Tile Flooring Calculator

Multiply room length × width for area in sq ft, add 10% waste, then divide by tile size in sq ft. Example: 12×10 ft room = 120 sq ft + 10% = 132 sq ft. Using 12×12 tiles (1 sq ft each) = 132 tiles. Our calculator handles this and rounds to full boxes.

Add 10% for standard straight layouts on a rectangular room. Use 15% for diagonal layouts, hallways with many cuts, or small mosaic tiles. Large 18×18 or plank tiles may need only 8–10% on simple rooms.

Professional floor tile installation averages $5–$12 per square foot in 2026, depending on region, tile size, and subfloor prep. Natural stone and intricate patterns cost more. Simple 12×12 ceramic in a square room is at the low end.

Porcelain is denser, less porous, and better for high-moisture floors and outdoor use. Ceramic is more affordable and fine for low-traffic bathroom walls and floors. For shower floors and busy entryways, choose porcelain.

A 50 lb bag of thinset mortar covers approximately 40–60 sq ft at 1/4-inch trowel notch depth depending on tile size and trowel type. Large format tiles need a deeper notch and use more mortar per square foot.

Plan about 0.5 lbs of grout per square foot for standard floor tile with 1/8-inch joints. Wider joints and smaller tiles use more grout. Always buy slightly extra — opened grout cannot be returned.

Yes if the existing tile is well-bonded, level, and you use a quality thinset rated for overlay. Height increases at doorways and fixtures may need adjustment. Cracked or loose existing tile must be removed first.

12×24 plank tiles make small rooms feel larger with fewer grout lines. 12×12 is classic and easy to install. Mosaics work well on shower floors for slip resistance. Avoid very large format tiles in tiny rooms — cuts waste more material.