Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the calculator add extra tiles beyond the exact area?
Tiling always involves cuts around edges, corners, and fixtures, plus occasional breakage — a bare minimum count based only on area will almost always leave you short. A 10% wastage buffer is standard trade practice; complex layouts, diagonal patterns, or a room with lots of corners may need more.
Should I round the tile count up per box, or buy loose tiles?
If your supplier sells by the box, round up to the nearest full box — this calculator does that for you when you enter tiles-per-box. Buying slightly more than the bare minimum also gives you spares for future repairs, which matters since tile batches/dye lots can vary over time.
Does tile size affect how much wastage I should budget?
Yes — smaller tiles generally waste less per cut relative to their size, while large-format tiles waste more per cut and are more prone to breakage. Complex room shapes or diagonal-laid patterns also increase waste regardless of tile size, so consider bumping the buffer above 10% for those cases.