Shower Tile Calculator
Estimate the amount of tile and the total material cost for your shower renovation project.
You Will Need Approximately
0 sq ft
(Includes 10% for waste/cuts)
Estimated Tile Cost: $0
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Why Use a Shower Tile Calculator?
Tiling a shower is a detailed project where precision matters. Our calculator helps you avoid common pitfalls like under-ordering tiles and facing delays, or over-ordering and wasting money. By getting a quick and accurate estimate of your required square footage and material costs, you can budget effectively, shop with confidence, and ensure your bathroom renovation goes smoothly from start to finish.
How Our Calculator Works
Measure Your Walls
Enter the width of the three walls of your shower alcove and the total height you plan to tile.
Enter Your Tile Cost
Input the price per square foot of your chosen tile to estimate material expenses.
Get Your Instant Estimate
The calculator provides the total square footage needed (including waste) and your total estimated tile cost.
Project Pointers
Tips for Your Tiling Project
Always Add Overage
Our calculator includes a 10% waste factor for cuts and mistakes. For complex patterns, you may need 15-20%.
Waterproofing is Crucial
Before tiling, ensure your shower walls are properly waterproofed with a membrane or liquid-applied barrier.
Plan Your Layout
Do a "dry run" by laying out tiles on the floor to plan your cuts and avoid small, awkward pieces in visible areas.
Measure Twice, Cut Once
Accuracy is key in tiling. Double-check all your measurements before making a single cut with a wet saw or tile cutter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best type of tile for a shower?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the most popular choices. They are durable, water-resistant, and available in countless styles. Glass and natural stone are beautiful but may require more maintenance.
How much extra tile should I buy?
A standard rule of thumb is to buy 10-15% extra tile to account for cuts, mistakes, and any future repairs. Our calculator automatically adds a 10% overage to the total.
Does this calculator include the shower floor?
This calculator focuses on the walls of a standard three-wall alcove shower. You should calculate the floor area (length x width) separately, as it often uses a different, smaller tile for better grip and slope.
What if my shower has a window or a niche?
For a precise measurement, calculate the area of the window or niche (length x width) and subtract it from the total wall area. However, for most standard sizes, the 10% waste factor will likely cover this difference.
Is smaller or larger tile better for a shower?
This is a matter of preference. Large-format tiles create a modern look with fewer grout lines to clean. Smaller tiles can be better for shower floors as more grout lines provide better slip resistance.
What is the most difficult part of tiling a shower?
Properly waterproofing the shower walls before you begin is the most critical and often the most challenging step. Tiling around fixtures like faucets and showerheads also requires precise, difficult cuts.
Do I need to seal my tile and grout?
Most ceramic and porcelain tiles do not need sealing. However, all cement-based grout should be sealed after it cures to protect it from stains and moisture. Natural stone tiles must always be sealed.
What Our Users Are Saying
"This calculator was dead-on. I plugged in my shower dimensions and the square footage it gave me (with the 10% overage) was exactly what my contractor recommended."
- Mark Anderson
"Super helpful for getting a quick budget together for our bathroom renovation. The cost estimate helped us narrow down our tile choices at the store."
- Laura Chen
"Simple, fast, and accurate. I'm a DIYer, and this tool gave me the confidence to order the right amount of tile without worrying about waste."
- Brian Mitchell
"A great starting point. Just remember it doesn't include costs for thin-set, grout, or backer board, so you need to budget for those separately."
- Sophie Dubois
"The cost estimate was surprisingly close to our final material expenses. A very trustworthy tool for anyone planning a tile project."
- David Thompson
"I love how easy this is to use. I was able to get estimates for three different tile options in under a minute. Super efficient."
- Chloe Evans
"Saved me from a huge headache. I almost ordered 20 sq ft too little before using this calculator. It paid for itself in one use!"
- Ryan Patel
"It's a good tool, but it would be even better if it helped calculate the area for a niche or a bench seat."
- Megan Gonzalez
"Very handy for comparing material costs. The user interface is clean and the calculations are instant. Well done."
- Kevin Wright
"This is the simplest and most accurate shower tile calculator I've found online. The 10% waste calculation is a thoughtful touch."
- Olivia Scott
"I used this to estimate tile for our guest bath. It worked perfectly. A must-have for any bathroom renovation project."
- Jordan Phillips
"Good for a basic calculation. Just be aware that very large format tiles might require a bit more overage than the 10%."
- Lily Baker
Have Feedback or a Question?
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