How Much Tile Do I Need for a Kitchen Backsplash?
A backsplash is a small area with many cuts, so the count is worth getting right. A 10 ft backsplash 18 in high is 15 ft² and takes 125 tiles of 3 × 6 in subway tile with 1/8 in joints and 10% extra, which is 13 boxes of 10, with 2.3 lb of grout. In 12 in mosaic sheets it is 17 sheets. The backsplash tile calculator does it for your counter.
Part of the project planner: Planning new floors and tile.
Tiles by length of counter
18 in high, 3 × 6 in tile, 1/8 in joints, 10% extra, no openings:
| Length | Area | Tiles | Boxes of 10 | Grout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 ft | 9.0 ft² | 75 | 8 | 1.4 lb |
| 8 ft | 12.0 ft² | 100 | 10 | 1.9 lb |
| 10 ft | 15.0 ft² | 125 | 13 | 2.3 lb |
| 12 ft | 18.0 ft² | 149 | 15 | 2.8 lb |
| 15 ft | 22.5 ft² | 187 | 19 | 3.5 lb |
| 20 ft | 30.0 ft² | 249 | 25 | 4.7 lb |
Tiles by backsplash height
For a 10 ft run:
| Height | Area | Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| 4 in | 3.3 ft² | 28 |
| 6 in | 5.0 ft² | 42 |
| 12 in | 10.0 ft² | 83 |
| 18 in | 15.0 ft² | 125 |
| 24 in | 20.0 ft² | 166 |
Tiles by tile size
For the 10 ft, 18 in backsplash:
| Tile | Tiles to buy | Grout |
|---|---|---|
| 3 × 6 in subway | 125 | 2.3 lb |
| 4 × 4 in | 140 | 2.3 lb |
| 4 × 8 in | 71 | 1.8 lb |
| 4 × 12 in | 48 | 1.6 lb |
Tiling around the kitchen
- Measure the height from the counter to the underside of the wall cabinets, and again at both ends: counters and cabinets are seldom level.
- Switch off the power at the breaker and fit box extenders so each outlet sits flush with the tile.
- Start from a level line above the counter, not from the counter itself, so that a sloping counter does not tilt the rows.
- Use caulk, not grout, at the counter and at inside corners.
- Keep a box of the same lot for a repair near the stove.
See the tile calculator for a floor or wall and the caulk calculator for the joints. The counts here are for straight layouts and typical tile sizes: check the box.
Frequently asked questions
How many tiles do I need for a backsplash?
Multiply the length of the counter by the height, take off openings, and divide by the area of one tile with its joint. A 10 ft run, 18 in high, is 15 ft², which is 125 subway tiles with 10% extra.
How high is a backsplash?
A short one is about 4 inches. A full one runs up to the wall cabinets, often 18 inches above the counter, and higher behind the range.
How much do I take off for a window?
Subtract its area: a 6 ft² window takes the 10 ft backsplash from 125 tiles to 75.
How much grout do I need for a backsplash?
About 2.3 lb for the 10 ft backsplash in 3 × 6 in tile with 1/8 in joints, so a small bag or tub.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and follow local building codes for anything structural.
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