How Many Stick-On Tiles Do You Need? A Simple Coverage Guide

Measure your area in square metres, add 10-15% for cuts and off-cuts, then round up to the nearest full pack. That's the formula behind every coverage quote STA gives out — and it's the single most common question customers ask before ordering.

How do you calculate how many tiles you need?

Measure the height and width of the area in metres and multiply them to get your square metreage. For an irregular space — a splashback with a window, a wall with multiple sections — measure and total each section separately rather than estimating the overall shape. Once you have a total m², check the coverage per pack or carton for the specific range you're ordering, since this varies by product.

Why order extra beyond the exact measurement?

Cuts around corners, power points, edges and fittings create off-cuts that can't be reused elsewhere, and a couple of spare tiles cover future repairs or installation mistakes without a second order and a second shipping cost. Ordering roughly 10-15% over your exact measurement is standard practice — for a 4m² splashback, that generally means rounding up to the next full pack rather than ordering the bare minimum.

Does coverage per pack differ between ranges?

Yes, and it's worth checking before you order rather than after. Vinyl and Composite wall tiles are sold individually or in packs of 10. Flexible Wood Roll Panels cover 2.88m² per roll (2.4m x 1.2m). Fluted & Batten Wall Panels are 120cm x 60cm, and each carton of 2 panels covers 1.44m². Always check the specific product page for exact coverage before calculating your order.

What if you run short mid-project?

Order from the same batch or as close to your original order date as possible, since dye lots can vary slightly between production runs. This is another reason the 10-15% buffer is worth the small extra cost upfront — it avoids a subtle colour mismatch from a later top-up order.

What if your space has an unusual shape?

Break it into simple rectangular sections, measure each one, and total the square metreage before applying the same 10-15% buffer. For anything genuinely complex — multiple wall heights, angled sections, a mix of tile and panel product — get in touch with your measurements and STA can confirm the exact order for you before you buy.

Not sure which range or finish suits your space yet? Start with a sample kit to confirm the look before calculating a full order, or browse the full tile range.