How do I measure a kitchen backsplash?

Measure the width and height of each wall section between the counter and the wall cabinets (usually 18 in). Behind the range, measure up to the hood. Note windows and outlets.

How much extra tile should I buy?

Because this calculator counts real cuts, 5–10% extra covers breakage and future repairs for straight and offset patterns. For herringbone or diagonal layouts, buy 15% or more.

How many 3x6 subway tiles are in a square foot?

Eight tiles cover 1 sq ft before grout. With 1/8 in grout joints, slightly fewer are needed, about 7.7 per sq ft.

How much grout do I need for a backsplash?

For 3 × 6 subway with 1/8 in joints, about 0.2 lb per sq ft, so a typical 25–30 sq ft backsplash needs one 10 lb bag. Smaller tiles and wider joints need more.

Should I use mastic or thinset?

Premixed adhesive (mastic) is fine for small ceramic tile on dry walls. Use thinset for natural stone, glass, large-format tile, or behind sinks where water is likely.

Free tool

Backsplash tile calculator

Add each wall section with its windows and outlets, pick your tile, grout joint, and pattern. The calculator lays out every tile course by course, so you see exactly how many full and cut tiles you need, plus grout, adhesive, trim, and cost.

NameWidthinHeightinOutletsExposed edgesNeed trim

Windows & openings

From leftinFrom counterinWidthinHeightin

Sink wall: tile layout preview

67 full · 36 cut

Full tile Cut tile Window

Tile sizePatternGrout jointExtra for breakage%Coverage per boxsq ftTile price$/sq ftInstall labor$/sq ftTypically $12–$25 I'll install it myself

Tiles to order

174

103 full + 55 cut laid, plus 10% for breakage

Tiled area: 18.1 sq ft
Boxes: 3
Grout: 3.7 lb
Edge trim: 1.5 ft

Estimated cost

Tile: $261
Grout, adhesive, trim & supplies: $115
Installation: $350
Total: $726

Shopping list

174 tiles (3 × 6 in) ≈ 21.8 sq ft = 3 boxes
1 × 10 lb bag of grout (1/8 in joints)
1 gal premixed tile adhesive (or thinset for large or heavy tile)
1 × 8 ft edge trim (1.5 ft of exposed edge)
Spacers, sealer (for natural stone, cement, or zellige), sponge, and caulk for the counter joint

Why this calculator is more accurate

Most tile calculators divide your wall area by the tile size and add a flat 10–15%. This one lays out each course of tile (including grout joints and the offset of your pattern), skips tiles inside windows, and counts the cut pieces at ends, edges, and around openings. Herringbone is estimated by area because its cuts depend heavily on how it's set out.

Tips for a better backsplash

Start the layout from the center of the main wall or window so cuts at both ends are equal.
Order all tile from one batch (same lot number) to avoid shade differences.
Leave a small gap at the counter and fill it with color-matched caulk, not grout.
Seal grout, and seal the tile itself if it's natural stone, cement, or unglazed zellige.

Want to see it first? Try a new backsplash on a photo of your kitchen, or read 9 backsplash ideas with costs.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure a kitchen backsplash?: Measure the width and height of each wall section between the counter and the wall cabinets (usually 18 in). Behind the range, measure up to the hood. Note windows and outlets.
How much extra tile should I buy?: Because this calculator counts real cuts, 5–10% extra covers breakage and future repairs for straight and offset patterns. For herringbone or diagonal layouts, buy 15% or more.
How many 3x6 subway tiles are in a square foot?: Eight tiles cover 1 sq ft before grout. With 1/8 in grout joints, slightly fewer are needed, about 7.7 per sq ft.
How much grout do I need for a backsplash?: For 3 × 6 subway with 1/8 in joints, about 0.2 lb per sq ft, so a typical 25–30 sq ft backsplash needs one 10 lb bag. Smaller tiles and wider joints need more.
Should I use mastic or thinset?: Premixed adhesive (mastic) is fine for small ceramic tile on dry walls. Use thinset for natural stone, glass, large-format tile, or behind sinks where water is likely.

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