How to Calculate How Many Tiles You Need

Start by measuring the area you're tiling in square metres. Multiply the length by the width of each surface (wall, floor, or both) and add them together for the total area.

Then add a wastage allowance on top. The standard wastage allowance is 10 percent for a straight stacked or brick layout. For a diagonal or herringbone layout, we'd suggest 15 percent because the angled cuts produce more offcuts.

So the formula is: total area in square metres x 1.10 (or 1.15 for angled layouts) = tiles to order.

We'd also suggest rounding up to the nearest full box rather than ordering the exact number. Tiles are sold by the square metre or by the box, and having a few extra tiles left over is much better than running short and finding the batch is no longer available. Tile batches vary slightly in shade between production runs, so matching tiles ordered later can be difficult.

Not sure how to measure your space? Visit the Buildmat Selection Centre and we can help, or read our blog that answers how many tiles you need in full detail.