🔲 Grout Calculator
Calculate grout needed for your tile project
Smaller tiles require more grout per sq ft
Wider grout lines require more grout
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Tile Area
Input the total square footage of your tiled area. This is the same area you calculated for tiles—the total surface area to be tiled.
Specify Tile Size
Select your tile size in inches. Smaller tiles (4-6 inches) require more grout per square foot because they have more grout lines. Larger tiles (18-24 inches) require less grout.
Select Grout Line Width
Choose your grout line width. Standard is 1/8 inch. Wider grout lines (3/16 to 1/4 inch) require more grout, while narrower lines (1/16 inch) require less.
Calculate and Order
Click "Calculate Grout" to see grout needed in pounds and bags. Grout typically comes in 25-pound or 10-pound bags. Add 10% extra for waste and mistakes.
Formula
Base Grout = 0.5 lbs/sq ft (for 12×12 tiles with 1/8" grout)
Tile Size Factor = 12 ÷ Tile Size (inches)
Grout Width Factor = Grout Width ÷ 1/8"
Grout Needed = Area × Base × Tile Factor × Width Factor
Example 1: Standard Tile (100 sq ft, 12×12 tiles, 1/8" grout)
Step 1: Base grout: 0.5 lbs/sq ft
Step 2: Tile factor: 12 ÷ 12 = 1.0 (standard size)
Step 3: Width factor: 0.125 ÷ 0.125 = 1.0 (standard width)
Step 4: Calculate grout: 100 × 0.5 × 1.0 × 1.0 = 50 lbs
Step 5: Calculate bags: 50 ÷ 25 = 2 bags (25 lb each)
Example 2: Small Tiles (100 sq ft, 6×6 tiles, 1/8" grout)
Step 1: Base grout: 0.5 lbs/sq ft
Step 2: Tile factor: 12 ÷ 6 = 2.0 (smaller tiles need more)
Step 3: Width factor: 1.0 (standard width)
Step 4: Calculate grout: 100 × 0.5 × 2.0 × 1.0 = 100 lbs
Step 5: Calculate bags: 100 ÷ 25 = 4 bags (25 lb each)
About Grout Calculator
The Grout Calculator is an essential tool for tile installers, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts who need to accurately determine how much grout is required for their tile installation projects. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise poundage estimates based on tile area, tile size, and grout line width, helping you order the right amount of grout without waste or shortages.
When to Use This Calculator
- Tile Installation: Calculate grout needed for floors, walls, backsplashes, and shower surrounds
- Grout Replacement: Determine grout quantities needed for regrouting existing tile
- Budget Planning: Calculate material costs by determining exact grout quantities needed
- Project Planning: Estimate grout quantities before starting tile installation projects
- Contractor Estimates: Quick reference for contractors bidding tile installation projects
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Estimates: Precise grout calculations based on tile size and grout line width
- ✅ Tile Size Factors: Accounts for smaller tiles requiring more grout per square foot
- ✅ Grout Width Factors: Adjusts calculations for different grout line widths
- ✅ Bag Calculations: Shows results in both 25-pound and 10-pound bags for convenience
- ✅ Cost Planning: Helps budget accurately by determining exact material needs
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math and estimates
Common Applications
Floor Tile Installation: Tile installers and homeowners planning floor tile projects use this calculator to order the correct quantity of grout. Standard 12×12 tiles with 1/8" grout lines require approximately 0.5 pounds of grout per square foot, which this calculator helps determine accurately.
Wall and Backsplash Tile: Contractors and DIY enthusiasts installing wall tile or backsplashes use this tool to estimate grout quantities needed. Smaller tiles (4-6 inches) require more grout due to increased grout line area per square foot.
Shower and Bathroom Tile: Tile installers working on shower surrounds and bathroom tile use this calculator to determine grout quantities needed, ensuring sufficient materials are on-site before starting work.
Tips for Best Results
- Tile Size Matters: Smaller tiles (4-6 inches) need 2-3× more grout than large tiles (18-24 inches)
- Grout Width: Wider grout lines (1/4") require 2× more grout than narrow lines (1/16")
- Add Waste: Always add 10% extra for waste, spillage, and mistakes during grouting
- Grout Types: Sanded grout for wider lines (1/8"+) , unsanded for narrow lines (<1/8")
- Color Consistency: Order all grout from the same batch for color consistency
Frequently Asked Questions
How much grout do I need for 100 sq ft of 12×12 tiles with 1/8" grout lines?
For 100 sq ft of standard 12×12 tiles with 1/8" grout lines, you'll need approximately 50 pounds of grout, or 2 bags of 25-pound grout. Add 10% extra (about 5 lbs), so plan for about 55 pounds or 3 bags total.
Why do smaller tiles need more grout?
Smaller tiles have more grout lines per square foot, which means more grout is needed to fill the gaps. For example, 6×6 tiles have 4× more grout lines than 12×12 tiles in the same area, requiring about 2× more grout.
What's the difference between sanded and unsanded grout?
Sanded grout is for grout lines 1/8" or wider—it's stronger and less prone to cracking. Unsanded grout is for grout lines less than 1/8"—it's smoother and works better in narrow spaces. Always use the right type for your grout line width.
Do I need to add extra grout for waste?
Yes! Always add 10% extra for waste, spillage, mixing mistakes, and cleanup. If you need 50 pounds, order about 55 pounds (3 bags if using 25-pound bags) to ensure you have enough material.
How much does grout cost?
Grout prices vary by type and brand: standard grout $10-$20 per 25-pound bag, premium grout $20-$40 per bag, epoxy grout $40-$80 per bag. Prices depend on quality, color, and brand. Budget for grout sealer separately ($15-$30).
Can I use the same grout color throughout?
Yes, but always order all grout from the same batch/lot number for color consistency. Grout colors can vary between batches, even with the same color name. Keep extra grout for future repairs to ensure color matching.