Backsplash Calculator
Calculate kitchen backsplash tile quantities including subway, mosaic, and specialty tiles. Includes thinset, grout, and material estimates.
How to Use This Calculator
Calculate your kitchen backsplash tile needs accurately with these steps:
- Measure the total linear inches of your backsplash area (all sections that will be tiled)
- Select the height - standard is 18 inches from counter to upper cabinets
- Enter window dimensions if applicable to subtract from tile area
- Check the range hood box if you have one to subtract that area
- Choose your tile size to calculate tiles and boxes needed
Why This Matters
Backsplash calculations need precision because the small area magnifies waste from cuts around outlets, corners, and edges. Running short mid-project risks getting a different dye lot of tile. Since backsplash tile is highly visible, any color variation is noticeable.
- Calculate exact tile quantities with proper waste factor
- Know how many boxes to order from the same lot
- Plan outlet cutouts and corner treatments
- Budget accurately with cost estimates
Worked Examples
L-Shaped Kitchen Backsplash
120 inches total length, 18 inch height, no window
Calculation: 120 × 18 = 2160 sq in = 15 sq ft, using 3×6 subway tile: 15 ÷ 0.125 = 120 tiles
Result: 138 tiles (with 15% waste) = 2 boxes of 80
Backsplash with Window
96 inch backsplash with 24×24 inch window, 18 inch height
Calculation: Gross: 12 sq ft - Window: 4 sq ft = 8 sq ft net area
Result: 28 tiles of 4×12 (with 15% waste)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not planning outlet placement before starting layout
- Forgetting to tile the sides of window openings
- Starting tile layout from a corner instead of centering
- Using grout instead of caulk where backsplash meets counter
- Forgetting to turn off power when cutting around outlets