Accurate tile estimating prevents delays and extra cost. This guide explains how to measure, calculate, and order the right number of square feet of tile for a shower, covering walls, floors, benches, niches, and waste allowances in clear steps.
| Area | Quick Formula | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shower Floor | Length × Width | Subtract drain area; add mosaic sheet layout waste |
| Each Wall | Width × Height | Measure each wall separately; include openings |
| Bench | Seat Length × Seat Depth | Include vertical face area if tiled |
| Niche | Width × Height | Measure inside perimeter; add small waste |
Why Accurate Tile Square Footage Matters
Buying the correct square footage avoids shortages and reduces waste. Underestimating leads to mismatched dye lots and project delays, while overbuying ties up budget and space. Accurate calculations streamline budgeting, scheduling, and installation quality.
Key Factors That Affect Tile Quantity
Tile quantity depends on shower dimensions, tile size, layout, and complexity. Additional factors include curb and niche areas, tile pattern (diagonal or herringbone), grout joint size, and cutting complexity, all of which increase waste percentage.
Essential Measurements To Take
Measure length, width, and height for each surface separately. Capture the floor plan: shower width and depth, wall heights at multiple points, curb dimensions, bench size, and niche interior dimensions. Record openings like doors and thresholds to ensure accurate subtraction or addition.
Step-By-Step Calculation Method
Calculate each surface area independently, then sum and add waste. Use consistent units (feet and inches converted to decimal feet). Multiply width by height for each wall, length by width for the floor, then add fixtures and details.
Convert Inches To Decimal Feet
Divide inches by 12 to convert to decimal feet. For example, 36 inches = 3.0 ft; 18 inches = 1.5 ft. Keep two decimal places to maintain accuracy.
Sample Calculation Workflow
Measure, convert, multiply, and add. Example: A 3 ft × 3 ft shower floor = 9 sq ft. A 3 ft wide back wall × 8 ft height = 24 sq ft. Add other walls and features before allocating waste.
How To Account For Waste
Waste allowances vary by tile type and layout complexity.Typical guidance: 10% waste for straight-set tiles, 15% for diagonal or complex patterns, and 20%+ for small mosaics or heavy cutting. Increase the waste percentage for multi-directional patterns or mixed tile sizes.
Calculating For Common Shower Sizes (Examples)
Use examples to visualize real-world needs.Below are typical showers with step calculations that include 10% waste for wall tiles and 15% for mosaic floor sheets unless otherwise noted.
3 Ft × 3 Ft (Square) Shower Example
Small shower requiring minimal tile.Walls: Three walls of 3 ft width × 7 ft height = 63 sq ft (assuming one side is open) or four walls if alcove. Floor: 3 ft × 3 ft = 9 sq ft. Total before waste = 72 sq ft. With 10% waste = 79.2 sq ft → order ~80 sq ft.
5 Ft × 3 Ft (Standard Alcove) Shower Example
Common alcove shower calculations.Back wall: 5 ft × 8 ft = 40 sq ft. Two side walls: 3 ft × 8 ft × 2 = 48 sq ft. Floor: 5 ft × 3 ft = 15 sq ft. Total before waste = 103 sq ft. Add 10% waste = 113.3 sq ft → order ~115 sq ft.
6 Ft × 3 Ft (Large Alcove) Shower Example
Larger footprints increase materials quickly.Back wall: 6 ft × 8 ft = 48 sq ft. Two sides: 3 ft × 8 ft × 2 = 48 sq ft. Floor: 6 × 3 = 18 sq ft. Total 114 sq ft. With 12% waste (diagonal pattern) = 127.7 sq ft → order ~128–130 sq ft.
Adding Benches, Niches, And Curb Areas
Include every tiled surface when totaling square footage.For a bench: measure the seat top area and add the face height × width if tiled. For niches: measure the interior face area. For curbs: measure top plus two sides if tiled.
Bench Example Calculation
A 24″ wide bench seat 15″ deep tiled on top and front.Seat: 2 ft × 1.25 ft = 2.5 sq ft. Front face: 2 ft × 0.5 ft = 1.0 sq ft. Total bench tile = 3.5 sq ft. Add small waste (5–10%).
Niche Example Calculation
Interior niche 20″ wide × 12″ high tiled inside.Convert to feet: 1.67 ft × 1.0 ft = 1.67 sq ft. For niche shelf and sides, measure each plane and sum. Add 5–10% waste for small cuts.
Tile Size And Its Effect On Waste And Layout
Larger tiles generally produce less waste but require flatter surfaces.Subway tiles and small mosaics need more cutting and grout joints, increasing waste. Diagonal layouts dramatically increase offcuts and waste percentage.
How To Estimate For Mosaic Sheets
Mosaic tiles often come on 12×12 or 6×6 sheets; calculate sheet coverage.For example, a 12″×12″ sheet covers 1 sq ft. For a 9 sq ft floor with 15% waste, order 10.35 sheets → round up to 11 sheets.
Accounting For Grout Width And Lippage
Grout joint size slightly affects number of tiles across a run.When measuring runs, include grout joint in spacing to avoid shortfalls. For example, a 12″ tile with a 1/8″ joint placed across a 36″ wall will require three tiles but account for the joint width across runs.
How To Handle Multiple Tile Types Or Accent Bands
Separate calculations for each tile type ensure accuracy.Measure the area for primary tile and then calculate accent bands, trim, and borders individually. Add waste percentages specific to each material and then combine totals when ordering.
Ordering Tips To Avoid Shortages
Always order from the same production lot for visible surfaces.Buy an extra 5–10% for future repairs, plus the calculated waste. If tile is discontinued or special-order, purchase 10–20% extra and tag the lot number for records.
When To Consult A Professional
Complex curves, multi-slope pans, or custom patterns benefit from a pro estimator.Tile setters can provide precise layout plans and optimized cuts to reduce waste and ensure correct waterproofing layers beneath the tile.
Practical Checklist Before Ordering Tile
- Confirm exact measurements for each surface and convert to square feet.
- Decide on tile layout and pattern to set waste percentage.
- Include benches, niches, curbs, and thresholds in total area.
- Account for grout joints and mosaic sheet sizes.
- Request product lot numbers and order extra stock for repairs.
Example Full Calculation: 5×3 Shower With Bench And Niche
Walkthrough of a realistic project to tie everything together.Walls: Back 5×8=40 sq ft; Sides 3×8×2=48 sq ft; Total walls=88 sq ft. Floor: 5×3=15 sq ft. Bench top 2×1.25=2.5 sq ft; bench face 2×0.5=1 sq ft. Niche internal 1.5×1.0=1.5 sq ft. Sum = 108 sq ft. Add 12% average waste = 120.96 sq ft → order ~121–125 sq ft rounded.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Failing to measure each wall separately is a frequent error.Other mistakes include ignoring grout joint spacing, not accounting for niches/benches, underestimating waste for intricate patterns, and buying tiles from multiple lots without matching lot numbers.
Where To Buy And What To Ask
Buy from reputable tile suppliers and verify return and breakage policies.Ask for the tile’s PEI rating for floors, frost resistance if applicable, rectified or non-rectified edge info, and available lot numbers. Request samples prior to final ordering.
Final Tips For Homeowners And DIYers
Double-check math and order slightly more than the calculated need.Keep extra tiles in a labeled, dry place for future repairs. Photograph and save product information and lot numbers for warranty or replacement requests.
Resources And Tools To Simplify Estimating
Use online tile calculators, spreadsheet templates, or smartphone apps.Professional tile contractors may have CAD layouts and takeoff software that optimizes tile placement and minimizes waste for a fee.
Keyword Note: This article focuses on “How Many Square Feet Of Tile For A Shower” and provides practical measuring steps, examples, and ordering guidance aligned with that search intent.