One of the most common mistakes in tiling projects is ordering the wrong quantity. Too few and you're stuck with a mismatched second batch; too many and you've wasted money. This guide gives you the exact formula used by professional tilers and contractors in India.
Step 1 — Measure the Area
Measure the length and width of the room in metres. Multiply them together to get the area in square metres (m²).
- 1Example: Room is 4.5m × 3.8m = 17.1 m²
- 2For irregular rooms, divide them into rectangles, calculate each area separately, then add them together.
- 3For walls, measure height × width for each wall section, subtract windows and doors.
- 4Always measure to the full extent of the floor — under appliances and cabinets too.
Step 2 — Add Wastage Factor
Wastage occurs from cutting tiles to fit edges, breakage during installation, and pattern matching. The wastage factor varies by installation type.
- 1Straight lay (tiles parallel to walls): Add 10%
- 2Diagonal lay (45° angle): Add 15%
- 3Complex pattern (herringbone, basket weave): Add 20%
- 4Odd-shaped rooms with many cuts: Add 15–20%
Step 3 — The Formula
Total tiles needed = (Room area ÷ Tile area) × (1 + wastage factor)
- 1Room area: 17.1 m²
- 2Tile size: 60×60 cm = 0.36 m² per tile
- 3Straight lay wastage: 10%
- 4Tiles needed: (17.1 ÷ 0.36) × 1.10 = 47.5 × 1.10 = 52.25 → Order 53 tiles
Step 4 — Converting to Boxes
Tiles are sold by the box. Check how many tiles are in each box and divide your total accordingly, always rounding up.
- 1If each box contains 4 tiles (60×60 cm): 53 ÷ 4 = 13.25 → Order 14 boxes
- 2Always buy at least one extra box beyond your calculation
- 3Keep the extra tiles stored safely — useful for future repairs
- 4Ensure all boxes are from the same batch/lot number for consistent colour and shade
Quick Reference — Common Tile Sizes
- 130×30 cm = 0.09 m² per tile
- 240×40 cm = 0.16 m² per tile
- 360×60 cm = 0.36 m² per tile
- 480×80 cm = 0.64 m² per tile
- 560×120 cm = 0.72 m² per tile
Golden Rule: Always buy from the same production lot. Each production run has a 'lot number' printed on the box. Even the same tile design can vary slightly between lots. Buy everything you need at once.
With this formula, you'll never under-order or over-order again. When you purchase Itone Ceramic tiles, our dealers are happy to help you calculate the exact quantity needed for your project. Just bring your measurements and we'll take care of the rest.
Itone Ceramic Design Team
Our in-house design and product team shares expert knowledge from Itone Ceramic's 8+ years in the tile business — product selection, installation, design, and dealer support.
