The Ireggular Tile Price Comparison calculator compares the price of two tiles or sets of tiles that may be of different areas covered, and prices and tells you which tile is cheaper by the unit area covered. 
tiled surface
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (A1) Area Coverage of Tile 1 or container (box, bundle or carton) of Tile 1
- (P1) Price of Tile 1
- (A2) Area Coverage of Tile 2 or container (box, bundle or carton) of Tile 2
- (P2) Price of Tile 2
Tile Price Comparison (TPC): The calculator returns which option is the better value and by what percent. It also returns the dollars per square feet for the better option.
The Math / Science
The calculator computes the total area for each tile or container of tiles, converts the price for each box into a single currency if they are not already (U.S. dollars). It then makes a comparison and returns the percent savings one tile represents over the other. Irregular tile, those in various shapes, are typically sold in sets of patterns that interconnect. They are sold in units that indicate area coverage of one set.
Tiles are used in many projects to provide finishing to room and other areas. Tiles come in numerous materials including:
- ceramic tiles - used on floors, walls, baths
- carpet tiles - used on floors and some walls
- linoleum or vinyl tiles - commonly used on floors
- glass tiles - used in baths, kitchens as walls and back-splashes.
- slate or other stone tiles - commonly used on floors and occasionally on walls (e.g. large showers)
- metal tiles - ceiling tiles and back splashes
- plastic - used in baths and kitchens on walls (e.g. bath tub surround)
- wood - used on wall and ceilings (this included cork)
The different materials in tiles suit different purposes from aesthetics on walls, to durability on floors, to water repelling in baths, to sound dampening on walls and ceilings and even floors.
The application of tiles varies based on the material. Some tiles have adhesive backs, others require adhesives to be placed on the surface prior to laying the tiles. In some cases, like ceramic tiles, a mud bed is recommended to provide a thick, consistent and stable base for the tiles.
Ceramic Tile Pricing
To assist in making rough price estimates for projects, vCalc performs periodic pricing surveys of nationally advertised commodities, in this case, Ceramic Tile. The pricing came from the website of the Store at the Date specified. This is for rough calculating convenience and local pricing should ALWAYS be used.
The Ceramic Tile Price Survey information is as follows:
- Survey Date: 11/2/23 at Store: Menards
- Price per Square Foot ($/ft2):
- Premium: $16.11/ft2
- High Range: $5.78/ft2
- Mid Range: $4.44/ft2
- Low Range: $2.28/ft2
- Economy: $0.44/ft2
- Number of Ceramic Tile Products Surveyed: 88
Use the pricing data above in the Tile Pricing Calculators.
CAUTION: The pricing information provided is for calculating convenience with NO implied guarantees to the accuracy of the values listed. Authoritative sources should be sought to confirm any value before risking health or wealth on the veracity of the data. Furthermore, vCalc gives no guarantee that you will be able to buy products at listed prices or even if they will be available. The data provided is purely a convenience for making rough estimates, so we strongly recommend that one ALWAYS use local pricing and authoritative specifications.
Ceramic Tile Calculators
- Number of Ceramic Tiles: This calculator estimates the number of tile needed for an area based on the area dimensions and the size of the tile. This calculator also estimates the amount of Mastic and Thinset Mortar needed.
- Number of Ceramic Tiles for Area with Angled Bump-out and Number of Ceramic Tile for Area with Squared Bump-out: These calculators estimate the number of carpet tiles needed for an area or room with a bump-out (angled bump-out or squared bump-out) based on the area dimensions and the size of the tile. These calculator also estimates the amount of Mastic and Thinset Mortar needed.
- Mastic Needed for Ceramic Tile: This estimates the number of gallons of mastic needed to apply ceramic tile to an area.
- Premix Thinset Mortar Needed for Ceramic Tile: This estimates the number of gallons of premixed thinset mortar needed to apply ceramic tile to an area.
See Also
- Flooring calculator - measurements and cost estimator for DIY flooring options
- ^ Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tile