About the Shower Tile Calculator
Tiling a shower is one of the most common bathroom renovation projects. This calculator is designed specifically for three-wall shower enclosures, computing the total tile area for two side walls and one back wall, minus the door opening area calculated from your custom door width and height inputs (default 28" x 72" = ~14 sqft). The 15% default waste factor accounts for the many cuts required around plumbing fixtures, niches, and corners.
Shower tile projects typically require more waste than floor tiling due to the complexity of cuts around showerheads, valves, niches, and corners. Smaller tiles like mosaics may need less waste but require more grout and labor time. Larger format tiles create a more seamless look but generate more waste from cuts, especially in compact shower stalls.
For waterproofing, ensure your substrate is properly prepared with a waterproof membrane before tiling. Common choices include sheet membranes like Kerdi or liquid-applied membranes. The tile and grout themselves are not waterproof, so proper substrate preparation is essential to prevent moisture damage behind the tile surface.
Note: This calculator estimates wall tile only. Don't forget to calculate floor tile separately — the shower floor is the most critical surface to waterproof (use a pre-formed shower pan or liquid membrane with reinforcing fabric).