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Grout Calculator: How Much Grout Do I Need?
No more guesswork
Photo: Vladdeep / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Photo: Vladdeep / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Highlights
The amount of grout you’ll need depends on the size of the area.
The size of the tiles and the joint space also impact the total.
The average cost for a 5-pound bag of grout is $16.
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Grout may not be something you think about when you’re walking into your bathroom or kitchen, but if you’re planning a remodel or new installation and need to install tiles, grout is an important part of the installation process. This grout calculator helps you answer the question, “How much grout do I need?”
How Much Grout Is Needed for Tiles
Using the dimensions of your space, the size of the tiles, the gaps between the tiles, and the depth, you can refer to the following table to estimate how much grout you need for your project.
| Area (sq. ft.) | Tile Size (in.) | Joint Width (in.) | Joint Depth (in.) | Grout Needed (lb.) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 4x4 | 3/16 | 1/8 | 1 | $6–$10 |
| 20 | 4x4 | 3/16 | 1/8 | 2 | $7–$25 |
| 30 | 4x4 | 3/16 | 1/8 | 3 | $7–$25 |
| 40 | 4x4 | 3/16 | 1/8 | 4 | $7–$25 |
| 50 | 4x4 | 3/16 | 1/8 | 5 | $7–$25 |
| 60 | 4x4 | 3/16 | 1/8 | 5 | $7–$25 |
| 70 | 4x4 | 3/16 | 1/8 | 6 | $15–$25 |
| 80 | 4x4 | 3/16 | 1/8 | 7 | $15–$25 |
| 90 | 4x4 | 3/16 | 1/8 | 8 | $15–$25 |
| 100 | 4x4 | 3/16 | 1/8 | 9 | $15–$25 |
How to Calculate How Much Grout You Need
Calculating how much grout you need requires several steps. Use this formula to determine the amount of grout in pounds.
Grout needed = {[(tile width + tile length) x (joint width + joint depth) x 1.2] / (tile width x tile height)]} x total area in square feet
How to Measure for Grout
If you’re calculating grout quantities for your project, you’ll need to take several measurements. Here’s how to accurately measure for grout.
Measure the total area you’re going to tile in feet.
Measure the tile length in inches.
Measure the width of the tile in inches.
Measure the width of the joint or space between the tiles.
Measure the depth of the joint or the tile thickness.
Who to Hire to Calculate How Much Grout You’ll Need
Photo: RealPeopleStudio / Adobe Stock
Let’s face it—calculating how much grout you’ll need is complex. If you’re not a mathematician, it can be downright confusing. Not to mention, different types of grout, like epoxy vs. cement grout, have different properties that could impact how much grout you’ll need.
While you can simply over-purchase by going for a large, 25-pound bag of grout, the most economical way to calculate the right amount of materials for your project is to work with a professional, such as a shower grout contractor. Contact a tile contractor near you to accurately calculate the grout for your tiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grout is a type of material that fills the joints between tiles to promote stability and prevent water damage and debris from collecting between tiles. Most grout is made from cement, but you have other options, including epoxy, acrylic, and polymers that can give grout different properties that best protect your floor, bathroom, or kitchen tiles.
The price of grout varies by the type of grout and the size of the container or bag. You can save on costs if you go for a larger bag, even if that means having a little left over after your project. If you purchase a one-pound bag of grout, you’ll pay anywhere from $6 to $10 each, while five-pound bags cost between $7 and $25. A 25-pound bag of grout costs between $15 and $35 on average.
You can dispose of excess grout by allowing it to dry and then placing it in the trash. Do not rinse the tiles or allow the grout to enter waterways. For old, dry grout that you’ve never used, wet the bag so that it solidifies, and then toss it in the trash. If you’re removing grout from tile, simply throw it away. You can also reuse leftover grout if it hasn’t been mixed with water.
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