TAKE-OFF: Measuring the amount of tile needed (in square feet, linear feet, and/or in pieces) off of a plan.
AREA: length x width

1. Number of tiles needed per SF area can be calculated as follows:
(Square Feet of Area to be tiled) x (Tile Factor/SF) = # of pieces

Examples:
30 SF (area) x 4.5 (factor LVSWH) = 135 pieces of LVSWH
30 SF (area) x .56 (factor of PH1616) = 16.80 pieces of PH1616
Factor how many pieces of a particular material are contained in a square foot.
You can calculate a factor as follows:

2. Number of field tiles or moulding pieces needed for particular amount of linear feet can be calculated as follows:
(Lin. Feet of area to be tiled) x 12” / (tile or moulding length) = # of pieces

Example:
30 LF x 12” / WC berry moulding length of 6” = 60 pieces
30 LF x 12” / LS white ogee length of 5 5/8” or 5.625 = 64 pieces
For fractions like 5 5/8” you can calculate to the decimal point: 5/8 = .625
therefore 5 + .625 = 5.625”.
Also, you can use the conversion table as follows:

Important: It is the official and legal responsibility of the tile installer / contractor to provide amounts needed to fulfill an order. It can be uncomfortable and also costly to be responsible for incorrect amounts ordered.

A tile contractor is the professional who physically evaluates the job site and knows where to be efficient with cuts, therefore, when calculating a rough estimate for a client, include disclaimer at bottom of invoice:
Quantity take-off only preliminary estimated and not guaranteed. Please seek the assistance of a tile installation professional for accurate take-off quantities.

If recommended grout widths are wanted, consider the following:

1. Decorative handcrafted tile = 3/8 to 1/2 inch
2. Mounted, handcrafted tile in 3x3 and 4x4 as mounted = 1/4 inch
3. Glazed wall tile, as dictated by the lugs or 1/16 inch
4. Ceramic mosaic tile as mounted, usually 1/16 inch
5. Quarry and paver tile = 1/4 inch
6. Large sizes of precision made tile, such as 24 x 24 = 3/16 to 1/4 inch
7. Large sizes of handcrafted tile = 1/2 to 3/4 inch
8. Marble and granite tile = 1/16 inch minimum and 3/16 inch maximum

It must be understood that if mounted tile is selected, the grout joint width is established at the factory and cannot be changed. In the case of mosaic borders, the factory will try to accommodate requested grout widths.

It is a good idea to have the tile installer to show the client how the tile will look grouted once a selection has been made.

Keep in mind that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the decision on both tile and grout width should be made by the owner.