Practical guide
Roof Tile Types, Sizes and Prices
Compare roof covering specifications, effective coverage and quotes before choosing a quantity or budget.
Updated 16 October 2026
Reviewed by the 99Tools team. Editorial and corrections policy.
Compare the actual covering
Concrete tiles, clay tiles, slate and tile-profile metal sheets are different roof coverings. Their installed coverage, weight, laps, fixings and required support are product-specific. A tile-shaped sheet is not automatically equivalent to an individual concrete tile. Compare a covering that suits the specified roof and exposure before comparing only price.
Overall size and installed coverage
A product’s overall dimensions include portions that may overlap adjoining units. Use the manufacturer’s installed units per m² at the intended headlap and gauge. For a sheet, ask for effective cover rather than nominal sheet area. The same profile name can refer to different products or markets, so record the exact item being purchased.
Double Roman and flat profiles
Double Roman describes a roof tile profile, not one universal pack count or price. Flat profiles such as certain Modern products have their own data. Confirm the selected South African manufacturer specification rather than borrowing a Marley, Monier or Redland figure from another country. Slate also needs its own sizing, lap and fixing information.
How much is one roof tile?
Obtain a current quote for the actual product, finish, colour and location. Compare a price per unit with a pack price only after checking units per pack. For a hypothetical pack of 240 priced at R2,880, the arithmetic equivalent is R12 per unit. This is an example, not a current price list or promise of local stock.
Compare the completed material order
Calculate the full purchasing quantity after waste and pack rounding. Add separate matching accessories, delivery and other quoted materials on a consistent VAT basis. Some components may be supplied individually even when the main field tiles come in pallets. Keep those purchasing units separate rather than treating a pallet of tiles as a complete roof kit.
Colours and the wider roof budget
Check real product samples, finish availability and batch considerations before ordering. Roof paint colours are a separate coating choice and must suit the substrate. Labour, structural work, underlay, battens, fixings and access can substantially change the project scope. The quantity calculator does not choose the best tile for every roof or verify suitability.
Use the related calculators
Apply the explanation above with your own figures. Open a calculator below, check every input and review the result assumptions before making a decision.
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.