How many tiles do I need? Calculating square metres and boxes
Tiles are priced per square metre but sold by the box. Getting from one to the other is where most over- and under-ordering happens.
Step 1: measure the area
Multiply length by width in metres for each area, and add them together. For walls, measure each wall separately and subtract large openings such as windows — but not small ones, since the offcuts rarely reuse well.
Step 2: add a wastage allowance
Add about 10 per cent for a straight layout in a simple room. Allow 15 per cent for diagonal or herringbone layouts, rooms with many cuts, or large-format tiles where a single cut writes off a big piece.
Step 3: round up to whole boxes
Divide your total square metres by the coverage per box, then round up. Every product page on this site lists coverage per box and includes a calculator that does this for you.
Order it all at once
Tiles are made in batches and shades vary slightly between them. Ordering the full quantity in one go, plus a spare box for future repairs, avoids a visible mismatch later.