1. What is the Tile Calculator?

The B&Q Tile Calculator helps you determine how many tiles you need for your project, accounting for the area to be covered, tile size, and waste factor for cuts and breakage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( area \) — Total area to be tiled (square meters)
• \( tile\_size \) — Area of one tile (square meters)
• \( waste \) — Waste factor as decimal (e.g. 0.1 for 10%)

Explanation: The calculation divides total area by tile size, then adds a percentage for waste (cuts, breakage, future repairs).

3. Importance of Accurate Tile Calculation

Details: Proper tile calculation ensures you purchase enough tiles for your project while minimizing excess. Buying too few can delay your project, while buying too many wastes money.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Measure your area carefully in square meters
• Check the actual size of the tiles you plan to buy
• Typical waste factors: 10% for simple layouts, 15-20% for complex patterns
• Always round up to whole tiles

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure irregularly shaped areas?
A: Break the area into rectangles, calculate each separately, then sum the areas.

Q2: Should I buy extra tiles?
A: Yes, always buy 10-15% extra to account for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.

Q3: How do I account for tile spacing/grout lines?
A: The calculator uses tile size including spacing. Use the actual coverage size of each tile.

Q4: What if my tiles are measured in centimeters?
A: Convert to meters first (e.g. 60cm × 60cm tile = 0.6m × 0.6m = 0.36m²).

Q5: How does pattern affect tile quantity?
A: Complex patterns (diagonal, herringbone) require more waste - use 15-20% waste factor.