How do I measure a kitchen backsplash?

Measure the total length of your counter runs in feet and the height from the countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets (usually about 18 inches, or 1.5 ft). Multiply length by height, then subtract any window or appliance gaps you won't tile.

What is the standard backsplash height?

The most common kitchen backsplash height is 18 inches, the typical gap between the countertop and the upper cabinets. Backsplashes behind a range or open wall may run taller, sometimes to the ceiling.

How many subway tiles do I need for a backsplash?

A 3x6 inch subway tile covers 0.125 square feet. A 22.5 square foot backsplash needs about 180 base tiles, plus 10% waste for roughly 198 tiles. Divide by the tiles per box and round up.

How much waste should I add for a backsplash?

Use about 10% for a straight or stacked layout and 15% for herringbone or diagonal patterns, which are common on backsplashes and create more angled cuts.

How to Calculate Backsplash Tile (Kitchen & Bath)

Quick answer:Multiply the length of your counter runs by the backsplash height (usually about 18 in, or 1.5 ft), subtract windows and appliance gaps, divide by one tile’s square footage, and add 10% waste (15% for herringbone or diagonal). A 22.5 sq ft backsplash in 3×6 subway tile needs about 198 tiles, or 5 boxes of 48.

A backsplash is one of the easiest tile projects to estimate because it’s a shallow band along the wall. Here’s how to measure it, pick a tile, and handle sheet-mounted mosaics — or use the tile calculator for an instant count.

How to measure a kitchen backsplash

Measure the total length of your counter runs in feet.
Measure the height from countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets.
Subtract appliance gaps, such as behind a slide-in range.
Subtract the window above the sink if you aren’t tiling there.

Main run: 14 ft × 1.5 ft = 21 sq ft
Return wall: 4 ft × 1.5 ft = 6 sq ft
Less window: 3 ft × 1.5 ft = −4.5 sq ft
Net backsplash area: 22.5 sq ft

Choosing a backsplash tile

3×6 subway — classic, 0.125 sq ft each
4×4 square — traditional, 0.111 sq ft each
4×12 elongated subway — modern, 0.333 sq ft each
Penny / herringbone mosaic — sold by the square-foot sheet

Worked example: 22.5 sq ft, 3×6 subway

3×6 subway = 0.125 sq ft each
Base tiles: 22.5 ÷ 0.125 = 180
+ 10% waste (18 tiles): 198 tiles
Boxes of 48: 198 ÷ 48 = 4.125 → 5 boxes

Sheet-mounted mosaics and peel-and-stick

Many backsplash tiles come on 12×12 in or 12×24 in sheets. Calculate these by square footage instead of by individual tile — the same way you’d handle a shower floor mosaic.

22.5 sq ft + 10% waste = 24.75 → round up to 25 sq ft
Sheets (12×12, 1 sq ft each): 25 sheets

Tips for buying backsplash tile

Add 10% waste for straight layouts, 15% for herringbone or diagonal.
Order all tile from the same dye lot.
Keep a few spares — backsplashes do get chipped over time.
Confirm the store’s return policy before buying extra boxes.

Frequently asked questions

How do I measure a kitchen backsplash?: Measure the total length of your counter runs in feet and the height from the countertop to the bottom of the upper cabinets (usually about 18 inches, or 1.5 ft). Multiply length by height, then subtract any window or appliance gaps you won't tile.
What is the standard backsplash height?: The most common kitchen backsplash height is 18 inches, the typical gap between the countertop and the upper cabinets. Backsplashes behind a range or open wall may run taller, sometimes to the ceiling.
How many subway tiles do I need for a backsplash?: A 3x6 inch subway tile covers 0.125 square feet. A 22.5 square foot backsplash needs about 180 base tiles, plus 10% waste for roughly 198 tiles. Divide by the tiles per box and round up.
How much waste should I add for a backsplash?: Use about 10% for a straight or stacked layout and 15% for herringbone or diagonal patterns, which are common on backsplashes and create more angled cuts.

Enter your backsplash dimensions into the tile calculator — it supports multiple sections, opening deductions, and counts by tile or square foot. For the bigger picture, start with how many tiles do I need or review how much extra tile to buy.