Tile Waste Guide: How Much Extra to Buy
Pick the right waste percentage for your layout so you order neither too few nor too many tiles.
The safest way to avoid running short mid-job is to add a waste allowance on top of the exact tile count. The exact count already includes the grout lines; the waste margin is extra.
Waste by layout
- Straight / grid layout: 5–10% extra is usually enough for a simple rectangular room.
- Diagonal / 45°: 15% — the corners create many triangle off-cuts.
- Herringbone / chevron: 15–20% because every tile is cut at an angle.
- Mosaic / small tile: 10–15% — more grout and more sheets to trim at edges.
Other factors
Add more if the room has many inside corners, outlets, or fixtures to cut around, or if the tile is fragile (natural stone breaks more easily). Always keep at least one unopened box for future repairs — dye lots can shift between productions.
Worked example
A 100 ft² floor with 12×12 tiles needs about 100 exact tiles. At 10% waste that becomes 110 tiles; in boxes of 10 that is 11 boxes. If you chose a diagonal layout at 15% waste, plan for about 115 tiles (12 boxes).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 10% waste enough?
For a simple straight layout in a rectangular room, yes. Choose 15% or more for diagonal or patterned layouts.
What happens if I order too few?
You may not match the dye lot on a second order, leaving a visible patch. Ordering a little extra is cheaper than a mismatch.