Tile quantities
Tile count with waste for straight, brick bond, diagonal and herringbone
- where
- net tile count with no waste
- area to tile (m²)
- tile length and width (mm)
- joint width (mm)
- tiles to order for straight, brick bond, diagonal and herringbone
- waste allowance for each pattern (%)
Explain this equation
Turns an area into the number of tiles to order, side by side for straight lay, brick bond, diagonal and herringbone, so you can price the layout options.
N0 is the net count: the area A in square millimetres divided by the area each tile covers with its joint, (L + j)(W + j). Each pattern then adds its own waste percentage, ws, wb, wd or wh, to cover cuts, breakages and spares.
Multiplying by (1 + w/100) adds w per cent. The ceiling brackets round up to the next whole tile because you cannot buy part of one. Diagonal and herringbone layouts make a cut at every edge tile and the offcuts rarely fit elsewhere, so their published allowances are higher.
Sense check: 10 m² of 600 × 300 mm tiles with 3 mm joints is about 55 tiles net, 61 with 10% waste and 66 with 20%.
Watch out: the waste figures are supplier rules of thumb. Small rooms, lots of obstacles and large tiles need the top of the range.
Net tile count for the area, then the order quantity for the four common layouts using published typical waste allowances.
Enter your values to see the result.
Good to know
Published UK retailer guidance: about 10% for straight lay, 10–15% for brick bond, 15% for diagonal and 15–20% for herringbone. Go to the top of the range for small rooms, lots of obstacles, large-format tiles in small spaces, or natural stone with colour variation. Keep a few spares from the same batch for future repairs.
Common mistake
Using the straight-lay figure for a diagonal or herringbone floor. Every edge tile is a cut, and off-cuts rarely fit elsewhere.
Limits
Waste allowances are rules of thumb from UK suppliers, not a standard. For accurate quantities on expensive tiles, set out the cuts on a plan. Herringbone assumes rectangular plank tiles at the same module area.
Sources
Results are calculations from the published methods and manufacturer figures shown, and depend on the data you enter. Always follow the tile, adhesive and grout manufacturers’ instructions, BS 5385 and the Tile Association guidance. Coverage rates vary by product and substrate. Check prices and VAT rules with your own records and HMRC.