Tiling a full bathroom floor? Use our general-purpose calculator.
Use our Tile Calculator →Adding a backsplash too?
Use our Backsplash Tile Calculator →Shower Tiling Tools & Supplies
Tile Wet Saw with 7" Diamond Blade
Waterproofing Membrane Sheet (108 sq ft roll)
Modified Thinset Mortar 50 lb Bag
Tools worth having for this job. We don’t currently earn commission on these — they’re suggestions, not sponsored links.
Building the shower pan first? Estimate your mortar bed.
Deck Mud Calculator →Standard Shower Dimensions
Knowing common shower sizes helps you estimate materials before measuring. Here are the most typical configurations.
Bathtub/Shower Combo
The standard tub/shower combination is 60" wide × 32" deep (5 ft × 2.67 ft). This is the most common shower found in American homes and is built around a standard 5-foot bathtub. Most builders tile three walls from the tub rim to the ceiling.
Walk-In Shower Sizes
| Size | Dimensions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum | 36" × 36" (3' × 3') | Code minimum; tight but functional |
| Standard | 48" × 36" (4' × 3') | Most popular walk-in size |
| Large | 60" × 36" (5' × 3') | Comfortable; room for bench |
| Wheelchair Accessible | 60" × 36" (min) | ADA requires 36" clear entry |
Tile Height
Modern practice is to tile shower walls floor to ceiling, typically 84-96 inches. The previous standard of 72 inches (6 ft) is now considered the minimum. Full-height tile provides better water protection and a cleaner, more modern appearance.
On this page
How to Measure a Shower for Tile
Measure each wall separately, multiply by the height you are tiling to, and add them up. For a standard alcove that is the back wall plus two side walls: width × height, then twice depth × height. Add the floor and ceiling only if you are tiling them.
Step by step
- Width and depth. Measure the finished opening at the base, wall face to wall face — not the rough framing, and not the tub or pan lip.
- Pick your tile height. 72 in is the common minimum, 84 in is typical, and full-height to the ceiling is standard for anything with a rain head or steam.
- Back wall, then sides. The back wall is width × height. The two side walls are each depth × height, so double one of them.
- Floor and ceiling. Both are width × depth. The floor almost always gets tiled; the ceiling is optional outside a steam shower.
- Add the extras. A niche adds its back, sides, top and bottom; a bench adds its top and front face; a curb adds three narrow faces.
- Add waste last, on the total — 10% for a straight set, 15% standard, 20% for a diagonal or herringbone layout with many cuts.
Do not subtract the door opening. On an alcove the open side is not tiled anyway, so it was never in the measurement. On a walk-in with a glass panel, the wall behind the panel still gets tiled. The only thing worth deducting is a full-height window, and even then only if it is larger than about 6 sq ft.
Worked example: a 60 × 32 in shower to 84 in
- Back wall: 5 ft × 7 ft = 35 sq ft
- Side walls: 2 × 2.67 ft × 7 ft = 37.3 sq ft
- Walls together: 72.3 sq ft
- Floor: 5 ft × 2.67 ft = 13.3 sq ft
- At 15% waste, order about 84 sq ft of wall tile and 16 sq ft of floor tile.
Shower Tile Square Footage by Size
Wall and floor areas for common shower sizes, all tiled to 84 in. These are the figures the calculator above returns; use it for any size or tile height not listed here.
| Shower size (in) | Back wall | Side walls (×2) | Walls total | Floor | Walls + floor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 × 32 | 18.7 | 37.3 | 56 | 7.1 | 63.1 |
| 36 × 36 | 21 | 42 | 63 | 9 | 72 |
| 42 × 36 | 24.5 | 42 | 66.5 | 10.5 | 77 |
| 48 × 36 | 28 | 42 | 70 | 12 | 82 |
| 60 × 30 | 35 | 35 | 70 | 12.5 | 82.5 |
| 60 × 32 | 35 | 37.3 | 72.3 | 13.3 | 85.7 |
| 60 × 36 | 35 | 42 | 77 | 15 | 92 |
| 72 × 42 | 42 | 49 | 91 | 21 | 112 |
All areas in square feet, tiled to 84 in, before waste, and assuming all three walls are tiled. A corner unit with two glass sides tiles only two walls. Tiling to 72 in instead removes about 14% of the wall area; going full height to a 96 in ceiling adds about 14%.
Tub surrounds
A tub surround is the same three-wall shape, but you tile from the top of the tub deck rather than the floor, so the height is what changes. A 60 × 32 in tub tiled 60 in above the deck works out at 5 × 5 = 25 sq ft for the back wall and 2 × 2.67 × 5 = 26.7 sq ft for the two ends — 51.7 sq ft in total, against 72.3 sq ft for the same footprint tiled to 84 in off the floor. Enter the tiled height, not the ceiling height, and leave the floor unchecked.
Best Tile for Showers
Choosing the right tile for each part of your shower is critical for both appearance and long-term performance.
Shower Walls
- 12×24 large format — The most popular choice for modern showers. Fewer grout lines mean less maintenance and a sleek, spa-like look. Requires a very flat substrate.
- 3×6 subway tile — The classic option that works in any style. Affordable, easy to install, and widely available. Looks great in running bond or herringbone patterns.
- 4×12 or 4×16 large subway — A modern twist on the classic subway tile with fewer grout lines and a more contemporary feel.
Shower Floor
- 2×2 mosaic on mesh — The standard choice for shower floors. Small tiles conform to the slope toward the drain without cracking. Available in porcelain, marble, and glass.
- 1×1 mosaic — Even better for drain slope conformity. Provides more texture underfoot for slip resistance.
- Penny round tile — A stylish alternative that also conforms well to the drain slope.
Shower Ceiling
If you are tiling the ceiling, use the same tile as your walls for a seamless look. This is highly recommended for steam showers to prevent moisture damage. For standard showers, moisture-resistant paint is an acceptable alternative.
Material Tips
- Always use porcelain, not ceramic — Porcelain has a water absorption rate below 0.5%, making it far better for wet areas than standard ceramic tile.
- Use epoxy grout in showers — Epoxy grout is waterproof, stain-proof, and does not require sealing. It costs more than cement grout but lasts much longer in wet environments.
- Choose matte or textured finishes for the floor — Glossy tile is dangerously slippery when wet. Look for a coefficient of friction (COF) rating of 0.42 or higher for shower floors.
Shower Tile Cost Guide
Understanding the full cost of a shower tile project helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Materials
| Item | Cost per sq ft | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Porcelain tile | $5 - $15 | Varies by style and brand |
| Thinset mortar | $0.50 - $1 | Use modified thinset for showers |
| Epoxy grout | $1 - $2 | Waterproof; no sealing needed |
| Backer board / waterproofing | $1 - $2 | Cement board or sheet membrane |
| Total materials | $7 - $20 |
Professional Installation
Professional tile installation for showers typically runs $10-25 per square foot for labor, depending on your market, tile size, and layout complexity. Custom patterns like herringbone or mosaics cost more than standard running bond.
Typical Shower Costs
- 3-wall surround (50-70 sq ft): $350 - $1,400 in materials; $850 - $3,150 installed
- Full shower with floor (65-85 sq ft): $455 - $1,700 in materials; $1,100 - $3,825 installed
- Full shower + ceiling (80-100 sq ft): $560 - $2,000 in materials; $1,360 - $4,500 installed
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square feet of tile do I need for a standard shower?
A standard 3-wall tub/shower surround (60" × 32", tiled to 84" high) requires approximately 50-70 square feet of wall tile. Add another 13-15 sq ft if you are tiling the floor, and 13-15 sq ft more for the ceiling. The exact amount depends on your shower dimensions and how high you tile.
Should I tile the shower ceiling?
It is highly recommended for steam showers to prevent moisture from penetrating the ceiling and causing mold or structural damage. For standard showers, it is optional but increasingly popular for a polished, finished look. If you do not tile the ceiling, use a high-quality moisture-resistant paint rated for bathroom use.
What size tile should I use for the shower floor?
Use 2×2 inch mosaic tile or smaller. Shower floors slope toward a center drain (typically 1/4" per foot), and small tiles conform to this slope without cracking or creating lippage. Large-format tiles cannot follow the slope and will pool water. Most mosaic shower floor tiles come pre-mounted on mesh sheets for easy installation.
Do I need different tile for the shower floor vs. the walls?
Yes, in most cases. Walls can use any size tile, but the floor requires small-format tile (2×2 or smaller) to conform to the drain slope. Additionally, floor tile should have a textured or matte finish for slip resistance (COF of 0.42+), while wall tile can be smooth or glossy. You can use the same material and color family to maintain a cohesive look while using different sizes.
How do I measure a shower for tile?
Measure the finished width and depth at the base, then decide how high you are tiling. The back wall is width × height, the two side walls are each depth × height, and the floor is width × depth. A 60 × 32 in shower tiled to 84 in comes to 35 sq ft on the back wall, 37.3 sq ft across both sides, and 13.3 sq ft on the floor.
How many square feet of tile do I need for a 60 × 32 shower?
About 72.3 sq ft of wall tile tiled to 84 in, plus 13.3 sq ft if you are tiling the floor. Add your waste factor on top — at 15% that is roughly 84 sq ft of wall tile to order.
How many square feet is a small 36 × 36 corner shower?
63 sq ft of wall tile to 84 in with all three walls tiled, plus 9 sq ft of floor. If yours is a true corner unit with two glass sides and only two tiled walls, it is 42 sq ft instead — untick the side walls and enter the two tiled faces separately.
Do I subtract the shower door opening from the tile area?
No. On an alcove the open side is not tiled, so it was never counted. On a walk-in, the wall behind the glass panel still gets tiled. Only a window is worth deducting, and only if it is larger than about 6 sq ft.
How much tile do I need for a tub surround?
A tub surround is the same three walls, measured from the top of the tub deck rather than the floor. A 60 × 32 in tub tiled 60 in above the deck works out at 25 sq ft on the back wall and 26.7 sq ft across the two ends, so about 51.7 sq ft in total. Leave the floor unchecked in the calculator.
How high should I tile a shower?
72 in is the practical minimum, 84 in is the most common, and full height to the ceiling suits a rain head or a steam shower. Dropping from 84 in to 72 in cuts the wall area by about 14% — on a 60 × 32 in shower that is 72.3 sq ft down to 62 sq ft.
How do I measure a shower niche for tile?
A niche adds five small faces: the back, the two sides, the top and the bottom (or the sill). A 14 × 20 in niche 3-1/2 in deep adds roughly 3.5 sq ft once every face is counted. It is small, but niches are usually tiled in a contrasting material bought separately, so measure it on its own.
How much extra tile should I buy for a shower?
Add 10% for a straight stacked or running-bond layout, 15% for most jobs, and 20% for a diagonal or herringbone pattern where nearly every edge tile is cut. Buy it all in one order: tile is made in dye lots and a later box may not match.
What size tile should I use on a shower floor?
Small tile, usually 2 × 2 in mosaic or smaller. A shower floor slopes to the drain in two directions at once, and only small tile can follow that slope without lipping. Large-format tile belongs on the walls, where the substrate is flat.
Should I tile the shower ceiling?
For a steam shower, yes — it is required to contain the vapor. For a standard shower it is optional; most are painted with a moisture-resistant paint instead. If you do tile it, the ceiling is the same area as the floor: width × depth.
Sources & Standards
- Tile Council of North America — Tile substrate, mortar bed, and installation standards
Estimates for planning only. Quantities are calculated from standard coverage and yield figures and include a waste allowance. Always confirm against the manufacturer figures on the product you buy, and check local requirements before ordering. See our full method and assumptions.