Backsplash Tile Calculator
For a 10 ft wide x 2 ft tall backsplash (20 sq ft) with a straight layout, add 10% waste for cuts around outlets and corners — about 22 sq ft — which comes out to roughly 2 boxes of tile (at about 12.5 sq ft per box).
Reviewed by The ponderloop teamUpdated 2026-07-11How we calculate
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0 sq ft + 0% waste = 0 sq ft
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How this number is calculated
0 sq ft (no waste added) ÷ 12.5 sq ft per box = 0 boxes
Shopping list
- Subway backsplash tile
- Tile spacers (1/8 inch)
- Manual tile cutter
- Tile mastic adhesive
- Tile grout
- Notched trowel (1/4 inch)
Set room and tile dimensions to see the layout preview.
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Methodology & assumptions
We compute wall area as width × height in feet, subtract any excluded openings you enter, then add your chosen waste percentage (10% straight, 15% brick, 20% herringbone) to cover the extra cuts around outlets, switches, and corners. The result is divided by the box coverage (about 12.5 sq ft for standard 3x6 in. subway tile) and rounded up to the next whole box.
- Typical US retail price range for subway/mosaic backsplash tile, 2026
- Manufacturer box coverage specifications
Worked examples
| Room | Result |
|---|---|
| 10 ft wide x 2 ft tall backsplash, straight layout | 20 sq ft + 10% waste ≈ 22 sq ft → 2 boxes |
| 12 ft wide x 2.5 ft tall backsplash, brick/offset layout | 30 sq ft + 15% waste ≈ 34.5 sq ft → 3 boxes |
| 8 ft wide x 1.5 ft tall backsplash, herringbone layout | 12 sq ft + 20% waste ≈ 14.4 sq ft → 2 boxes |
Frequently asked questions
- What measurements do I enter for a backsplash?
- Enter the backsplash width in the "Room length" field and the backsplash height in the "Room width" field — for example, a 10 ft wide, 2 ft tall backsplash is 10 and 2. The calculator multiplies them to get the wall area in square feet.
- How many tiles do I need for a backsplash?
- Multiply the backsplash width by its height in feet to get the square footage, subtract any large excluded areas like a window, then add 10-20% for waste depending on your layout. Divide by the coverage per box (about 12.5 sq ft for standard subway tile) and round up.
- How much extra tile should I buy for a backsplash?
- Budget 10% extra for a straight/stacked layout, 15% for a brick/offset layout, and 20% for herringbone — backsplashes have a lot of edge cuts around outlets, switches, and cabinets, so waste runs a bit higher than a large floor.
- How many tiles come in a box of backsplash tile?
- It varies by size, but a box of standard 3x6 inch subway tile typically holds around 100 tiles and covers roughly 12.5 sq ft. Always check the coverage printed on the box you are buying, since it can differ by manufacturer.