The Ceramic Tile Count Estimator: Number of Ceramic Tiles calculator computes the number of ceramic tiles and the amount of mastic or thinset mortar needed to cover an area based on the area's dimensions and the size of the tiles specified.
INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:
- (L) Area Length
- (W) Area Width
- (TW) Tile Width
- (TL) Tile Length
- (SM) Safety Margin (percent added to estimate)
Tile Count (TC): The calculator returns the number of tiles required to cover the area. The calculator also returns:
- (A) Square Feet of Area
- (MS) Number of gallons of mastic needed.
- (MT) Number of gallons of premixed mortar needed.
The Math Science
This calculator computes the number of ceramic tiles as follows:
- computing the total area (length * width)
- dividing the total area by the unit dimension of the selected tile.
- the safety margin factor is applied (default 10% to account for partial cuts and broken tiles)
- the number is rounded up
The Mastic Range is the low to high range of mastic requirements for the area based on manufacturer recommendations that a gallon of mastic covers between 18 to 32 square feet per gallon. Instead of mastic, some use mortar. The Premix Mortar Range is the low and high range of gallons of premixed mortar needed based on a manufactures recommendation of 15 to 35 square feet per gallon of premixed mortar.
Common Ceramic Tile Sizes
The standard tile sizes are shown in the table.
| 1"x1" | 1"x2" | 1"x4" | 1"x6" | |
| 2"x2" | 2"x4" | 2"x6" | 3"x3" | |
| 3"x6" | 3"x12" | 4"x4" | 4"x6" | |
| 4"x8" | 6"x6" | 1DMx1DM | 6"x12" | |
| 8"x8" | 9"x9" | 10"x10" | 12"x12" | |
| 14"x14" | 16"x16" | 18"x18" | 19.7"x19.7" | |
| 20"x20" | 24"x24" | DM is decimeter |
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.