What the tools do
The tile layout planner draws your room and shows where each cut lands. The tile calculator, grout calculator and shower tile calculator turn measurements into tiles, boxes and bags to buy. All of them run in your browser and share one set of formulas.
How we work out the numbers
Each calculator page explains its formula and works through an example by hand. Grout weights use densities checked against published manufacturer coverage charts. Guidance on joint widths follows the ANSI A108 installation standards and TCNA publications, and we link to the source when we rely on it.
An estimate is a planning figure, not a guarantee. Tile batches vary, rooms are rarely square and installers work differently, so check product instructions and ask your installer before you order.
Calculation methods and limitations
Planner: geometry and individual cuts. The planner draws one rectangle with the selected pattern, grout joints and perimeter gap. It counts whole tiles and each required cut as a new tile, without reusing offcuts, then adds the separate spare reserve. If the grid exceeds the drawing limit, the result is labeled as an area estimate.
Tile and shower: area plus allowance. These calculators multiply net area by a cutting and spare allowance, divide by tile face area and round up. Box coverage takes priority over pieces per box. Shower wall and floor orders stay separate. These tools do not simulate individual cuts.
Grout: joint geometry and density. The grout model estimates joint volume from tile shape, dimensions, joint width and depth. Depth equals tile thickness. It converts volume to weight at 108 lb/ft³ for conventional sanded cement grout or 105 lb/ft³ for unsanded, adds 10% extra and rounds up bags. The grout calculator’s coverage check links the manufacturer chart and shows its inputs and differences. Product coverage charts control the final order.
The same room can yield different purchase estimates: the planner counts individual cuts before adding spares; the area tools use a percentage allowance. Box rounding adds further material. Grout estimates depend on joints rather than tile purchase area. The models do not check substrate flatness, waterproofing, product compatibility or installation technique.
TilingLab maintains these calculators and explanations. To report a problem, send the calculator’s share link, your measurements and units, the expected result and its source so we can reproduce and check the calculation.
Independence
No manufacturer or retailer pays for placement on TilingLab, and the calculators do not favor any brand. If we add advertising later, it will be labeled and kept apart from the results.
Get in touch
Found a wrong number or a confusing step? Contact us and we will look into it.