A 3×5 shower (3 feet by 5 feet) is a common size in many U.S. homes and calculating how much tile it needs involves more than multiplying floor area by tile coverage. This guide explains how to measure wall and floor areas, account for waste, choose tile sizes, and estimate materials so a homeowner or contractor can plan accurately. Clear step‑by‑step examples and practical rules of thumb help avoid costly underorders or excessive leftovers.
| Area | Square Feet | Typical Waste | Recommended Tile Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shower Floor | 15 | 10% | 16.5 sq ft → ~17 sq ft |
| Walls (7 ft height) | 112 | 15% | 128.8 sq ft → ~129–130 sq ft |
| Total Installed | 127 | 15% | 146 sq ft (round up) |
Basic Measurement Principles For A 3×5 Shower
Calculating tile for a 3×5 shower requires separate measurements for the shower floor and the surrounding walls. **Measure actual dimensions, not nominal room sizes, and record heights, niches, and openings.**
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For the floor, multiply width by depth: 3.0 ft × 5.0 ft = 15.0 sq ft. For walls, calculate each wall’s width times height and sum the four walls. Typical shower wall height ranges from 72″ to 84″; this guide uses a 7 ft (84″) wall as a common baseline and shows adjustments.
Step‑By‑Step Example Calculation (3×5 With 7 ft Walls)
Using a 3′ × 5′ footprint with a 7′ wall height, compute areas separately. **This produces a clear number to which waste and cuts are added.**
Floor area = 3 ft × 5 ft = 15 sq ft.
Walls area: Front wall 5 ft × 7 ft = 35 sq ft, back wall 5 ft × 7 ft = 35 sq ft, side walls 3 ft × 7 ft = 21 sq ft each. Total wall area = 35 + 35 + 21 + 21 = 112 sq ft.
Total tile area before waste = Floor 15 + Walls 112 = 127 sq ft.
Accounting For Waste, Cuts And Pattern
Waste covers cuts around drains, fixtures, niches, sloped floors, and layout patterns. **Use a waste factor of 10%–20% depending on tile size and pattern complexity.**
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Recommended guide: 10% for small mosaics (less waste but more packing), 15% for standard tile (12″×12″, 3″×6″), 20%+ for large‑format tiles or diagonal patterns that create more cuts. For this 3×5 shower with mixed tile sizes, 15% is a conservative middle ground.
Applying 15%: 127 sq ft × 1.15 = 146.05 sq ft. Round up to the nearest box coverage or whole number. **Order at least 146–150 sq ft to be safe.**
How Tile Size Impacts Quantity
Tile size and format affect how many pieces are needed and how much waste occurs. **Smaller tiles can reduce visible waste because they adapt around corners but require more grout area; larger tiles yield fewer grout lines but more complex cuts.**
- 12″×12″: Coverage 1.0 sq ft each — order ~146 tiles + waste.
- 6″×6″: Coverage 0.25 sq ft each — order ~584 tiles + waste.
- 12″×24″: Coverage 2.0 sq ft each — order ~73 tiles + waste, but expect more cutting loss.
- Mosaic sheets (1″–2″ tiles on 12″×12″ mesh): Coverage per sheet 1.0 sq ft — order ~146 sheets, usually with 10% waste acceptable.
Examples: Boxes To Order For Common Tile Sizes
Box coverage varies by manufacturer; always check box sq ft. Below are approximate box counts using common coverage numbers. **Confirm exact coverage on the tile box before ordering.**
| Tile Size | Square Feet Per Box (Typical) | Boxes Needed (146 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 12″×12″ | 12 sq ft/box | 13 boxes (146 ÷ 12 = 12.2 → 13) |
| 12″×24″ | 15 sq ft/box | 10 boxes (146 ÷ 15 = 9.7 → 10) |
| 3″×6″ (subway) | 10 sq ft/box | 15 boxes (146 ÷ 10 = 14.6 → 15) |
| Mosaic 12″×12″ sheets | 11 sq ft/box | 14 boxes (146 ÷ 11 = 13.3 → 14) |
Tile For The Shower Floor Vs. Walls
The floor usually requires slip‑resistant tile and may use smaller tiles or mosaics to accommodate slope. Walls typically use larger, less textured tiles. **Treat floor and walls separately for material, waste, and grout needs.**
For a 3×5 shower, the floor is 15 sq ft; with 10% waste order about 16.5–17 sq ft of floor tile. Walls are 112 sq ft; with 15% waste order about 128.8 → ~129–130 sq ft. Combining yields the 146 sq ft figure used above.
Accounting For Niches, Benches, Curb, And Door Openings
Niches, built‑in benches, and curb surfaces add square footage and cut complexity. **Always measure these separately and add to total area before applying waste.**
Typical allowances: Shower curb ≈ 8–12 sq ft, bench ≈ 6–10 sq ft depending on size, single niche ≈ 2–4 sq ft. For conservative planning, add around 10–20 sq ft if a bench and curb are present.
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Grout, Thinset, Backer Board, And Other Material Estimates
Tile is only one of many materials. **Estimate grout, thinset, backer board, and waterproofing to avoid project delays.**
- Thinset: One 50 lb bag covers ~50–100 sq ft depending on trowel size; plan 2–3 bags for 146 sq ft with standard 1/4″ trowel.
- Grout: One 10 lb bag covers ~100–200 sq ft depending on joint width; plan 1–2 bags for 146 sq ft of standard grout lines.
- Backer board: Use 3’×5′ or 3’×4′ cement board sheets; walls 112 sq ft ≈ 4–6 sheets plus waste.
- Waterproofing membrane: Liquid or sheet membranes sized to wall area; order according to manufacturer coverage (often 50–100 sq ft per kit).
Practical Tips To Minimize Waste And Cost
Smart layout and ordering reduce waste without risking shortages. **Plan tile layout, mock up patterns with graph paper or software, and keep extra boxes sealed for later repairs.**
- Buy from the same dye lot; tile from different lots can vary in shade.
- Open one box and tile a small test area to check color and calibration before installation.
- Order at least one additional box beyond calculated needs for future repairs or replacements.
- Consider mixing tile sizes: a mosaic floor with larger wall tile can reduce cuts and provide traction.
Labor Time And Cost Considerations
Labor affects overall cost and can influence tile choice. **Large tiles may reduce installation time but require more skill and leveling tools, while small tiles take longer but are easier to slope.**
Typical labor estimates for a 3×5 shower tiling (demolition, waterproofing, tile, grout): 1.5–3 days for a skilled installer, depending on complexity. Expect tile installation labor rates to vary widely by region; obtain multiple bids.
Common Mistakes And How To Avoid Them
Common errors include underordering, ignoring waste for diagonal layouts, and not factoring niches/curbs. **Measure twice, add waste, and keep product datasheets handy.**
Also avoid switching tile mid‑project; stock remaining tile for at least a year in case replacements are needed. For custom or natural stone, order 20% extra due to higher breakage and variability.
Quick Checklist Before Ordering Tile
Before finalizing an order, verify these items. **A quick checklist prevents costly returns and delays.**
- Accurate measurements: floor, each wall, niches, benches, curb.
- Chosen tile size, finish, and anti‑slip rating for floors.
- Manufacturer coverage per box and tile lot numbers.
- Waste percentage based on pattern and cuts.
- Extra material for hidden cuts, repairs, and future maintenance.
Sample Calculation Recap For A Typical 3×5 Shower
This recap shows the simple math used to reach the recommended order. **It’s a model that can be adjusted for different wall heights and features.**
Floor: 3 × 5 = 15 sq ft; add 10% → 16.5 sq ft. Walls: perimeter 16 ft × 7 ft height = 112 sq ft; add 15% → 128.8 sq ft. Total recommended tile ≈ 146.05 sq ft; round up and match box coverage → order ~146–150 sq ft.
When To Consult A Professional
Complex shower features like curbless thresholds, intricate mosaics, or waterproofing over existing tile warrant professional help. **A contractor ensures proper slope, membrane installation, and code compliance.**
For first‑time DIYers, consider hiring a pro for waterproofing and permit‑sensitive work; many tilers will also provide accurate material takeoffs to reduce waste and risk.
Resources And Tools For Accurate Measurements
Use reliable tools to ensure accurate takeoffs. **Laser measure, durable tape, graph paper, and digital layout apps all help reduce human error.**
- Laser distance measurer for quick perimeter and height measurements.
- Tile calculator websites that allow input of tile size, pattern, and waste percentage.
- Manufacturer datasheets for box coverage and recommended adhesives.
Final Purchasing Tips
Order tiles from reputable suppliers, keep receipts, and verify return policies. **If possible, buy extra boxes from the same lot and store them in a dry place labeled with project info.**
For large projects, ask suppliers about lead times; some tiles are special order and can take weeks. Confirm delivery logistics to avoid jobsite delays.