How to Lay Out Tile: Rows, Edge Cuts and Spacers
The edge cuts decide how a tiled floor looks. A 10 × 8 ft floor in 12 in tile with 1/8 in joints fits 9 whole tiles along the length and 7 across, leaving a cut of 5.38 in at each end of a row and 5.50 in at each end of a column. That is 11 by 9 tiles, so 109 tiles to buy with 10% extra and 80 cross spacers. The tile layout calculator works it out for your room.
Part of the project planner: Planning new floors and tile.
How the layout is worked out
A row of tiles is whole tiles plus the grout joints between them. The calculator finds how many tiles and joints fit, then splits what is left between the two ends. If the cut would be thinner than the smallest cut you will accept, it uses one fewer whole tile, which makes both end cuts larger.
Whole tiles and cuts by tile size
For a 10 × 8 ft floor with 1/8 in joints, centered, and the smallest cut 2 in:
| Tile size | Whole tiles per row | Edge cut (length) | Tiles to buy | Spacers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 × 6 in | 18 | 4.81 in | 374 | 304 |
| 8 × 8 in | 14 | 3.06 in | 229 | 180 |
| 12 × 12 in | 9 | 5.38 in | 109 | 80 |
| 16 × 16 in | 7 | 3.50 in | 70 | 48 |
| 18 × 18 in | 6 | 5.56 in | 62 | 42 |
| 24 × 24 in | 4 | 11.69 in | 33 | 20 |
Tiles and spacers by room size
12 in tiles, 1/8 in joints, 10% extra:
| Room | Tiles in a row × column | Tiles to buy | Spacers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 × 5 ft | 9 × 6 | 60 | 40 |
| 10 × 8 ft | 11 × 9 | 109 | 80 |
| 12 × 10 ft | 13 × 11 | 158 | 120 |
| 15 × 12 ft | 16 × 13 | 229 | 180 |
Laying it out on the floor
- Snap chalk lines through the middle of the room in both directions, or along the doorway if that is the line people see first.
- Dry-lay a row of tiles with spacers from the line to each wall. Check the cut at each end.
- If a cut comes out thin, shift the line by half a tile so that the cuts at the two ends become larger and more equal.
- Check the layout at the doorway and at fixed features such as a tub or a cabinet. A full tile at the door looks better than a sliver.
- Pull the spacers once the adhesive has set and before grouting.
For the tile, thinset and grout quantities, use the tile calculator, and for a whole floor the tile project materials calculator. Cut tiles are counted as whole tiles here, so you may need fewer if you can reuse the leftover pieces.
Frequently asked questions
How do I plan a tile layout?
Measure the area, decide where the center line goes and work out how many whole tiles fit with the grout joints. For a 10 × 8 ft floor in 12 in tile with 1/8 in joints that is 9 whole tiles along the length and 7 across, with cuts of 5.4 in and 5.5 in at the ends.
How many tile spacers do I need?
One cross spacer at each place where four tiles meet: 80 for the 10 × 8 ft floor. They are cheap, so buy extra.
What is the smallest edge cut I should leave?
Tilers aim for at least half a tile, and avoid slivers under about 2 inches that chip and look wrong. If the layout gives a thin cut, move the starting line.
Should I start at the center or at a wall?
The center gives equal cuts on both sides. A doorway or the longest visible wall is the other usual choice. Dry-lay a row to decide.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and follow local building codes for anything structural.
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