How Much Tile Do I Need?

Standard 12×12 inch tiles (1 sq ft each). If you're using a different tile size, adjust the result proportionally.

Grout coverage depends heavily on tile size and the width of the gap between them. For standard 12×12 tiles with a 1/8-inch grout line, a 25 lb bag of powder grout typically covers about 70 to 90 sq ft. Smaller tiles like mosaic or subway tiles have many more joints and require significantly more grout per square foot.

When tiling, you'll constantly need to cut full tiles to fit against walls, corners, and fixtures like toilets or pipes. These cut pieces often can't be reused. A 10% waste allowance ensures you have enough full tiles to complete the project smoothly without running out of the same dye lot.

Use sanded grout for tile joints 1/8-inch wide or larger — the sand prevents shrinking and cracking as it cures. Use unsanded grout for thin joints or delicate surfaces like polished marble or glass tile that could be scratched by sand particles.

Skipping the dry layout — laying tiles without adhesive first to plan spacing — often ends in awkward slivers of tile against the walls.

Mixing grout too thin/runny. It looks easier to spread but cures weaker and cracks sooner.

Not sealing natural stone tile before grouting — unlike ceramic or porcelain, stone is porous and grout can permanently stain it.

Start your layout from the center of the room outward, not from a wall, so any cut tiles end up even on both sides.

Wipe grout haze off the tile face within 30 minutes of application — once it fully cures, it's much harder to remove.