Enter the length and height of your backsplash and the tile size to see how many square feet, tiles and boxes to buy.
How to use the backsplash calculator
- Add up every run of countertop that gets tile and enter the total length.
- Enter the height. The gap between a standard countertop and the wall cabinets is 18 in.
- If the tile runs higher behind the range or sink, enter that extra piece as its own width and height: only the part above the main band.
- Subtract a window if it interrupts the tile. Do not subtract outlets; the offcuts are too small to reuse.
- Enter the tile size and an allowance for cuts.
Formulas
Area (ft²) = length (ft) × height (ft) + extra section − openings To buy = area × (1 + extra % ÷ 100) Tiles = area to buy ÷ (tile width × tile height ÷ 144), rounded up Boxes = tiles ÷ tiles per box, rounded up
For mosaic sheets, enter the sheet size as the tile size (usually about 12 × 12 in) and the result is the number of sheets.
Worked example: 12 ft of counter with a range section
- Main band: 12 ft × 18 in = 12 × 1.5 = 18 ft².
- Behind the range: 30 in wide × 12 in taller = 2.5 ft².
- Area: 18 + 2.5 = 20.5 ft².
- Add 10% for cuts: 20.5 × 1.10 = 22.6 ft².
- 3 × 6 in subway tile is 0.125 ft² each: 22.55 ÷ 0.125 = 180.4, so buy 181 tiles.
Questions
How many square feet is a typical kitchen backsplash?
Most kitchens need 20 to 40 ft². Every 10 ft of counter at the standard 18 in height is 15 ft².
How much extra backsplash tile should I buy?
10% covers a plain running bond. Allow 15% for herringbone, diagonal layouts or a wall with many outlets and corners, because more of each tile is lost to cuts.
Should I subtract outlets and switches?
No. An outlet removes only a few square inches and the cut pieces around it cannot be reused, so leaving them in gives a more realistic order.