Shower Tile Calculator
Tile for the three walls and floor of an alcove shower, in different tile sizes for walls and floor, plus grout, thinset and waterproofing membrane.
Wall area = (back wall width + 2 × side wall depth) × tile height ÷ 144 (all in inches). A 60 × 32 in shower tiled 96 in high has about 83 sq ft of wall and 13.3 sq ft of floor: about 716 subway tiles (3 × 6 in) with 15% extra.
Tile area for common shower sizes (96 in high)
| Shower | Wall sq ft | Floor sq ft | 3 × 6 subway (+15%) | 12 × 24 (+15%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 36 × 36 in | 72 | 9.0 | 623 | 41 |
| 48 × 36 in | 80 | 12.0 | 693 | 46 |
| 60 × 32 in | 83 | 13.3 | 716 | 47 |
| 60 × 36 in | 88 | 15.0 | 762 | 50 |
| 72 × 36 in | 96 | 18.0 | 831 | 55 |
Shower tile tips
- Waterproof first: a sheet or liquid membrane over cement board or foam board, including the curb and niche.
- Floor tiles of 2 × 2 in mosaic follow the slope to the drain; large floor tiles need a linear drain.
- Order 15% extra for showers: niches, valve cut-outs and the curb eat tile.
Frequently asked questions
How much tile do I need for a shower?
Add the back wall width and twice the side wall depth, multiply by the tile height, and divide by 144 for square feet. For a 60 × 32 in shower tiled to 96 in, that is about 83 sq ft of wall plus 13.3 sq ft of floor. Order 15% extra.
How high should shower tile go?
At least 6 in above the shower head, and many people tile to the ceiling (often 96 in) for a cleaner look and easier cleaning.
How many subway tiles for a shower?
A 3 × 6 in subway tile with ⅛ in joints covers about 0.13 sq ft, so roughly 7.5 tiles per sq ft. An 83 sq ft shower surround takes about 716 with 15% extra.
What size tile is best for a shower floor?
Small tiles such as 2 × 2 in mosaics bend to the slope toward a center drain and give better grip. Large-format tile on a shower floor needs a linear drain and a single-plane slope.
Do I need to waterproof before tiling a shower?
Yes. Grout and tile are not waterproof. Use a waterproofing membrane over the backer board on walls, floor, curb and niche, and follow the system's instructions for seams and corners.
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Areas are calculated in inches for an alcove (three-wall) shower. Tile counts use the same method as the tile calculator with 15% waste; thinset by trowel size and grout by joint volume. Membrane adds 10% for overlaps. Follow your waterproofing system's instructions.