Guide

How to Measure for Tile

Measure for tile by area and tile size, set a waste factor, and account for thinset and grout.

Tiling needs three things sized: the tiles, the thinset and the grout.

Tiles

Work out the area to cover, then divide by the area of one tile. Add 10 percent for cuts and breakage, or 15 percent for diagonal and patterned layouts. A 12 by 12 inch tile covers one square foot, so 100 square feet at 10 percent waste is 110 tiles.

Thinset and grout

Thinset coverage depends on the trowel notch and tile size, and grout depends on the tile size and joint width. Both are printed on the bag, so match them to your tile and gap rather than guessing.

Keep spares

Set aside a few tiles for future repairs, since matching later is rarely possible.

Count your tiles. Tile Calculator →

Common questions

How many 12 by 12 tiles for 100 square feet?

With 10 percent waste, 110 tiles, since each covers one square foot.

How much extra tile should I buy?

Ten percent for a straight layout, 15 percent for diagonal or patterned.
Knowledge Base

Estimating Guides & Reference

Plain-language guides on measuring, coverage and how much extra to buy, written for DIYers and trades.

Measuring & Estimating
Concrete & Aggregate
Soil & Lawn
Interior & Finishing