You calculate the number of tiles you need by determining the area of the room in square meters and adding waste. Usually, calculate about 10 percent for waste, and divide the total by the content per box. This way you know how many boxes of tiles you need to order.
A good calculation prevents you from ordering too few or too many tiles. Too few means reordering, sometimes from a different production batch with a slight color difference. Too many costs unnecessary money. In this article, you will read step-by-step how to calculate the number of tiles, including waste.
How do you calculate how many tiles you need?
You calculate the number of tiles in a few simple steps. You first determine the area, add waste to it, and then convert this to boxes.
- Measure the space. Measure the length and width of the area you want to tile, in meters.
- Calculate the area. Multiply the length by the width. Length × width = area in m².
- Add up multiple surfaces. If you are tiling multiple walls or surfaces, calculate each surface separately and add them together.
- Add waste. Increase the area by usually about 10 percent for waste.
- Convert to boxes. Divide the total number of m² by the content per box (m² per box). Always round up.
An example: a floor of 4 meters by 3 meters is 12 m². With 10 percent waste, you get 13.2 m². If a box contains 1.44 m², you divide 13.2 by 1.44, which amounts to just over 9 boxes. You would then order 10 boxes, as you always round up.
Why do you need to factor in waste?
You factor in waste because you have to cut tiles to size along edges, corners, and obstacles. The cut pieces often cannot be reused, which means you need more tiles than the bare surface. Without waste, you will almost always run short of tiles.
A guideline is about 10 percent waste for a rectangular room with a straight laying pattern. For a complex room with many corners, niches or obstacles, or for a diagonal or herringbone laying pattern, it is better to calculate a bit more, for example 10 to 15 percent. It is wise to always keep a small reserve for any later repairs.
How much waste should you calculate per laying pattern?
The amount of waste depends on the shape of the room and the chosen laying pattern. A general guideline:
- Straight laying pattern, rectangular room: about 10 percent.
- Room with many corners or obstacles: about 10 to 15 percent.
- Diagonal or herringbone laying pattern: often a bit more, because more cutting is involved.
In doubt? Then opt for the slightly higher margin. It is more practical to have a few tiles left over than to have to reorder, especially since a new order from a different production batch may have a slight color difference.
Why is it smart to order tiles from the same batch?
Tiles are produced in production batches, and there can be a small color or shade difference between different batches. By ordering enough tiles from the same batch at once, you prevent a later reordered box from deviating slightly from the rest of your floor or wall.
This is an important reason to include waste and a small reserve directly in your order. After tiling, keep a few tiles leftover, so you always have a matching spare tile from the same batch in case of damage later.
How to use the m² calculator from WDTegels.com?
On the product pages of WDTegels.com, you will find a handy m² calculator. You simply enter the required number of square meters and choose whether you want to include waste. The calculator immediately converts this to the number of boxes, so you know exactly how much you are ordering.
This way, you don't have to calculate boxes and areas yourself. You determine the area of your room using the steps above, enter this for the desired tile, and the calculator does the rest. This makes ordering clear and prevents you from ordering too many or too few tiles.
Conclusion: how to calculate how many tiles you need
You calculate the number of tiles by determining the area in m², adding approximately 10 percent for waste, and converting this to boxes. Always round up and keep a small reserve from the same production batch for any repairs.
With the m² calculator on the product pages of WDTegels.com, you can calculate the number of boxes in a few clicks, including waste. This way, you order exactly the right amount and can start your tiling project with peace of mind.
FAQ
How many tiles do I need per square meter?
That depends on the size of the tile. It's best to calculate in square meters: determine the area of the room and divide that by the content per box (m² per box), including waste.
How much waste should I calculate?
Usually calculate about 10 percent waste for a rectangular room with a straight laying pattern. For many corners or a diagonal pattern, it's better to calculate 10 to 15 percent.
How do I calculate the area of a room?
Multiply the length by the width in meters. If you are tiling multiple surfaces, calculate each surface separately and add them together.
Why should I order tiles from the same batch?
There can be a small color difference between production batches. By ordering enough at once, including a reserve, you prevent a later reordered box from deviating.
Is it better to order too many or too few tiles?
It's wiser to have a small reserve than to run short of tiles. Reordering may result in tiles from a different batch, with a possible slight color difference.
