Tiles Needed:
Boxes Needed:
Total Area:
Total Tile Price:
Determining the number of tiles needed in a project depends upon several essential factors but for someone unaware of the nitty-gritty of a tiled project, a floor tile calculator can be really helpful to do all the necessary and basic calculations. In this blog post, we have compiled every important factor related to a tile calculator, including the types of tiles and the material you should choose, and at the end, we have provided a tile calculator for your ease. So if you want to know how many tiles will be required to cover a specific floor, keep reading and explore more about the tiles.
How to Gather Tile Measurements?
Before determining the number of tiles required to cover a space or a project, it is important to find out the size of the tile and the space that is to be tiled. Let’s look into various measurements which should be taken before making any further estimation.
Area Calculation
Obviously, for a smaller space, you will require less number of tiles, while for spacious projects, a large number of tiles will be required. Determining the total area where the tiles are to be installed is important. By using a measuring tape, calculate the width and length in the same units, such as meters, feet, millimeters, or centimeters. Once the length and width of both the floor and wall are calculated or the area you want to apply tiles, multiply the calculations to achieve the total space area.
Tile Calculation
Once the area is calculated where the tiles are to be installed, the next step is to determine the size of the tile. The process of measuring the tile area is the same as measuring the room’s area. Using a measuring tape, measure the width and length of the tile. Tiles are available in several shapes and sizes, and based on one tile size, you cannot determine the measurements of every type of tile. This is why it is extremely important to accurately measure the tile area to determine how many tiles will be required to cover a square foot. The larger the tiles are, the lesser tiles will be required to cover the space.
Calculate the Number of Tiles
Now you know the area of space that is to be tiled and the tile size, the next step is to estimate the total quantity of the required tiles.
Number of tiles = Area of space / Area of tile
Note: Make sure you have both measurements in the same unit.
Putting the values in the above-given formula, you may easily determine the total number of tiles in square footage. While determining the number of tiles, it is important to consider the gap between tiles. Without a gap, the tiles do not fit aptly in the space, and since the gap is filled with grout that works as a binding agent for the tiles, you have to consider the gap size between the tiles. The gap size is estimated to be around half an inch, and based on it, you may easily estimate how many tiles will be required to cover a space.
While ordering the number of tiles based on the calculated results, ensure to order 10 to 20% more tiles, as it is a good idea to consider the rate of tile wastage during the installation process. Also, the extra ones will save you time in case of a broken or damaged tile.
For instance;
If the calculated area of the space is 120 Sq ft. and the tile size is 8 inches by 8 inches. First, convert both measurements to the same unit, for example, to feet, in this case, then put the measurements in the formula:
Tile size = 8 inches x 8 inches = 64 sq inches = 5.33333 sq feet
Number of required tiles = Area of space / Area of tile = 120 sq ft / 5.33333 sq ft = 22.5 tiles, which is approximately 23 tiles in total.
You need to add a 10% wastage to the total tiles as there will be some tile wastage during installation.
Size and Type of Tiles
While deciding upon the number of tiles required in a project, there are some other important factors that should be taken into account, such as the type of the tile, its pattern, and its size. As we know that tiles are available in several types, it is important to choose the right tile based on the space that is to be tiled. The cost of tiles also depends upon their sizing and material, so you need to look into these factors before estimating your budget for the tiled project.
Common Tile Sizes
Tiles come in many sizes, and based on your space preference, you may choose the right size of the tile. While smaller tiles of size ¼” by ¼” add appeal in a smaller space and pattern to a larger space, larger tiles are more suitable for spacious projects. Smaller tiles are quite complicated to fix as these are not easy to work with, and you probably need professional assistance to do the task. On the other hand, the larger tiles are easy to work with, but you need to cut them with the help of specialized tools in the right size if needed.
The square-sized tiles are more common and easy to install than diamond-shaped or triangular-shaped tiles, which take time and patience to work with. From smaller mosaic tiles to larger sized tiles, common sizes of various tiles are:
Square sizes: 1” x 1”, 2” x 2”, 3” x 3”, 4” x 4”, 6” x 6”, 8” x 8”, 10” x 10”, 12” x 12”, 16” x 16”, 18” x 18”, and 24” x 24”
Rectangle sizes: 1” x 2”, 1” x 3”, 1” x 4”, 1” x 6”, 2” x 3”, 2” x 4”, 2” x 6”, 2” x 8”, 3” x 6”, 3” x 8”,4” x 6”, 4” x 8”, 4” x 24”, and 18” x 24”.
Based on these sizes, the number of tiles will be determined to fit into a space. The larger the tile, the more coverage it will provide.
Types of Tiles
While looking for a tile, you will find several options in the market but be careful while choosing the tile as it is an investment that has a huge project based on it. The most popular types of tiles are as follows:
Granite Tile
The crystalline structure of granite tile is achieved by heating the igneous rock. Due to the tough nature of granite, these tiles are sturdy, heavy, and do not get stained easily.
Marble Tile
Marble tile is famous for its cooling effect and is also one of the most demanding tiles available in the market.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tiles are a staple in every modern house due to the richness these tiles add with their texture and patterns. The ceramic tiles are manufactured with thin slabs of clay after the process of heating the slabs in the oven and then glazing the surface. Ceramic tiles can also be customized other than the standard sizes of these tiles, so you may easily adjust them according to your space.
Limestone Tile
Not just tiles but limestone material is also used in creating slabs and pavers as well. The composition of limestone tile is based on calcium carbonate, and due to its sedentary nature, it is primarily used for decoration purposes.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is famous for providing excellent finishing to flooring without any specific maintenance and is quite a versatile tiling option with its various colors and designs. The floors are usually made with porcelain tiles due to porcelain’s ability to withstand weather conditions and cracking in areas that are high-traffic such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Mosaic Tile
Mosaic allows you to play around with your creativity and enhance the interior and exterior with multiple patterns and designs. Mosaic tiles work great, especially where a specific style is to be added, but you need to be careful while choosing the mosaic tiles as they start looking outdated quickly.
Travertine Tile
The soft and subtle hues and patterns of travertine tiles make them stand out uniquely, and with the elegance it adds to a space, these tiles are used in multiple spaces. However, this type of tile is easily stained by water spills and is more prone to damage. Due to the nature of travertine tiles, these are most likely to be used on walls rather than floors.
Glass Tiles
For all those homeowners looking to add minimal aesthetics to a space, glass tiles are a perfect pick as chosen by world-class interior designers. Due to the delicate nature of glass, these tiles are limited and should not be used in high-traffic areas.
Tile Layout Patterns
There are not just regular patterns such as squares or rectangles in which the tiles are placed on the floor but also versatility in the tile layout patterns. Installing tiles in unique layouts and beautiful patterns changes the entire feel of the space and enhances the space aesthetics as well.
Grid Pattern
This tile pattern adds neatness to a space like the grid pattern; the square or rectangular tiles are placed symmetrically straight. Not only does it look minimal and modern, but it also adds a soothing effect to the eyes.
Pinwheel Pattern
In this type of layout, a quite smaller tile is installed at the corner of each large square tile and is placed in a way that the entire layout gives the illusion of a pinwheel. In smaller spaces, pinwheel patterned layout is extremely popular, making the space look spacious. The smaller tile that is placed at each corner should be chosen wisely as it connects the pinwheeled pattern.
Random Pattern
Sometimes, when you just want to play around with various patterns without staying stuck at a specific layout, a random patterned tile layout helps you with many playful options. The random, asymmetrical layout gives you freedom and enhances the spaces in unconventional ways. You may choose various tile colors or shapes to create unique tiled patterns graphically.
Diagonal Pattern
To achieve this pattern, the square-shaped tiles are placed at an angle of 45 degrees. Diagonal shaped layout adds a bigger effect to a room and is also a great layout to try on the walls and even backsplashes. By following a particular pattern on the floor, you may add a diagonal pattern with the same tiles to add a statement layout without changing the tile color, size, or texture.
Herringbone Pattern
This tile layout is yet another classical and graphical way to add symmetry to the room. The tiles are placed in V-shaped rows at an angle of 45 degrees. Another way to add style to this pattern is by choosing a contrasting grout color that will amplify the appearance of the tiled space.
What is Grout?
You probably have seen visible gaps between the two tiles, which are filled with a cement-like substance. The gap is intentionally left between the tiles at the installation time to ensure that the tiles are fitted in the right symmetry. Without this gap, the tiles won’t be fixed uniformly and have more chances of cracking. The material that is filled between the gaps is known as Grout, a type of concrete that works as a binding agent for the tiles. The size of the gap between the tiles depends upon the tile size, design, the layout and usually is half an inch.
Grout is made with water-resistant and thick material that is placed inside the gaps and hardens to strengthen the tile layout. There are various types of grouts; each one has a different range of durability and is suitable for different types of tiling. Some people want to harmonize their tile layout by picking a grout color similar to the color of the tiles. However, you may also choose contrasting grout colors based on your preference. During the installation process, each tile is fixed on its spot in its particular pattern. The gaps are left between the tiles where the grout is filled. Grout ensures that the tiles will remain in place and prevents tiles from shifting over time. Without the right grout content, the tiles start chipping from the edges, ruining the entire floor covering.
How Much Grout Do I Need to Install Tiles?
During the installation of the tiles, another important consideration is the amount of grout that is to be placed in the gaps between the tiles. Based on the previous measurements, you can determine the required amount of grout. The calculations you will need at this stage are as follows:
- Total space that is to be tiled
- Area of the tile
- Depth or thickness of each tile
- The gap size between the tiles
- Add tile height into tile width (y). Multiple the gap size with the tile depth or thickness (z).
- Do the multiplication as y x z x 1.2.
- Divide this outcome by tile width x tile height, and you will achieve the amount of grout that is required to cover per meter square of the area. In order to calculate the total grout required for the project, multiply the per square meter grout by the area being tiled.
- You will achieve a total amount of required grout. Add an extra 10% into the calculation, which is important as some grout will be spilled or wasted during installation.
Preparation Before the Installation Process
Once you have accessed the tile quantity needed to complete a project, the next most important part is preparing for the tile installation. It is important to have more tiles than needed to reduce any chance of tile wastage. To help you throughout the calculation process, you may use a square footage calculator for tiles, and since it is designed to give you the most accurate results, you can get an exact number of tiles for a space, including the tile wastage and cuts.
Starting with the prep work, ensure that the floor preparation is done rightly, as even any slight disproportion results in cracking or buckling of the tile. The prep mixture should contain the right amount of mortar and an accurate trowel. The backer board, or most commonly cement board, is used on the floor just before tiling as a standard underlayment. As an adhering substance, you must choose either mastic or thin-set, depending upon the type of tiles for your tile application. For a larger wall-tiling project, you will need a thin mortar set modified by latex.
The amount of thin-set or mastic you require depends upon the trowel size, as the larger trowel takes more thin-set, and the smaller trowel requires a lesser thin-set. The thin-set and mastic product bags have the amount description labeled on them that defines how many square feet will be covered by the product in your trowel. Now you will need sanded or unsanded grout depending upon your tile application. Grout sealer or stone sealers will also be used if grout requires sealing.
Tiling Installation
Now as you have all the necessary tools and materials lined up, start creating a layout of tiles on the floor, and do not use any adhesive agent. at this point, as you are only creating a rough tile layout. Once you have decided on the perfectly positioned layout in your room, apply thin-set mortar on the floor using a trowel. Once the tiles are in place, let the mortar dry for at least 24 hours.
Once the mortar gets dry, prepare the grout mixture and apply it in the gaps between the tiles. Grout is not just a binding agent but also helps keep the tiles in their position and prevents them from moving or cracking. The excess grout should be removed using a sponge, as once it gets dried it won’t be removed easily. Let the grout rest for 24 hours, after which the new tiled floor is ready.
Taking the tiling game to a new level, peel-and-stick tile is used that is self-adhesive and does not require any grout. Peel-and-stick tiles are water resistant and are strong enough to withstand the damage done by outside factors. It is important to prepare the floor before installing these tiles, as any debris or dust on the floor can affect the longevity of the peel-and-stick tiles.
Floor Tile Calculator
Tile installation is a precise and complicated process that requires accuracy and the right number of tiles and products which are used during the tiling process. But with our floor tile calculator, estimating the tile’s quantity is easier and a no-fuss. The results also consider the gap size so you can have an accurate number of required tiles. The 5% tile wastage is also considered while calculating, so you may easily use this sq foot calculator to determine the total number of tiles. It also helps you find out how much budget you should have for the tiles and the installation process.
The calculations you need to put in the calculator include the area of the space, the area of the tile, gap size, and based on these measurements, our quick tile square footage calculator provides you with the exact tile quantity per square foot.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right number of tiles for a project is not as easy as it might sound. Any miscalculation may result in an inaccurate estimation of the required tiles. With the help of an sq ft calculator tile, it is easier to determine the accurate number of tiles required to cover a surface. There are a number of tile shapes, textures, and patterns, and to enhance the project’s appeal, you may arrange the tiles in any pattern of your choice. After investing in a tiled project, it is important to take care of the tiles so they may not get damaged or cracked by any harsh outside factors. Our tile calculator sqft provides you with the right estimation and saves a lot of time and investment that goes into a tiled project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is grout?
Grout is a cement-based binding mixture that is filled between the gaps of the tiles. If you are calculating the number of tiles required for a project, estimating the area where the grout will be applied is important. Without adding this estimation to your overall measurement, you won’t be able to determine the exact number of tiles for the project.
How many tiles cover one sqm?
If you want to determine the number of tiles required to cover 1 square meter, you first need to measure the size of the tile. The larger the tile size, the fewer tiles will be required. If the tile size is 60 x 60 cm, you will require only three tiles to cover the area of 1 square meter. If the tile size is 40 x 40, you will be required 6 to 7 tiles to cover the 1 square meter of area.
Is it possible to tile in a single day?
If you are tiling on a small project, you may tile it in one day, but if the project is bigger, you will be required more than one day to complete it. However, if you want to get it done earlier, you may take the help of professionals.
Tile or carpet – which is the better option to style a room?
Tile and carpet appeal differently, depending on your preference for which option you want. While carpet requires proper maintenance and regular cleaning, tiles are a low-maintenance option and can be cleaned easily. Tiles are cheaper to install than carpets and do not require proper maintenance once installed.
How many tiles are in 1 box?
There will be almost 10 to 50 tiles in a box, depending on the size of the tile. The most important thing that matters while calculating the number of tiles is the proper coverage provided by the tiles in a box.
What are the different types of tiles?
Some of the popular types of tiles are granite tile, ceramic tile, terrazzo tile, and marble tile.
In how many shapes the tiles are available?
Tiles are available in many shapes, including diamond, triangle, square, rectangle, or even circular shapes.
What is the simplest way of installing tiles on your own?
The simplest way to install tiled flooring is to put adhesive on the floor, layer the tiles, fill the gaps with grout, and seal the grout. If you have never done a DIY tiled project, you may need to be careful as many measurements are involved behind installing the tiles.
Which tools are used to install tiles?
Tile cutters, tile spacers, tile trowels, tile and mortar mixture, rubber malt, and grouting tools are some of the important tools used for tiles installation.
Check out our collection of all tools for your health, fitness, and daily life use.
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