Tile mortar material estimator

Thinset Calculator

Estimate thinset mortar bags from tile area, bag coverage, waste, bag weight, and bag cost. Use it after the tile or shower tile area is measured, then match the coverage to the mortar label and trowel notch.

Units

Tile area (ft²)Coverage per bag (ft²)Waste / trowel loss (%)Bag weight (lb)Cost per bag ($)

Bags to buy

Order area

Dry mortar weight

Rough cost

Thinset coverage depends on tile and trowel

This calculator estimates bag counts only. Tile size, back buttering, substrate flatness, notch size, mortar type, membrane, pot life, open time, and product coverage can change the final order.

Android App

Need thinset mortar bag estimates hands-free?

Use the Android app when you need voice input, offline use, material lists, or PDF export. Free, no ads, no accounts.

Get the Free App Free. Built for Android phones. Donations welcome.

Saved you a mistake? Support VibeCalc

Tile Calculator

Estimate tile boxes before sizing mortar.

Grout Calculator

Estimate grout bags after the tile layout is known.

Tile Backer Board Calculator

Estimate cement board, screws, and seam tape for the tile substrate.

View all

Thinset bag formula

Order area = tile area × (1 + waste %)

Bags = order area ÷ bag coverage

Dry mortar weight = rounded bags × bag weight

Sample takeoff

A 120 ft² tile floor with 10% waste and 55 ft² coverage per bag needs about three bags, or about 150 lb of dry thinset when bags weigh 50 lb.An 11.1 m² tile floor with 10% waste and 5.1 m² coverage per bag needs about three bags, or about 68 kg of dry thinset when bags weigh 22.7 kg.

Thinset Calculator FAQ

How do I calculate thinset bags?+

Take the tile area, add waste for trowel loss and substrate variation, then divide by the coverage per bag printed on the mortar label.Take the tile area, add waste for trowel loss and substrate variation, then divide by the coverage per bag printed on the mortar label.

Why does thinset coverage vary so much?+

Coverage changes with trowel notch, tile size, back buttering, substrate flatness, membrane texture, and how much mortar is left in the bucket.Coverage changes with trowel notch, tile size, back buttering, substrate flatness, membrane texture, and how much mortar is left in the bucket.

Can I use this for wall tile and shower tile?+

Yes for a first material count if you enter the correct tile area and product coverage. Wet areas still need proper waterproofing, backer board or membrane details, and installation checks.Yes for a first material count if you enter the correct tile area and product coverage. Wet areas still need proper waterproofing, backer board or membrane details, and installation checks.