A project calls for 2,400 square feet of 12-inch × 12-inch ceramic floor tile. Assuming 8% waste factor, how many tiles should be ordered?
Correct Answer
C) 2,592 tiles
2,400 sf of 12"×12" tile equals 2,400 tiles. Adding 8% waste: 2,400 × 1.08 = 2,592 tiles needed.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
When calculating tile quantities, you must first determine the base number of tiles needed (2,400 sf ÷ 1 sf per tile = 2,400 tiles), then add the waste factor. The 8% waste factor accounts for cuts, breakage, and future repairs. Multiplying 2,400 tiles by 1.08 (which represents 100% + 8% waste) gives 2,592 tiles total.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 2,800 tiles
This answer fails to include the required 8% waste factor, providing only the base quantity needed without accounting for cuts, breakage, or future repairs.
Option B: 2,400 tiles
This represents 33.3% waste (3,200 ÷ 2,400 = 1.333), which is significantly higher than the specified 8% and would be an expensive overorder.
Memory Technique
Remember 'WASTE = MULTIPLY BY MORE THAN 1' - if you see a decimal less than 1 (like 0.08), you forgot to add it to 1.00 first.
Reference Hint
Look up material estimating and waste factors in Chapter 9 (Estimating) or material quantity calculations section of your contractor reference manual.
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