construction
27 May 2025
Written By Semen Merah Putih

How to Calculate Home Roof Tile Needs, Precise and Easy!

Calculate Home Roof Tile Needs

Planning the construction of a house roof needs to be done carefully, including how to calculate the tile needs. This is because the slightest mistake in the calculation can have a big impact on the efficiency of the construction, ranging from wasteful costs, time, and materials.

Therefore, it is important to calculate the need for roof tiles per meter accuracy so that the construction process runs smoothly and stays within budget. To make it easier, let’s refer to the complete guide on how to calculate the need for roof tiles based on the type and building material for the roof of the house below!

How to Calculate Roof Tile Needs for Homes

Each type of roof tile has a different size, so the calculation must be done as carefully as possible so that there are no errors. Here is how to calculate tile needs that you should understand:

1. Measuring the Roof Area

Before knowing how many roof tiles are needed for 1 m2, the first step you need to take is to calculate the roof area of the house as a whole. The basic formula for calculating the roof area is:

Roof area = Roof Length x Roof Width

For example, the length of your house’s roof is 15 meters, and the width is 7 meters. Therefore, the roof is:

Roof area = 15 m x 7 m = 105 m2

However, if the shape of your house’s roof is sloping or triangular, then the formula used to calculate the area is:

Triangular Roof Area = ½ x Base x Height

2. How to Calculate Ceramic Tile

Many people choose roof tiles made from ceramic because of their high durability, and the surface is not easy to seep. Generally, ceramic tiles are sold around 25–30 pieces per square meter, depending on the model and size. As for how to calculate the need for ceramic tiles, you can follow the roof area formula above.

For example, if the length and width of the roof of your house are 8 x 9 m, then the total area of one side of the roof is 72 m2. Since the roof generally has two sides, the total area becomes 144 m2. Then, multiply the total roof area by the roof tile requirement per square meter, for example, 25 pieces/m2.

144 m2 x 25 pieces = 3,600 pieces of roof tiles.

For the record, you should expand the size of the roof foundation by about 1 m to anticipate the roof tiles breaking during installation.

3. How to Calculate UPVC Roof Tile

UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) tile is a type of plastic-based roof that does not contain additional softeners, so that it is resistant to extreme weather and suitable for long-term usage. Generally, UPVC roof tiles are sold in sheet form, so the way to calculate the need for these tiles is slightly different from other tiles.

For example, if the roof of your house is 6 x 10 m, then the total roof area is 60 m2. Meanwhile, the standard size of UPVC roof tile sheet is 130 m x 96 cm, or about 1.2–1.5 m per sheet. So, the number of tiles you need is:

60 m2 ÷ 1.5 m2 = 40 sheets of roof tiles.

To be safer, it’s a good idea to provide spare tiles around 5–10 sheets, or according to your budget, to anticipate any damage.

Read also: This is How to Accurately Calculate Building Area

4. How to Calculate Karang Pilang Roof Tile

Karang Pilang roof tiles are made of clay, which is known to be strong, dense, and has a high durable. To ensure the right amount of tile is needed, you can follow how to calculate tile needs below. 

First, measure the length and width of the building foundation. For example, your house is 13 m long and 10 m wide, with a roof slope of about 35° (or equivalent to 0.819). As a precaution, add 1 m to the length and width so that the total becomes 14 m x 11 m. After that, you can use the following formula:

Roof Area = (Legth x Width) ÷ Roof Slope

14 m x 11 m ÷ 0.819 = ± 188 m2

Karang pilang roof tiles are generally sold at around 13.5–14 times per square meter. So, the number of roof tiles you will need is:

188 m2 x 14 = ± 2,632 tiles.

5. How to Calculate Jatiwangi Roof Tile

Jatiwangi roof tile is one type of roof tile that has long been used in Indonesia, even since the Dutch colonial period. How to calculate the needs of Jatiwangi roof tiles is also not much different from other types.

Please note, usually, Jatiwangi roof tiles are sold at a minimum of 35 pieces per square meter. For example, if the roof area of your house reaches 140 m2, then:

140 m2 x 35 = 4,900 pieces of roof tiles.

6. How to Calculate Pyramid Roof Tile

Apart from being based on materials, how to calculate tile needs can also be adjusted to the roof model of the house, one of which is a pyramid roof.

For example, your house has a roof size of 10 x 9 m with a slope angle of about 35° or 0.819. Then, the calculation steps are:

  1. Calculate the roof area: 10 m x 9 m ÷ 0.819 = 109.9 m2.
  2. Estimate the area for the jurai (dudur piece), which generally takes up about 7–8% of the roof area. For example: 8% x 109.8 m2.
  3. Total roof area after adding the jurai: 109.8 m2 + 8.79 m2 = 118.59 m2
  4. Multiply the total area by the number of roof tiles per square meter. If one square meter requires 25 tiles, then: 118.59 m2 x 25 = 2,964.75 = 2,965 tiles.

7. Calculate Tile Backup

After calculating the tile needs, you need to calculate the backups to anticipate damage during installation. Ideally, this backup is needed as much as 5–10% of the total need. For example, you need 2,000 pieces of roof tiles. So, how to calculate the tiles needed for the backup is:

Tile backup = 105 2,00 = 200 pieces of tile

So, the total roof tiles you need to make the roof of your house, including the backups, is 2,000 = 200 = 2,200 roof tiles.

Read also: How to Calculate Ceramic Needs & Tips for the Right Choice

Tips for Choosing the Most Suitable Tile for Your Home

Not only understanding how to calculate the correct roof tile needs, but there are also other things you need to consider when choosing roof tiles for your home. Here are some tips for choosing roof tiles that you should pay close attention to:

1. Adjust to the Shape of the Roof

The shape of your roof will affect the number of roof tiles you need. If the roof of your house has a complex design, such as a stacked roof, has many corners, or is pyramid-shaped, then the area of each part needs to be calculated separately. After that, add up all the calculation results to get the total roof area.

Not only that, the more angles or slopes on the roof, the more likely the roof tiles will be wasted due to the cutting process. So, prepare a larger amount of spare roof tiles to anticipate the shortage.

2. Check the Weight of the Roof Tile to Be Used

Make sure your roof frame is strong enough to support the weight of the roof tile you choose. For example, concrete roof tiles are heavier than ceramic or metal roof tiles.

3. Consider Climate or Weather Conditions

Choose a type of tile that can withstand extreme weather conditions in your area. For example, metal tiles are more suitable for areas that are often hit by strong winds, while ceramic tiles are more ideal for use in areas with hot temperatures.

4. Choose a Matching Color and Display

You must also be careful in choosing the color and appearance of the roof tile because this will affect the aesthetics of your home. So, choose a tile that is in line with the design concept of your home, and make sure the color of the tile is harmonious with the overall appearance of the building.

5. Consult the Expert

If you are still unsure about the choice that you have made, you should consult a trusted roofer or building expert. This is because they can provide more precise recommendations regarding the type of roof tile that is suitable, as well as knowing how to calculate accurate roof tile requirements based on their experience.

By understanding how to calculate the right roof tile needs, you can ensure that the roof construction process runs smoothly until the end. However, keep in mind, besides choosing the right roof tiles, the foundation and roof structure also play an important role in the strength and durability of the building.

So, to get optimal construction results, make sure you choose Semen Merah Putih Watershield from the beginning of the construction. This premium multipurpose cement offers triple protection, providing protection against seepage from outside, inside, and from the soil, and making buildings stronger, more durable, and requiring less maintenance than ordinary cement.

With these advantages, Semen Merah Putih Watershield is the ideal choice for a variety of construction needs, including foundations and roof structures. Want to know more about this product or other solutions from Semen Merah Putih? Contact us for more information and find the best product for your project.

Read also: How Much Sand Requirements for Cast Per M3? Here’s The Answer!

Share
X

Related Articles