How Much Tile Do I Need for a Backsplash?
Part of Interior & Finishes
Quick answer
Measure the length of counter you're tiling and multiply by the backsplash height (usually 18 inches from counter to upper cabinets, or up to ~4–5 ft for a full-height splash). That's your square footage; add 10% waste for straight layouts or 15% for diagonal, herringbone or mosaic. A typical kitchen backsplash is about 16–35 ft².
A backsplash is just a short, wide tiled area, so the math is counter length times the height you're tiling. The standard run is from the countertop up to the bottom of the upper cabinets — about 18 inches — but full-height backsplashes behind a range or sink go higher.
The steps
- Measure each section of counter length (in feet) and the height you'll tile (18 in standard = 1.5 ft).
- Square footage = total length × height. Add up multiple wall sections.
- Don't subtract small outlets or windows — leave them in as waste buffer; do subtract large openings.
- Add 10% waste (15% for mosaic, diagonal or herringbone), then convert to sheets or boxes.
Typical backsplash sizes
| Kitchen | Counter run | Height | Backsplash ft² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small / galley | 10 ft | 18 in | ~15 ft² |
| Average | 15 ft | 18 in | ~23 ft² |
| Large / L-shape | 20 ft | 18 in | ~30 ft² |
| Full-height behind range | 5 ft | 4.5 ft | ~23 ft² |
Mosaic and subway tile usually come in sheets or boxes rated by square footage — enter your backsplash area in the tile calculator and it returns the sheets/boxes plus the thinset and grout. Mosaic sheets have lots of joints, so buy toward the 15% waste end. Last verified: June 2026.
FAQs
How many square feet is a typical backsplash?
Most kitchen backsplashes are about 16–35 ft². A standard 18-inch-high splash works out to roughly 1.5 ft² per linear foot of counter, so a 15-ft counter run is about 23 ft².
Do I subtract windows and outlets from a backsplash?
Leave small outlets and switches in your number — they act as a waste buffer and you'll cut tile around them. Subtract large openings like a window over the sink so you don't badly over-order.
How much extra backsplash tile should I buy?
Add 10% for a straight subway or grid layout and 15% for mosaic, diagonal or herringbone, which generate more cut waste. Keep a few spare tiles for repairs.