How many roof tiles do I need?
Enter the roof area and we'll work out the number of tiles and the cost — using around 10 concrete interlocking tiles per m², with the calculation shown. Switch materials for battens and membrane too.
≈10 tiles per m².
| Concrete interlocking roof tile | 630 tiles | £693 |
- 1Roof area: 60 m²
- 2Usage rate: ≈10 tiles per m²
- 3Allowing for waste: 60 × 10 × 1.05 waste = 630 tile
- 4Quantity: 630 tiles @ £1.1 each
- Material cost only — labour is estimated separately in the schedule.
- Indicative trade-counter price; confirm with a current supplier quote.
How to work out roof tile quantities
- 1Measure the roof area
The sloping area of each roof plane (not the footprint). For a two-storey house the roof is often ~50–60% of the internal floor area.
- 2Multiply by tiles per m²
Concrete interlocking tiles are about 10 per m². Smaller tiles and plain tiles need far more per m² — check your specific tile.
- 3Add ~5% for waste and cuts
Allow for cuts at hips, valleys and verges, plus a few spares for future repairs.
- 4Don't forget battens and membrane
You need treated battens and a breathable membrane under the tiles — switch the material to estimate those too.
The 10-tiles-per-square-metre rule holds for the concrete interlocking tiles on most modern UK roofs, but plain tiles and slate are completely different — which is why it pays to check the coverage for your actual tile before ordering a full roof's worth.
Roof tiles per square metre (indicative)
| Tile type | Tiles per m² | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete interlocking | ~10 | Most common, best value |
| Large-format interlocking | ~8–9 | Fewer, larger tiles |
| Plain tiles (double lap) | ~60 | Traditional, many more per m² |
| Natural slate | ~20+ | Varies by size; premium |
Tiles-per-m² depends heavily on the specific tile and headlap. Add ~5% waste. Indicative — confirm with quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How many roof tiles do I need per square metre?+
About 10 for standard concrete interlocking tiles. Plain (double-lap) tiles need around 60 per m², and natural slate 20+ depending on size — always check the coverage for your specific tile.
How do I measure my roof area for tiles?+
Measure the sloping length and width of each roof plane and multiply, then add the planes together. The sloping area is larger than the ground footprint because of the pitch.
How much extra should I order for waste?+
Around 5% for cuts at hips, valleys and verges, plus a handful of spare tiles kept for future repairs — matching a discontinued tile later can be difficult.
Related tools & guides
Want to know how these figures are calculated? See our cost methodology.
Cost figures shown are indicative estimates, not quotations. You are responsible for verifying all costs (obtain contractor quotes) and any figures submitted to a lender. ScopeWise is a documentation tool, not financial, tax, structural or planning advice. HMO compliance prompts are guidance only — confirm requirements with your local council, as standards and licensing vary by authority.