Room shape.
Alcoves, doorways, columns and multiple small sections create more boundaries. Check where cuts fall and whether offcuts can actually be reused.
Tile loss calculation guide / Allow for the real world
Every cut
counts.
A tile order needs room for the edges, the pattern, and the pieces you’ll want to keep.
Plan extra tiles for cutting and breakage in addition to the tiles needed to cover the measured area. Calculate this extra quantity from the room shape and tile layout.
Look at the whole layout
Same area.
Different decisions.
Pattern and tile size.
A diagonal, offset or other planned layout can change cut locations. Large tiles may leave less flexibility around narrow edges. Draw the tile layout before deciding how many extra tiles are needed for cutting and breakage.
Handling and spare tiles.
Allow for breakage and keep suitable spares for future repairs. Think about shade and production batches when placing the initial order.
Before you buy
Plan extra tiles
for cuts and breakage.
Start with the checked net area.
Record what will be tiled and what will be excluded. Use the same unit throughout. Confirm that the area reflects the intended finish and not simply the room’s outer rectangle.
Review the layout and cuts.
A blanket percentage cannot replace a layout check. Note full tiles, awkward cuts, edges, openings and the pattern’s starting point. Ask the installer to review the order for complex layouts.
Calculate extra tiles for cutting and breakage before calculating purchase quantities in cartons.
First add extra tiles for cutting and breakage to the base tile quantity. Then divide the total by the number of tiles per carton. If the result is not a whole number, increase it to the next whole number to obtain the number of cartons to buy. Record both the tile quantity needed and the quantity included in the purchased cartons.
Write down what you decided.
Save the measured area, tile layout, extra tile quantity for cutting and breakage, tiles per carton, and spare tile requirement with the project. If a measurement or layout changes, review the purchase quantity again.
See a worked quantity example