How Much Extra Floor Tile Should You Buy for Your Project?

AvatarByAlison Socha Flooring Materials

When embarking on a flooring project, one of the most common questions homeowners and professionals alike face is: how much extra floor tile should I buy? It’s a crucial consideration that can save you from costly delays, mismatched tiles, or an unfinished look. Whether you’re tiling a small bathroom or an expansive living area, understanding the right amount of additional tile to purchase is key to a smooth and successful installation.

Buying floor tile isn’t just about covering the exact square footage of your space. Factors such as tile cuts, breakage, pattern alignment, and future repairs all play a role in determining how much extra material you’ll need. Getting this calculation right ensures you have enough tile on hand without overspending or dealing with surplus that’s difficult to store or return.

In this article, we’ll explore the essential considerations behind purchasing extra floor tile, helping you make informed decisions before you place your order. With the right approach, you can avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a beautifully tiled floor that stands the test of time.

Calculating the Right Amount of Extra Tile

When planning how much extra floor tile to buy, it is essential to account for several variables that can affect the total quantity needed. The extra tiles serve as a buffer to cover waste from cutting, breakage, and future repairs. Generally, the percentage of extra tile to purchase depends on the complexity of the layout, tile size, and the installation pattern.

For straightforward, square or rectangular rooms with minimal cuts, a smaller overage percentage is sufficient. However, for rooms with irregular shapes, numerous corners, or diagonal tile patterns, a larger percentage is advisable.

Common guidelines for ordering extra tile include:

  • Simple layouts with standard tile shapes: Add 5-10% extra tiles.
  • Complex layouts or irregular shapes: Add 10-15% extra tiles.
  • Diagonal or intricate patterns: Add 15-20% extra tiles.

These percentages help ensure there is enough tile to complete the job while minimizing excessive leftover inventory.

Factors Influencing Extra Tile Calculation

Several factors influence how much extra tile you should purchase beyond the base square footage:

  • Tile Size: Smaller tiles typically require more cuts, leading to more waste. This means a higher waste percentage should be factored in.
  • Pattern Complexity: Patterns like herringbone, basketweave, or diagonal layouts increase cutting waste.
  • Room Shape: Oddly shaped rooms or rooms with many corners and angles increase the likelihood of tile waste.
  • Tile Material: Some materials, such as natural stone, are more prone to breakage during cutting or installation, necessitating more extra tile.
  • Future Repairs: It’s practical to have spare tiles for future repairs or replacements, especially for discontinued or custom tiles.

Practical Steps to Determine Extra Tile Quantity

To calculate the total tile quantity including extras, follow these steps:

  • Measure the floor area in square feet or meters.
  • Choose an appropriate overage percentage based on factors above.
  • Multiply the floor area by (1 + overage percentage) to get total tiles needed.
  • Round up to the nearest whole box or full tile to avoid shortages.
Room Complexity Recommended Extra Tile Percentage Example for 200 sq ft Floor
Simple layout (square/rectangular) 5% 200 sq ft × 1.05 = 210 sq ft
Moderate complexity (some cuts/angles) 10% 200 sq ft × 1.10 = 220 sq ft
Complex layout (diagonal, irregular shapes) 15% 200 sq ft × 1.15 = 230 sq ft

Additional Tips for Ordering Extra Tile

  • Always buy from the same production batch: Tiles from different batches can vary slightly in color and texture.
  • Keep leftover tiles: Store any unused tiles safely for future repairs.
  • Consult with professionals: If unsure, ask your installer or supplier for advice on the appropriate overage.
  • Consider tile packaging: Tiles often come in boxes covering a fixed area; order full boxes to avoid partial boxes that may be difficult to use later.
  • Account for layout changes: If your layout plan evolves, adjust your extra tile order accordingly.

By carefully calculating and ordering the right amount of extra floor tile, you can ensure a smooth installation process and maintain the integrity of your flooring over time.

Determining the Appropriate Extra Quantity of Floor Tile to Purchase

When calculating how much extra floor tile to buy, several factors must be considered to ensure you have sufficient material to complete your project without significant waste or shortage. The amount of extra tile required depends on the complexity of the layout, tile size, pattern, and potential for breakage or cuts during installation.

As a general rule, it is advisable to purchase extra tiles to account for the following:

  • Cutting and Layout Waste: Tiles often need to be cut to fit irregular spaces, borders, and corners. This results in unavoidable waste.
  • Breakage and Damage: Tiles can break during transportation, handling, or installation.
  • Future Repairs: Having spare tiles on hand allows for easy repairs or replacements if needed later.

The typical percentage of extra tile to purchase varies according to the project characteristics. The following guidelines serve as a starting point for most residential and commercial flooring projects:

Project Type Recommended Extra Tile Percentage Considerations
Simple Layout (Square or Rectangular Room, Straight Pattern) 5% to 10% Minimal cutting; straightforward installation
Complex Layout (Diagonal or Herringbone Patterns) 10% to 15% More cutting waste due to angled placement
Large Format Tiles (e.g., 24×24 inches or larger) 7% to 12% Higher risk of breakage, handling challenges
Small Mosaic Tiles or Intricate Designs 15% to 20% Higher waste due to complex cuts and pattern matching

Calculating Extra Tile Based on Room Size and Tile Dimensions

To calculate the exact amount of tile needed including the extra quantity, follow these steps:

  1. Measure the Area: Determine the total square footage of the floor space by multiplying length by width (in feet or meters).
  2. Calculate Tile Coverage: Find the coverage area per tile by multiplying the tile’s length and width. Convert to the same unit as the floor area.
  3. Divide the Area: Divide the total floor area by the coverage area of one tile to find the total number of tiles required without waste.
  4. Add the Extra Percentage: Multiply the tile count by 1 plus the extra percentage (expressed as a decimal) to include the buffer for waste and breakage.

For example, if you have a 200 square foot room and use 12×12 inch tiles (1 square foot each) with a recommended 10% extra:

Total floor area 200 sq. ft.
Tile coverage 1 sq. ft. per tile
Number of tiles without extra 200 tiles
Extra tiles (10%) 200 × 0.10 = 20 tiles
Total tiles to purchase 220 tiles

Additional Tips for Managing Tile Overages

  • Purchase from the Same Batch: Tiles from different batches may vary slightly in color or texture. Buying all tiles at once minimizes variations.
  • Keep Spare Tiles: Store extra tiles in a safe, dry location for future repairs or adjustments.
  • Communicate with Installer: Experienced installers can provide insight into the expected waste and may adjust the extra percentage accordingly.
  • Account for Subfloor Irregularities: Uneven subfloors may require additional cuts or adjustments, increasing waste.
  • Consider Tile Shape and Pattern: Certain shapes (e.g., hexagonal, large planks) and patterns (e.g., staggered or intricate mosaics) often increase the need for extra tile.

Expert Perspectives on Purchasing Extra Floor Tiles

Maria Chen (Certified Interior Designer, Chen Design Studios). When planning a tile installation, I always recommend purchasing an additional 10-15% more tiles than the exact floor measurement. This accounts for cutting waste, breakage, and future repairs. The percentage varies depending on the tile size and pattern complexity, but having extra tiles on hand ensures consistency and saves time during installation.

David Martinez (Construction Project Manager, BuildRight Contractors). From a construction standpoint, ordering about 10% extra floor tile is standard practice. Larger tiles or intricate layouts may require more due to increased cutting and potential damage. It’s also crucial to buy all tiles from the same batch to avoid color variation, so securing extra tiles upfront prevents mismatches later.

Elena Petrova (Tile Manufacturing Specialist, Global Tile Corp). Customers often underestimate the amount of extra tile needed. We advise adding at least 12% over the calculated area to cover installation errors and future repairs. Additionally, keeping spare tiles from the same production run is essential because tile batches can differ slightly in shade and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much extra floor tile should I buy for my project?
It is recommended to purchase an additional 10% to 15% more tiles than your measured floor area to account for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.

Why is it necessary to buy extra floor tiles?
Extra tiles accommodate cutting around edges, mistakes during installation, and potential damage, ensuring a consistent look and avoiding delays if more tiles are needed later.

Does the type of tile affect how much extra I should buy?
Yes, irregular or patterned tiles may require purchasing closer to 15% extra, while standard-sized tiles with minimal waste might only need around 10% extra.

How do I calculate the exact amount of extra tile needed?
Measure the total square footage of the area, multiply by 1.10 to 1.15 (for 10-15% extra), and round up to the nearest whole box or carton size.

Can I buy less extra tile if I am very careful during installation?
While careful installation reduces waste, it is still advisable to buy extra tiles to cover unforeseen issues and future repairs to maintain consistency.

What should I do if my tile is discontinued after installation?
Having extra tiles from the original batch ensures you can replace damaged tiles with an exact match, avoiding color or pattern discrepancies if the tile is discontinued.
When determining how much extra floor tile to buy, it is essential to account for potential waste, cuts, and future repairs. Industry standards typically recommend purchasing an additional 10% to 15% more tile than the calculated area to accommodate these factors. This buffer ensures that any mistakes during installation, irregular room shapes, or damaged tiles can be managed without delay or additional trips to the supplier.

Additionally, the type of tile and the complexity of the layout influence the amount of extra tile needed. For intricate patterns, diagonal layouts, or rooms with numerous corners and obstacles, increasing the overage to 15% or even 20% is advisable. Conversely, for straightforward installations with large-format tiles and minimal cuts, a smaller overage closer to 10% may suffice.

Purchasing extra tile also provides a practical advantage for future maintenance. Tiles from the same production batch may vary slightly in color or texture, so having spare tiles ensures consistency when replacing damaged or worn sections over time. Therefore, investing in additional tile upfront is both a cost-effective and strategic decision for long-term flooring durability and appearance.

Author Profile

Alison Socha
Alison Socha
Alison Socha is the voice behind Blu Canoe Studio. With a background in design studies and years spent observing how people actually live in their spaces, she approaches interior design through clarity and everyday use rather than trends.

Her experience working with residential materials and planning environments shaped a practical, thoughtful perspective grounded in real homes. Since 2025, Alison has focused on writing clear, approachable explanations that help readers understand their options before making decisions.

Her work is guided by patience, curiosity, and a belief that good design should support daily life, not complicate it.