How Much Tile Do You Need? A Guide to Measuring and Wastage

Measuring for tiles is straightforward, but a few small mistakes can leave you short, or worse, force you to order a second batch that doesn't quite match the shade of the first. Start by measuring the length and width of the area in metres and multiplying them together to get the square metreage. For an L-shaped room, split it into rectangles, measure each separately, and add the totals together. Always measure the longest points of the room to avoid underestimating. Next, add a wastage allowance on top of your exact square metreage. As a general guide: add 10% for a straightforward straight-lay pattern in a simple rectangular room, 15% for rooms with lots of alcoves, corners, or fittings (like most bathrooms), and 15-20% for diagonal, herringbone, or chevron layouts, which require more cuts. It's worth ordering slightly more than the minimum for another reason too: tiles are manufactured in batches, and colour or shade can vary very slightly between batches. Buying enough in one order, plus a couple of extra tiles kept aside for future repairs, means you'll never need to hunt for a matching batch years down the line. Finally, check the coverage per box on the product page, since tiles are usually sold by the box rather than individually. Round your total (including wastage) up to the nearest full box, and if you're ever unsure, our team can help you confirm quantities before you order.