Subway Tile Calculator — How Many 3x6 Tiles for a Backsplash?
Enter your backsplash area and pattern to get the number of 3x6 subway tiles and boxes, with pattern-aware waste built in. No sign-up, no data stored.
Subway tiles needed
How subway tile count is estimated
- Backsplash area (sq ft) = length x height.
- Tile density = 8 tiles per sq ft for a 3x6 tile (18 sq in each).
- Pattern waste = 5% stacked, 12% running bond, 20% herringbone.
- Tiles = area x 8 x (1 + waste / 100).
- Boxes = ceil(tiles ÷ (box sq ft x 8)).
The 8-tiles-per-square-foot density is fixed geometry: 144 sq in ÷ 18 sq in = 8. Grout lines change that by under 1%, so pattern choice - not grout width - is what moves your total.
Backsplash size → subway tile reference
3x6 tile, running bond (12% waste), 10-sq-ft boxes.
| Backsplash | Area | Tiles | Boxes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft x 2 ft | 12 sq ft | 108 | 2 |
| 10 ft x 3 ft | 30 sq ft | 269 | 4 |
| 12 ft x 3 ft | 36 sq ft | 323 | 5 |
| 16 ft x 3 ft | 48 sq ft | 430 | 6 |
| 20 ft x 4 ft | 80 sq ft | 717 | 9 |
Last updated: October 2026 · Counts assume a 3x6 field tile. Larger formats (4x12, 4x16) have different densities - use the tile calculator for those.
Subway tile FAQ
A 3x6 tile is 18 sq in, which is exactly 8 tiles per square foot. Our calculator starts from that fixed density and adjusts only the pattern waste.
Herringbone wastes the most - about 20% more tile than a straight stack because of diagonal cuts at the edges and ends. A running bond (offset) runs about 10-15%, and a straight stack about 5-10%.
Subway tile usually ships in boxes covering 10 sq ft, sometimes with a few extra loose tiles. Order in boxes and keep one box unopened for future repairs - dye lots differ between production runs.
Almost nothing - a 1/16-in vs 1/8-in grout line changes tile count by under 1%. It changes how much grout you need, not how many tiles. Use 1/16 or 1/8 for the classic subway look.
Yes - plan separate trim for exposed edges (bullnose, pencil or metal edging). Our calculator counts field tile only; add linear footage for trim separately, about 5-10% of the perimeter in most kitchens.
Related calculators & guides
How Many Subway Tiles for a Kitchen Backsplash?
3x6 density, pattern waste and trim planning for the classic look.
Read the guide →How Much Backsplash Tile Do I Need?
Wall runs, outlets and waste for full backsplashes.
Read the guide →