Learn how much extra tile to buy for your project. Calculate square footage, account for waste, and plan for cuts, patterns and future repairs.

Ordering the right amount of tile is an important part of any renovation.

Order too little, and you may run out before the project is finished. Order too much, and you could spend money on material you do not need.

The key is to calculate the project area carefully and include an allowance for cuts, breakage, layout changes and future repairs.

For many straightforward installations, 10% extra tile is a useful starting point. However, the right amount depends on the room dimensions, tile size, installation pattern and complexity of the project.

If you're planning a renovation, our Tile Buying Guide GTA: How to Choose the Right Tile for Your Home covers important factors to consider when selecting tile for your space.

Why Should You Buy Extra Tile?

Tile needs to be cut to fit walls, corners, fixtures and other obstacles. Some pieces may also break or become unsuitable during handling and installation.

Common reasons for tile waste include:

• Cutting tiles to fit the layout

• Breakage during handling or installation

• Pattern matching and alignment

• Irregular room dimensions

• Changes to the installation layout

• Natural variations in colour, veining or texture

Extra material provides a buffer against these issues and helps reduce the risk of delaying a project because more tile needs to be ordered.

It can also provide replacement pieces for future repairs. This is particularly useful if a product is discontinued or a later production batch has a slightly different shade or calibre.

For more advice on avoiding common tile-buying mistakes, read Real Simple's guide to planning a tile renovation.

How to Calculate Your Tile Quantity

Start by measuring the area you plan to cover.

For a simple rectangular floor, multiply the length by the width.

Length × Width = Square Footage

For example, a room measuring 10 feet by 12 feet has an area of:

10 ft × 12 ft = 120 sq. ft.

Next, add your waste allowance.

For a straightforward installation with a 10% allowance:

120 sq. ft. × 1.10 = 132 sq. ft.

You would therefore need approximately 132 sq. ft. of tile, before rounding up to the full boxes required.

For walls, measure the width and height of each section and calculate the area separately. Add the areas together, accounting for openings and any additional tiled surfaces where appropriate.

Your installer can help confirm the final measurements and allowance before you place your order.

How Many Boxes of Tile Should You Buy?

Once you know the total square footage, check the coverage listed on the tile box.

For example, suppose your project requires 132 sq. ft. of tile after adding the waste allowance, and each box covers 15 sq. ft.

132 ÷ 15 = 8.8 boxes

Since tile is generally sold in full boxes, you would need to purchase 9 boxes.

Nine boxes provide 135 sq. ft. of coverage, assuming the stated box coverage applies to your selected product.

Always check the packaging for the actual coverage. Different tile sizes, products and packaging formats can have different coverage amounts.

How Much Waste Should You Allow?

The right waste allowance depends on the layout and the amount of cutting required.

Straightforward installations

For a simple rectangular room with a straight tile layout, approximately 10% extra is a useful starting point.

More complex layouts

Consider a higher allowance when the project involves:

• Diagonal tile patterns

• Herringbone or chevron layouts

• Numerous corners and transitions

• Angled walls

• Small rooms with many obstacles

• Intricate decorative patterns

These installations can require more cuts, and some offcuts may not be reusable elsewhere.

An allowance of 15% or more may be appropriate for some complex projects, but the exact amount should be confirmed with your installer.

Do not assume that every project needs the same percentage. A careful layout plan can help determine how much extra material is appropriate.

Does Large-Format Tile Require More Extra Material?

Large-format tile requires careful planning, but it does not automatically need a higher waste allowance simply because each piece is larger.

The room dimensions, tile layout, cutting requirements and pattern all influence how much material may be wasted.

For example, a large tile may leave a substantial offcut when it needs to be trimmed to fit a narrow space. Whether that offcut can be reused elsewhere depends on the remaining dimensions and the layout.

Large-format tile also requires careful handling during transportation, cutting and installation.

If you're considering oversized porcelain formats, review our guide to large-format kitchen tiles for additional information on large-format applications.

Before ordering, discuss the layout and required quantity with your installer, particularly for projects involving formats such as 32×64 or 36×72.

What About Patterned Tile?

Patterned tile can require additional material because the design may need to align across adjacent pieces.

Herringbone and chevron installations are common examples. Diagonal layouts can also produce more offcuts than a straightforward grid pattern.

The amount of extra tile needed depends on the pattern, room shape, tile dimensions and installation plan.

If the tile has a repeating design, distinctive veining or natural variation, discuss pattern placement with your installer before ordering. This helps establish a suitable allowance and reduces the chance of running short.

Should You Keep Leftover Tile?

Yes. Keeping some leftover tile is a practical way to prepare for future repairs.

A tile can crack or become damaged years after installation. If you have matching pieces available, replacing it may be easier than trying to source the same product later.

Even if the original tile is still available, a newer production batch may differ slightly in shade or calibre.

To preserve your spare tiles:

• Store them in a dry, secure location.

• Keep them in their original packaging where possible.

• Retain the product name, size and identification details.

• Avoid storing them where they could be damaged.

The amount you keep depends on the project size, product availability and the likelihood of needing future replacements.

Can You Return Extra Tile?

Return policies vary by supplier and product.

Some suppliers may accept unopened boxes within a specified return period, while special orders, clearance products or other purchases may be subject to different conditions.

Before placing your order, confirm:

• Whether unopened boxes are returnable

• The return period

• Any restocking fees

• Whether special-order products are final sale

Do not rely on being able to return excess material. It is better to establish the return policy before purchasing than to discover that unused boxes cannot be returned.

What Happens If You Run Out of Tile?

Running short can delay a renovation, particularly if the product is no longer readily available.

The tile may be:

• Out of stock

• Discontinued

• Backordered

• Available only from a different production batch

A replacement from another batch may not match the original installation exactly. Differences in shade, calibre or appearance can be noticeable once the tiles are installed side by side.

Before placing your order, confirm product availability and discuss whether additional material can be reserved or purchased from the same batch.

Why Inventory Matters When Ordering Tile

Inventory can be an important consideration when planning larger residential or commercial projects.

A supplier with substantial available stock may be better positioned to support projects that require significant quantities of tile, although availability still depends on the specific product and current demand.

Big M Stone & Tiles operates a 200,000+ sq. ft. warehouse in Brampton, alongside a 20,000+ sq. ft. showroom.

Homeowners, contractors, builders and designers planning larger orders can contact the team to discuss product availability and quantity requirements before finalizing their purchase.

For broader guidance on choosing a supplier, read our Tile Supplier GTA: A Contractor and Builder Guide.

Final Thoughts

For a straightforward tile installation, 10% extra is a useful starting point. More complex layouts, intricate patterns and rooms that require extensive cutting may need a larger allowance.

To determine how much extra tile to buy:

1. Measure the area accurately.

2. Calculate the total square footage.

3. Add an allowance based on the layout and installation requirements.

4. Divide the total by the coverage per box.

5. Round up to the next full box.

6. Confirm the quantity and availability before ordering.

Finally, consider keeping some spare tile for future repairs.

A little planning before placing your order can help prevent delays, reduce unnecessary waste and keep your project on track.