How many tiles do I need? A simple guide
Working out how many tiles you need is simpler than it looks. Measure the area, add a little extra for cuts, then round up to full boxes. This guide takes you through it step by step, with worked examples using real tiles from our range. If you would rather we did the sums, send us your measurements and we will check them for you.
How do I measure a floor?
Measure the length and the width of the room in metres, then multiply them together. That gives you the area in square metres (m²).
For example, a room 5 metres long and 4 metres wide is 5 x 4 = 20 m².
If the room is L-shaped or has an alcove, split it into rectangles, work out each one and add them together. Measure into doorways too, as the tiles usually run to the threshold.
How do I measure walls?
Treat each wall as its own rectangle: width x height, in metres. Add the walls together for the total.
You can take off large doors and windows if you like, but keep the 10% allowance on top of whatever is left. There are more cuts around windows and doors, so the extra soon gets used. For a wall with lots of openings, ask your installer to check the total.
For a splashback, measure the length of the run and the height from worktop to cupboard. A small kitchen splashback is often around 3 m².
Why add 10% for cuts?
Every tiling job has cuts at the edges, around pipes and in corners. Adding 10% to your measured area covers those cuts and gives your installer room to work. Every product page has a tick box labelled "Add 10% wastage" that does this for you.
When to allow a bit more
- Diagonal layouts, where every edge tile is cut at an angle.
- Herringbone and other patterned layouts.
- Rooms with many corners, alcoves or built-in units.
- Very large tiles, where offcuts are less likely to be reused elsewhere.
In these cases your installer may suggest more than 10%. It is worth asking before you order so everything arrives together.
Why are tiles sold in full boxes?
Tiles are packed and shipped by the box, so we sell them in full boxes only. Each product page tells you how many tiles are in a box and how many square metres a box covers. Once you know your area plus 10%, divide by the box coverage and round up to the next whole box.
Worked examples
Here is a 20 m² floor with 10% added, giving 22 m² to cover. The number of boxes changes with the tile, because boxes cover different areas.
| Tile | Box covers | 22 m² ÷ box | Boxes to order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lux Noor White Polished 60x120 | 1.44 m² (2 tiles) | 15.3 | 16 |
| Prizma Statuario Matt 60x60 | 1.44 m² (4 tiles) | 15.3 | 16 |
| Arezzo Tortora Satin 75x75 | 1.69 m² (3 tiles) | 13.02 | 14 |
| Cromat Marfil Matt 90x90 | 1.62 m² (2 tiles) | 13.6 | 14 |
| Lin Marfil 100x100 | 2.00 m² (2 tiles) | 11 | 11 |
| Badab Ash Polished 30x60 | 1.08 m² (6 tiles) | 20.4 | 21 |
Now a smaller job: a 3 m² kitchen splashback. Add 10% and you have 3.3 m² to cover. With a tile that comes in 1.44 m² boxes, 3.3 ÷ 1.44 = 2.3, so you order 3 boxes. With a 1.08 m² box, such as Badab Ash Polished 30x60, 3.3 ÷ 1.08 = 3.06, so you order 4 boxes.
Rounding up means the job finishes without a pause, and the spare tiles come in handy later.
Can the website do the sums for me?
Yes. Every tile on our website has a calculator on its product page. Type in your area in square metres, tick "Add 10% wastage", and it tells you how many boxes to order. It is a quick estimate, so for anything unusual, such as a patterned layout or a room with lots of corners, check with your installer or ask us.
Should I keep a spare box?
Yes. Once the job is done, keep a box, or at least a few tiles, somewhere dry. If a tile ever needs replacing, you will have tiles from the same batch to hand. Note the batch number from the box label too. It also helps if you later extend the tiling into a hallway or utility room.
Not sure? Ask us to check your measurements
Send us your room sizes by phone on 01753 316106 or WhatsApp on 07955 501595, tell us which tile you like, and we will check the box count before you order.
See it before you buy
Our Uxbridge showroom is open seven days a week and you can view any tile from the website there. Bring your measurements and we will work out the boxes with you. We are a short drive from Hayes, Slough, Southall, Hounslow and Harrow.
Browse our floor tiles, wall tiles, kitchen tiles and bathroom tiles online, or read our underfloor heating guide if you are planning a heated floor.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy single tiles instead of a box?
Tiles are sold in full boxes. The product page shows how many tiles are in each box and the area a box covers, so you always know what you are getting.
Is 10% always enough?
For a straight layout in a simple room, 10% is a good starting point, and your installer can confirm it. For diagonal or herringbone layouts, rooms with many corners, or very large tiles, your installer may suggest a little more. Ask before you order and everything arrives in one delivery.
Do I still add 10% if I take off doors and windows?
Yes. Take off the large openings if you like, then add 10% to what is left. Cuts around openings use extra tiles, so the allowance still earns its place.