grout with rubber float
- • Clean, wait 72 hrs, then seal
Professional Installation Timeline
Common Tile Installation Mistakes to Avoid
Not Preparing Subfloor Properly
Subfloor must be clean, level, and solid. Uneven surfaces cause tiles to crack. Use self-leveling compound for dips over 1/8".
Starting From a Wall or Corner
Always start from the center of the room, not a corner. This ensures balanced cuts at walls and prevents one side from having tiny slivers.
Using Wrong Trowel Size
Small tiles (under 8×8) use 1/4" notch. Medium tiles (12×12) use 3/8" notch. Large tiles (18×18+) use 1/2" notch. Wrong trowel causes poor adhesion.
Not Ordering Enough Tile
Always order 10-15% extra. Tile dye lots vary—matching later is impossible. Extra tiles are essential for future repairs.
Walking on Tiles Too Soon
Wait 24-48 hours before walking on tiles. Grouting too early causes tiles to shift and crack. Full cure takes 72 hours.
Using Unsanded Grout for Wide Joints
Use sanded grout for joints 1/8" or wider. Unsanded grout shrinks and cracks in wide joints. Sanded grout provides structural strength.
Complete Tools & Materials Checklist
Essential Materials
- Floor tiles (add 10-15% waste)
- Thinset adhesive (modified or unmodified)
- Grout (sanded for joints 1/8"+, unsanded for smaller)
- Grout sealer (essential for natural stone)
- Tile spacers (1/16", 1/8", or 1/4")
- Backerboard (if needed for subfloor)
- Primer (for porous subfloors)
Required Tools
- Wet tile saw or tile cutter (rental)
- Notched trowel (1/4", 3/8", or 1/2")
- Rubber grout float
- Large sponges (for grout cleanup)
- Tile nippers (for curved cuts)
- Chalk line & level
- Mixing paddle & bucket
Grout Selection & Maintenance Guide
Sanded Grout
- Best For: Joints 1/8" (3mm) or wider
- Pros: Stronger, less shrinkage, holds shape
- Cons: Can scratch polished surfaces
- Applications: Floor tiles, most installations
- Colors: 40+ standard colors available
Unsanded Grout
- Best For: Joints less than 1/8" (3mm)
- Pros: Smooth finish, won't scratch polished tiles
- Cons: Can shrink and crack in wide joints
- Applications: Wall tiles, natural stone, glass
- Colors: 40+ standard colors available
🛡️ Grout Sealing & Maintenance
- • Seal grout 72 hours after installation (allow full cure)
- • Reseal every 1-2 years in high-traffic areas
- • Clean with pH-neutral cleaner (avoid vinegar or bleach)
- • Epoxy grout doesn't require sealing (but costs 3× more)
- • White or light grout shows dirt faster—choose darker for high traffic