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Kitchen Backsplash Tile Calculator
Type your backsplash size and tile size, and get the exact number of tiles to buy, with the waste allowance built in, so you never run short mid job or pay for boxes you do not need.
How Many Backsplash Tiles Do You Need?
Measure the wall, pick your tile, and get your tile count in seconds.
CABINETS
BACKSPLASH TILE
COUNTER
Standard pickExact count plus 10 percent for cuts and breaks
Safe pickExact count plus 15 percent, best for herringbone and diagonal layouts
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How It Works
Step 1: Measure the wallMeasure the full length of your backsplash in feet and its height in inches. The standard height between a counter and wall cabinets is 18 inches.
Step 2: Pick your tile sizeChoose the tile you plan to use, from a classic 3 x 6 subway tile to a big 12 x 24 format.
Step 3: Buy the right countUse the tile count with the waste allowance built in, and keep the spare tiles for future repairs.
Formula Used in This Calculator
This calculator uses the same math tilers use on site:
Backsplash area (sq ft) = Length (ft) x Height (in) / 12 Tile area (sq in) = Tile length (in) x Tile width (in) Tiles needed = Backsplash area (sq in) / Tile area (sq in) Tiles to buy = Tiles needed x 1.10 (10 percent waste added) The waste allowance covers cuts at the edges, breakage during the job, and a few spare tiles for later repairs.Related Tools
Tile Size Chart (Quick Guide)
| Tile size | Tiles per sq ft | Tiles for 15 sq ft | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 x 6 in subway | 8 | 120 | Classic kitchen backsplash |
| 2 x 8 in | 9 | 135 | Modern stacked layouts |
| 4 x 4 in | 9 | 135 | Small kitchens, retro look |
| 6 x 6 in | 4 | 60 | Farmhouse and rustic kitchens |
| 12 x 12 in | 1 | 15 | Fast installs, clean look |
| 12 x 24 in | 0.5 | 8 | Big modern kitchens |
3 Backsplash Rules That Save Every Kitchen Job
- Order all tile at once: dye lots vary from batch to batch, so one order keeps the colour even across the whole wall.
- Add more waste for patterns: straight layouts need 10 percent extra, herringbone and diagonal layouts need 15 percent.
- Keep your spares: store the leftover tiles flat in a dry spot, a cracked tile years later is a five minute fix with a spare on hand.
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Kitchen Backsplash Tile Calculator FAQs
What is the standard height of a kitchen backsplash?The standard height is 18 inches, the usual gap between the countertop and the bottom of the wall cabinets. A full height backsplash runs from the counter all the way to the ceiling.
How many 3 x 6 subway tiles do I need per square foot?One 3 x 6 tile covers 18 square inches, so you need 8 tiles per square foot. A 15 sq ft backsplash takes 120 subway tiles before the waste allowance.
How much extra tile should I buy?Add 10 percent for a straight layout and 15 percent for herringbone or diagonal work. The extra covers cuts, breakage, and spare tiles for repairs.
Should I subtract the area behind the stove?No, the wall behind a range is usually tiled too. Subtract only true openings like windows, and type that area in the openings box above.
What Our Readers Say
★★★★★
My count came out at 132 subway tiles and the tiler used 129. No second trip to the store, no leftover boxes either.
Nadia S., Chicago
★★★★★
The herringbone warning saved my job. The 15 percent count covered every angled cut with two tiles to spare.
Brian K., Austin
★★★★★
First time tiling and the chart made tile sizes make sense. Went with 4 x 4 and the count was spot on.
Lucia M., Tampa
★★★★★
Typed in my window opening and the count dropped by the right amount. Simple and exact.
Omar F., Brooklyn
★★★★★
Our kitchen is 12 ft long and this gave me the full shopping list in ten seconds, grout plan included in my notes.
Hannah W., Seattle
★★★★★
Kept the spare tiles like it said. One cracked last month and the fix took minutes with the exact same tile.
Priya R., Houston
Still Not Sure? Ask Us
Send us your wall size and a photo of your kitchen, and we will help you work out your tile count for free.
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