Bullnose Tile Calculator
Edges to finish
Bullnose pieces to buy
33 pieces
- Edge to finish
- 15 linear ft
- Pieces before waste
- 30
- Double-bullnose corner pieces
- None
Order bullnose with the field tile so the glaze matches.
Tools the pros use for this job
Ceramic Bullnose Tile
Matching bullnose for a subway backsplash or shower.
Metal Edge Trim
White Caulk Tape Waterproof Self Adhesive, Toilet & Bathtub Sealant Strip, Peel & Stick Caulking Tape for Floor Tile Corner Trim & Shower, Bathroom Accessories, Better Than Silicone Caulk
$9.98
Check price on AmazonThe alternative when your tile has no matching bullnose.
Tile Nippers
Trims the last bullnose piece in a run to length.
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Prices as of Oct 2, 2026, 4:36 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.
Bullnose pieces per 10 linear feet
| Piece | Pieces for 10 ft | With 10% waste |
|---|---|---|
| 3 x 6 in (6 in long) | 20 | 22 |
| 2 x 8 in (8 in long) | 15 | 17 |
| 3 x 12 / 4 x 12 in (12 in long) | 10 | 11 |
| 3 x 24 in (24 in long) | 5 | 6 |
With 1/16 in joints between pieces.
Bullnose tile vs metal edge trim
Bullnose matches the field tile and gives a soft, traditional edge — the classic finish on a subway backsplash. But many porcelain and large-format tiles have no matching bullnose, and a glazed bullnose on a through-body tile can look different from the field. Then a metal or PVC profile is the answer: it sets under the last tile and gives a clean square or rounded edge. The tile edge trim calculator counts 8 ft sticks of trim; the backsplash calculator works out the field tile. For bullnose along the floor, see the tile baseboard calculator.
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
Edges. Total edge = the horizontal runs (in feet × 12) plus each vertical edge × its height. Only exposed edges count: where tile meets a wall, cabinet or countertop, the cut edge is hidden or caulked.
Pieces. Pieces = ceil((edge + joint) ÷ (piece length + joint)), then waste. Bullnose is bought by the piece and often comes from a different production run than the field tile, so order it at the same time and keep a few spares.
Corners. Where two bullnose edges meet at an outside corner — the top corner of a backsplash that ends in the open, for example — use a double-bullnose piece (rounded on two edges) or mitre two pieces. The calculator lists one corner piece per outside corner.
Worked example. A backsplash with 12 ft of top edge and two 18 in exposed ends has 15 ft of edge. In 3 × 6 bullnose with 1/16 in joints that is 30 pieces, 33 with 10% waste.
Frequently asked questions
What is a bullnose tile?
A tile with one finished, rounded and glazed edge (a double bullnose has two). It goes on the exposed edge of a tiled area so no cut edge shows — the top of a backsplash or wainscot, or the outside edge of a shower wall.
How many bullnose tiles do I need?
Add up the exposed edges in inches and divide by the piece length plus the grout joint, then add 10%. 15 ft of edge in 3 × 6 bullnose with 1/16 in joints is 30 pieces, 33 with waste.
Where does bullnose tile go on a backsplash?
On any edge that ends in the open: across the top if the backsplash stops below the cabinets, and down the ends where it stops short of a wall. Edges against a countertop, cabinet or wall don't need it.
What can I use instead of bullnose tile?
A metal or PVC edge profile (such as Schluter's), a mitred tile edge, or a pencil liner or chair rail. Profiles are the usual choice for porcelain that has no matching bullnose.
What is a double bullnose tile used for?
Outside corners where two finished edges meet, like the top corner of a backsplash that ends in the open, or a narrow sill where both long edges show.
Related calculators
- Backsplash Tile CalculatorKitchen backsplash square footage between counter and cabinets.
- Shower Tile CalculatorWalls, floor, curb, and niche for a full shower surround.
- Tile Edge Trim CalculatorSticks of Schluter or 8 ft edge trim for every exposed edge, plus profile height.
- Tile Baseboard CalculatorLinear feet of tile base, pieces to buy, or floor tiles to cut into strips.
Guides worth reading next
- 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.
- Choosing the Right Tile Size for Your RoomHow tile size changes a room: when 12×24 beats 4×4, why small rooms can take large tile, grout line math, and the flatness rule for big formats.
- Sanded vs Unsanded vs Epoxy Grout: Which One Do You Need?Grout types explained by joint width and location: when sand scratches tile, why epoxy wins in showers, and how much of each type a bag actually covers.