Backsplash Tile Calculator
Backsplash measurements
For reference — outlets add cuts, so they are not deducted.
Tile to buy
27.6 sq ft
- Main backsplash area
- 21 sq ft
- Extra behind range
- 3 sq ft
- Net area
- 24 sq ft
- Tiles needed
- 221 tiles
- Waste applied
- 15%
Add trim or pencil liner separately — it is sold by the linear foot.
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Backsplash square footage by counter run
| Counter run | 18" height | 24" height | To ceiling (36") |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 linear ft | 12 sq ft | 16 sq ft | 24 sq ft |
| 10 linear ft | 15 sq ft | 20 sq ft | 30 sq ft |
| 12 linear ft | 18 sq ft | 24 sq ft | 36 sq ft |
| 14 linear ft | 21 sq ft | 28 sq ft | 42 sq ft |
| 16 linear ft | 24 sq ft | 32 sq ft | 48 sq ft |
| 20 linear ft | 30 sq ft | 40 sq ft | 60 sq ft |
Add 15% waste, plus the taller section behind the range if you are running tile to the hood.
Tiles per square foot by backsplash tile
| Tile | Tiles per sq ft | Typical coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3x6 subway | 8 | 88 tiles per box (11 sq ft) | Cheapest, most forgiving |
| 4x12 subway | 3 | 30 tiles per box (10 sq ft) | Fewer grout lines, modern look |
| 2x4 mini brick | 18 | Sold by sheet | Busy but hides uneven walls |
| 4x4 ceramic | 9 | 90 tiles per box (10 sq ft) | Traditional, easy cuts |
| 12x12 mosaic sheet | 1 sheet | 11 sheets per box | Fastest install by far |
| 6x6 ceramic | 4 | 40 tiles per box (10 sq ft) | Good for a diagonal layout |
Counts exclude waste. Mosaic sheets are sold by the sheet, not the tile.
Tools the pros use for this job
Manual Tile Cutter
VEVOR Manual Tile Cutter, 24 inch, Porcelain Ceramic Tile Cutter with Tungsten Carbide Cutting Wheel, Infrared Positioning, Anti-Skid Feet, Durable Rails for professional installers or beginners
$61.99
Check price on AmazonFast, dust-free straight cuts — ideal for subway and ceramic backsplash tile.
Mosaic Sheets
Mesh-backed sheets cover a backsplash in an afternoon.
Premixed Adhesive
Non-sag mastic is far easier than mortar on a vertical dry-area wall.
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Prices as of Oct 10, 2026, 6:33 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Do this math on the job site — in the free app
Smart Tile Calculator for Android: offline, in your pocket, free.
How this calculator works
Measure the total length of countertop that has a wall behind it — including the short returns at the ends — then multiply by your backsplash height in feet (18 in = 1.5 ft).
Behind the range, most people run tile to the hood or all the way to the ceiling. That taller section is calculated separately above.
Do not subtract outlets or switches. Each one creates four cut edges, which is why a backsplash uses 15% waste rather than 10%.
Tile size changes the job more than the price. Mesh-backed mosaic sheets cover a backsplash in an afternoon and hide an out-of-level counter, but every sheet edge has to be trimmed tooth-by-tooth to avoid a visible seam. Classic 3x6 subway tile is the cheapest and most forgiving, at roughly 8 tiles per square foot. Large-format slabs mean almost no grout to clean but every outlet becomes a difficult cut.
Start your layout at the most visible point — usually the centre of the range wall or the sink — and work outward so the cut tiles land in the corners. Dry-lay the first row before mixing any adhesive. The spacer size guide covers grout joint width for each tile type, and the grout calculator sizes the bag once your square footage is set. Ready to set it? Our guide on how to tile a backsplash walks through the layout and the cuts around outlets.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a kitchen backsplash be?
18 inches is standard between counter and upper cabinets. Behind a range, run it to the hood or to the ceiling for a full feature wall.
How much does a backsplash cost to install?
Typically $25–$50 per square foot installed for ceramic or subway tile, and more for glass or intricate mosaic work. A typical 30 sq ft kitchen backsplash lands around $900–$1,500 installed.
Can I tile a backsplash over drywall?
Yes. Clean, prime, and remove any loose paint. Backer board is only needed in wet areas like showers, not behind a kitchen counter.
How many square feet is a typical kitchen backsplash?
A standard kitchen with 14 linear feet of counter and an 18 inch backsplash is about 21 sq ft, or roughly 30 sq ft once you add a full-height section behind the range.
Should I use mastic or thinset for a backsplash?
Premixed mastic is fine for a dry kitchen wall and is far easier to work vertically because it grabs immediately. Use thinset for glass, natural stone, or any tile over 8 inches, and always in a wet area.
Related calculators
- Tile Quantity CalculatorHow many tiles you need for any room, wall, or floor — with waste.
- Tile Area CalculatorSquare footage for multiple rooms and shapes, minus openings.
- Grout CalculatorPounds of grout by tile size, joint width, and thickness.
- Peel and Stick Tile CalculatorPieces and packs of self-adhesive tile for backsplashes and floors.
- Tile Edge Trim CalculatorSticks of Schluter or 8 ft edge trim for every exposed edge, plus profile height.
- Backsplash Installation Cost CalculatorInstalled backsplash cost by tile and pattern, with tear-out and outlets.
- Tile Cost EstimatorTotal project cost: tile, grout, mortar, trim, and labor.
- Bullnose Tile CalculatorBullnose pieces for backsplash, shower and wainscot edges, plus corner pieces.
Guides worth reading next
- How to Tile a Kitchen Backsplash (Beginner-Friendly)Start your backsplash on a level line off the counter, not the counter itself. Full beginner workflow: layout, outlets, mastic vs thinset, and grouting.
- Peel-and-Stick Tile: An Honest Look at Where It WorksRental kitchens, quick refreshes and RVs: where adhesive tile genuinely holds up, where it fails in a year, and how it compares to real thinset tile.
- How to Measure a Room for Tile (Step by Step)Measure any room for floor or wall tile: handle closets and alcoves, convert inches to decimals, subtract fixtures, and add the right waste percentage.