Backsplash Calculator — How Much Tile for the Kitchen?
Enter your wall runs and backsplash height to get net tile area, tile count and boxes. No sign-up, no data stored.
Backsplash tile plan
How a backsplash is estimated
- Gross area = wall length × height (in feet). A 10-ft run at 18 in = 10 × 1.5 = 15 sq ft.
- Subtract openings — windows, doors and the space behind a range hood (estimate each in sq ft).
- Tile count = net sq ft ÷ tile size (each 3×6 subway tile is 0.125 sq ft).
- Boxes = with-waste sq ft ÷ coverage per box, rounded up. Backsplashes cut around outlets and corners — use 10–15% waste, more for a herringbone pattern.
Most kitchens have 2–4 wall runs (behind the range, sink wall, and small returns). Measure each run separately; corners and staggered cabinet heights change the numbers.
Wall run → backsplash area reference
Gross sq ft for common runs at 18-in height (net = minus openings).
| Wall run | @ 18 in high | @ 24 in high |
|---|---|---|
| 4 ft | 6 sq ft | 8 sq ft |
| 6 ft | 9 sq ft | 12 sq ft |
| 8 ft | 12 sq ft | 16 sq ft |
| 10 ft | 15 sq ft | 20 sq ft |
| 12 ft | 18 sq ft | 24 sq ft |
Last updated: October 2026 · Estimates assume straight runs at a uniform height. Staggered cabinet bottoms and full-height range splashes add area — measure each segment.
Backsplash FAQ
Each tile is 0.125 sq ft (18 sq in), so 100 sq ft takes 800 tiles. A typical 15-sq-ft backsplash takes about 120–130 tiles with waste.
Many kitchens go full height behind the range as a focal point. It adds 3–8 sq ft and reads intentional — but keep the rest of the splash at cabinet height for contrast.
Yes — subtract about 0.2–0.3 sq ft per outlet (they get cut around, not covered). Four outlets save you about a square foot of tile.
18 in above the counter is standard; go to the cabinet bottom (often 18–24 in) for a seamless look. Full-height behind the range is the common accent.
Yes — herringbone and diagonal layouts waste 20–25%, not 10–15%. Buy a full extra box for those patterns.
Related calculators & guides
How Much Backsplash Tile Do I Need?
Wall runs, openings and waste for subway, mosaic and herringbone.
Read the guide →