Bathroom tile calculator
How much tile, thinset, grout and waterproofing to buy for your bathroom floor and shower walls.
How it works
- Tile: floor plus wall area, plus waste.
- Thinset: one 50 lb bag covers about 75 sq ft with a ¼″ notch trowel; large tile needs more.
- Grout: one 25 lb bag covers about 100 sq ft with ⅛″ joints; small mosaics use far more.
- Waterproofing: priced for the full area. A dry floor outside the shower can skip it.
Prices are mid-range U.S. averages for materials only. Edit them in your plan once you have a quote.
Common questions
How much extra tile should I buy for a bathroom?
Add 10% for a straight lay and 15% for diagonal, herringbone or large-format tile, which cuts more. Keep one spare box after the job for future repairs — dye lots change between batches.
How do I measure shower walls for tile?
Multiply each wall's width by the height you will tile, in feet, and add the walls together. Tile to the ceiling or at least 6 inches above the shower head. Don't subtract the niche; it uses the same tile.
Do I need waterproofing under shower tile?
Yes. Grout and tile are not waterproof. Shower walls and floor need a membrane (sheet or liquid) over the backer board; a dry bathroom floor usually does not.
The whole job, not just the tile
Tile is often under a third of a bathroom remodel. See what a remodel costs in your city, or start a free plan that prices every step for your ZIP.