How Tile Coverage is Calculated
Tiling material estimation involves calculating the **area** of the space and dividing it by the area of a single tile, then adding a buffer for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. Our calculator provides a conservative estimate to minimize shortages.
Key Formulas Used
$$\text{Area (sq ft)} = \text{Length (ft)} \times \text{Width (ft)}$$ $$\text{Tiles (N)} = \lceil \frac{\text{Area (sq ft)}}{\text{Tile Area (sq ft)}} \times (1 + \frac{\text{Waste}\%}{100}) \rceil$$ The number of tiles is always rounded up (the ceiling function $\lceil \dots \rceil$) to ensure full coverage.
Waste Factor Guidelines
Recommended Waste %
- **Simple Square Room:** 10% is typically sufficient.
- **Diagonal Layout:** Use 15% as more cuts are required along the perimeter.
- **Irregular Shapes/Small Area:** Use 15-20% for kitchens, bathrooms, or rooms with many corners.
Mortar & Grout
- **Thin-set Mortar:** Used to bond the tile to the substrate. Coverage depends heavily on the **trowel size** (e.g., 1/4" or 1/2" notch).
- **Grout:** Fills the joints between tiles. Consumption depends on the **grout joint width** and the tile depth. Always check manufacturer's coverage chart.
Purchasing Tip:
Tiles are typically sold by the **full box** or **full pallet**. Always round your final tile count up to the nearest whole box to avoid ordering shortages.