Backsplash Estimator
Calculate tile needed + overage
inches
inches
0%
Standard (10-15%)
Complex (30%)
$
/ sq ft
Exact Area
0 sq ft
Overage Buffer
+ 0 sq ft
Order Total
0 sq ft
Recommended purchase amount
Estimated Cost
$0.00
Renovating a kitchen or bathroom is exciting, but the math can get tricky.
Buying too little tile means pausing your project to wait for a shipment (that might not match the dye lot), while buying too much is money down the drain.
We built this Backsplash Material Calculator to give you a quick, accurate baseline for your shopping list.
Whether you are installing subway tile, mosaic sheets, or a solid slab, this tool does the heavy lifting for you.
How to Use This Backsplash Calculator
- Measure Your Length: detailed measurement of the total length of the wall(s) you plan to tile in inches. If you are tiling multiple walls, add the lengths together first.
- Verify Your Height: The calculator defaults to the standard 18 inches (the typical space between countertops and upper cabinets), but every home is different. Measure your specific gap to be sure.
- Set Your Waste Buffer: Use the slider to adjust for “Overage.”
- Standard (10-15%): Best for simple grid layouts or subway tiles.
- Complex (20-30%): Necessary if you are using diagonal patterns (like Herringbone), large format tiles, or have many outlets and corners to cut around.
- Add Pricing (Optional): Enter the cost per square foot of your dream tile to see an instant estimate of your material costs.
Important Notes & Disclaimers
- Estimates Only: This tool calculates raw surface area coverage. It does not account for grout lines, which can slightly reduce the amount of tile needed, or “full box” purchasing requirements (most retailers require you to buy full boxes rather than individual tiles).
- Pattern Matching: If you are choosing a tile with a large repeat pattern or a specific vein flow (like marble), you may need significantly more material than the standard calculation to ensure the design flows correctly.
- Always Round Up: When ordering, it is safer to round your “Order Total” up to the nearest full box to ensure you have spares for future repairs.
Pro Tip: Don’t stop at the cabinets! If you want your kitchen to feel taller and more luxurious, consider tiling all the way to the ceiling around the range hood or kitchen window. If you do this, remember to adjust the Height input in the calculator above!
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