Calculate your result
Quick answer
Use net sloping roof area with the selected product’s installed units per m². Add one waste allowance and round up full packs. Overall tile dimensions do not equal effective cover. Count ridges or hips separately using their specified linear coverage, and use current quotes for a material budget rather than an assumed national price.
How it works
Use this Roof Tile Calculator for South Africa to estimate main roof tiles or panels, full packs and a material budget from your quotes. Enter measured sloping area or horizontal plan dimensions with one common pitch. Confirm installed product coverage, pack size and any separate ridge or hip accessory requirements.
Formula
Sloping area = horizontal plan area ÷ cos(pitch). Required units = net sloping m² × installed units/m² × (1 + waste/100), rounded up. Purchase full packs. Accessories = entered linear metres ÷ installed cover metres per accessory, with entered waste and pack rounding.
Assumptions and common mistakes
Check units, input values and the method before relying on an estimate. Review the existing tool notes and official sources below.
Formula
Sloping area = horizontal plan area ÷ cos(pitch). Required units = net sloping m² × installed units/m² × (1 + waste/100), rounded up. Purchase full packs. Accessories = entered linear metres ÷ installed cover metres per accessory, with entered waste and pack rounding.
| Item | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Main field | Net sloping m² × installed units/m² × allowance |
| Full packs | Required units ÷ actual pack count, rounded up |
| Accessories | Linear metres ÷ installed cover metres per unit × allowance |
| Material quote | Purchased field units/packs + accessories + entered allowances |
How to use the Roof Tile Calculator
Choose measured sloping area when it is already known. Otherwise enter horizontal plan dimensions including overhangs and a common pitch in degrees. Never apply pitch correction twice. Deduct only measured openings on the sloping surface. For different pitches or mixed roof products, calculate separate areas and have the supplier reconcile the combined order.
Roof tiles per m² and tile size
Enter installed units per m² from the exact profile specification at the required gauge and lap. Overall length × width does not give installed cover because tiles overlap. Concrete, clay, slate and steel tile-profile panels have different coverage systems. The calculator has no universal product rate and does not choose permitted pitch or batten spacing.
Double Roman, Marley and other product names
A profile or brand name alone does not fix coverage, colour, pack count or pitch requirements. Double Roman and flat profiles can have different specifications; overseas Marley, Monier or Redland product data should not be substituted for a South African item without confirmation. Use the selected supplier’s current product data and exact unit of sale.
Worked roof tile and pallet example
A hypothetical 100 m² sloping roof at 10 units/m² with 10% waste requires 1,100 units. Packs of 240 mean five packs supplying 1,200 units. At an example R12 per purchased unit, the main field material cost is R14,400 before delivery and accessories. These values are arithmetic examples, not a product specification or current price.
Ridge and hip accessories
Enable accessory estimation for one matching ridge or hip product. Enter total linear metres, installed cover length per unit, accessory allowance and pack size. Do not use overall accessory length where overlap reduces cover. Count different fittings separately. This estimate does not include junctions, end caps, verges, valleys, flashings or fixing systems unless separately priced as an entered allowance.
Hip roofs and complex shapes
A hip roof still needs the actual total sloping field area and separate hip/ridge measurements. A plan correction with one pitch is only a geometric area estimate for the entered horizontal roof projection. It does not infer hip lengths, valleys, dormers, variable pitches or every cut from a simple rectangle. Confirm a detailed roof take-off before ordering.
Roof tile price and full roof cost
Choose a main-field quote per tile/panel or per full pack. Enter optional accessory unit price, delivery and other quoted material allowances on the same VAT basis. The calculator adds no extra VAT. These are entered material costs; labour, structure, underlay, battens, fasteners and solar mounting are not automatically included. Use the related Roof Cost Calculator for a broader quoted scope.
Cashbuild roof tile calculator comparisons
99tools is independent. For a Cashbuild or other supplier comparison, match profile, finish, installed coverage, pack count and quote basis. There is no universal roof tile pallet quantity or live national price here. Check local stock, quote dates, pallet charges, breakage and delivery terms.
Paint, sealants, membranes and solar panels
Roof paint, colour coatings, ridge repair, waterproofing, underlay and solar mounting perform different jobs. A coating is not an automatic remedy for broken tiles, failed laps or flashings. Use compatible product instructions and a roof assessment. Solar mounts need a suitable engineered system and weatherproof detailing; this calculator does not select anchors, loads or electrical requirements.
Reviewed by the 99tools team. Editorial and corrections policy.
Related tile tools
Tile planning guides
- How to Calculate Floor and Wall Tiles in m²
- Mosaic Tile Calculator: Sheets and Boxes
- CTM, Cashbuild and Harvey: Which Tile Coverage to Use?
- How to Estimate Roof Tiles in South Africa
- Roof Tile Types, Sizes and Prices
- Roof Tile Paint, Waterproofing and Repairs
- Solar Panel Mounting on Tile Roofs
- Floor Tile Patterns, Boxes and Cost
- Floor Tiles: Preparation, Showers, Paint and Cleaning
- Roof Cost per m² in South Africa: Compare Quotes
- Roof Replacement and Thatch Conversion Costs
Frequently asked questions
How many roof tiles do I need per m²?
Use installed coverage for the exact product and laying conditions. There is no universal rate for concrete, clay, slate and tile-profile steel sheets.
How many roof tiles are in a pallet?
Pack quantities vary by product and supplier. Enter the actual units per pack or pallet from your selected quote.
Can I calculate a hip roof?
Yes, using its measured total sloping field area. Enter hip/ridge accessories separately; the tool does not derive complex roof geometry or hip lengths from one rectangle.
Is this a Cashbuild or Marley roof tile calculator?
No. 99tools is independent. You can enter the exact product coverage, pack count and quote from the chosen supplier or manufacturer.
How much does one roof tile cost?
Use a current quote for the exact profile, finish and location. The calculator estimates purchased material cost from your inputs rather than loading live prices.
Does it calculate paint, waterproofing or solar mounting?
No. Those need their own product coverage, compatible systems and roof assessment. Optional quoted material allowances do not establish installation suitability.
Can I use a UK or Australian product rate?
Only if it is confirmed for the exact product and installation being purchased. This page focuses on South Africa and does not assume overseas rates match local items.
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Helpful guides
How to Estimate Roof Tiles in South Africa
Calculate sloping roof area, apply the selected product coverage and round the main roof quantity to whole packs.
CTM, Cashbuild and Harvey: Which Tile Coverage to Use?
Use product-specific coverage to compare tile quantities from different South African suppliers.
Roof Tile Types, Sizes and Prices
Compare roof covering specifications, effective coverage and quotes before choosing a quantity or budget.