Large-Format Tiles: Calculating Waste
With large formats – anything from 60 × 60 cm up to full slabs – the usual waste logic flips. One edge cut here throws away a huge piece, but you're only setting a handful of tiles in the first place. So the percentage waste actually stays low, around 5–10%. What you add instead is a whole tile or two spare, because at that size and weight one tends to crack when you least want it to.
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How to calculate large formats
- Calculate the requirement as usual (area ÷ tile area).
- Allow 5–10% waste, since there are few large tiles.
- Add 1–2 whole reserve tiles for breakage/repairs.
Formula: Requirement = area ÷ tile area × (1 + waste) + reserve
Example: 20 m², slab 120 × 60 cm (0.72 m²) → 20 ÷ 0.72 × 1.07 = 30 slabs + 1 reserve.
Practical tips
- Large formats need a level substrate and back-buttering.
- Use special tools (rail, suction lifter) for safe cutting and handling.
- Max. one third offset in a bond – otherwise lippage.
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Live calculation as you type, multiple sub-areas, a waste assistant and a visual room designer – fully offline.
Download on the App StoreCommon questions
More or less waste for large format?
Percentage-wise less, but the breakage risk is higher – plan whole reserve tiles.