Sanded vs Unsanded Grout and Other Grout Types
Sanded and unsanded (non-sanded) grout differ by joint width as makers print it: one maker's sanded grout is for joints from 0.125 in[1] to 0.5 in[1], and its unsanded grout for joints up to 0.125 in[2].
Estimates for planning, not professional advice. Read the full notice.
Joint widths makers print for each type of grout
The narrowest and widest joint each maker's grout data sheet prints, by type of grout
| Product and limit | Joint width |
|---|---|
| Sanded, one maker: narrowest joint | 0.125 in (per Custom Building Products' data sheet, checked Nov 12, 2026) |
| Sanded, same maker: widest joint | 0.5 in (per Custom Building Products' data sheet, checked Nov 12, 2026) |
| Unsanded, same maker: widest joint | 0.125 in (per Custom Building Products' data sheet, checked Nov 12, 2026) |
| Single-component (premixed), same maker: narrowest joint | 0.0625 in (per Custom Building Products' data sheet, checked Nov 12, 2026) |
| Single-component (premixed), same maker: widest joint | 0.5 in (per Custom Building Products' data sheet, checked Nov 12, 2026) |
| Epoxy, another maker: narrowest joint | 0.0625 in (per LATICRETE's data sheet, checked Nov 12, 2026) |
| Epoxy, another maker: widest joint | 0.5 in (per LATICRETE's data sheet, checked Nov 12, 2026) |
Product names are trademarks of their owners. HoneyDoMath is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by these makers. Figures come from each maker's published sheets and are shown for information only.
These are two makers' sheets, not a rule for every grout. Brands differ, so read the sheet for the grout you buy.
The standards the sheets print
- The sanded sheet prints ANSI A118.7.
- The unsanded sheet prints ANSI A118.6.
- The epoxy sheet prints ANSI A118.3.
This page lists only what each sheet prints. It does not say what a standard requires.
What one maker says unsanded grout is for
non-sanded grout designed for highly glazed or polished tile, marble and natural stone that would be scratched by sanded grouts.
From the grout type to a grout count
Once you know the type, the grout calculator gives pounds and bags from a maker's coverage chart, and the thinset calculator counts the mortar under the tile.
Questions
What is the difference between sanded and unsanded grout?
The sheets print different joint widths for them: one maker's sanded grout is for wider joints and its unsanded grout for narrow ones, as the table shows. The sheet for your own product has the range that applies to it.
Do all brands print the same joint widths?
No. The table compares two makers and four types, and the ranges are not the same. Brands differ, so check the data sheet of the grout you buy.
Calculate it for your project
Enter your own sizes to get the amount to buy or the layout figures, with the working shown and a page to print.
Grout calculator by tile size and jointSources (4)
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Polyblend Plus Sanded Grout Technical Data Sheet (opens in new tab), Custom Building Products, TDS-360, published February 19, 2026.
Manufacturer data.
“Use to fill joint widths 1/8" to 1/2" (3.1 to 12.7 mm) … It is now an ANSI A118.7 polymer-modified, cement-based sanded grout”
Per Custom Building Products' data sheet, checked Nov 12, 2026. Figures and codes change; verify with the source. Back to where this is used (Source 1) -
Polyblend Plus Non-Sanded Grout Technical Data Sheet (opens in new tab), Custom Building Products, TDS-369, published February 19, 2026.
Manufacturer data.
“Use to fill joint widths up to 1/8" … It is an ANSI A118.6 polymer-modified, cement-based non-sanded grout”
“non-sanded grout designed for highly glazed or polished tile, marble and natural stone that would be scratched by sanded grouts.”
Per Custom Building Products' data sheet, checked Nov 12, 2026. Figures and codes change; verify with the source. Back to where this is used (Source 2) -
Fusion Pro Single Component Grout Technical Data Sheet (opens in new tab), Custom Building Products, TDS-242, published November 6, 2026.
Manufacturer data.
“Use to fill joint widths 1/16" to 1/2" (1.6-13 mm)”
Per Custom Building Products' data sheet, checked Nov 12, 2026. Figures and codes change; verify with the source. Back to where this is used (Source 3) -
SPECTRALOCK PRO Premium Grout Data Sheet (opens in new tab), LATICRETE International, Data sheet DS-681.
Manufacturer data.
“Meets performance requirements of ANSI A118.3 … Can be used for grout joints from 1/16-1/2”
Per LATICRETE's data sheet, checked Nov 12, 2026. Figures and codes change; verify with the source. Back to where this is used (Source 4)
These are summaries of what the sources say, not professional advice. Codes and product data change. Check with your building department and the product label about your own project.