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Kitchen RenovationCountertops, Subway Tile & Stove Accents

Kitchen Backsplash Calculator

Easily calculate subway tiles or mosaic sheets for standard 18-inch countertop runs, behind-the-range accents, and optional Schluter Jolly metal edge trims in the checklist.

Subway 3" × 6" & 4" × 12" PresetsStandard 18" Cabinet ClearanceOptional Metal Edge Trim

Quick Backsplash Presets (Click to load into calculator)

Step 1: Enter Dimensions

Room & Tile Specifications

Change any number below to see live updates to the visual cut map and shopping list.

Swipe →
Units: Feet & Inches
ft
ft
Swipe sizes →Units: in
in
in
12–15% Recommended
15%
5% (Simple square)10% (Straight grid)12–15% (Running bond)18–22% (Diag / Herringbone)
6. Box Packaging & Tile Price
14 sq ft (~112 tiles)
~112 tiles/box
sq ft
Printed on box label (standard 10–16 sq ft)
Optional
$/sq ft
Estimates DIY materials cost range
Interactive Layout CanvasScale: Auto-fit

Visual Tile Grid & Cut Map

Full (48)
Cuts (24)
Pan or 2 fingers
Tap "Pan" or use 2 fingers to drag canvas
Horizontal Nudge (X-Offset)0.0 in
Vertical Nudge (Y-Offset)0.0 in
Job-Ready Bill of MaterialsUpdated Instantly

Complete Store Shopping List

Take this to Home Depot, Lowe's, Floor & Decor, or your local tile distributor.

Net Area30.0 sq ft20' × 1.5' space
Purchase Area34.5 sq ftIncl. 15% waste buffer
Tiles Needed276 tiles3" × 6" format
Boxes to Buy
3 boxes
14 sq ft / box · ~112 tiles (+60 spare)
Adds Schluter metal edge trim & wall backer board

1. Main Tile & Substrate

01
3" × 6" Porcelain Tiles (Brick (1/2 Offset))
Covers net room + recommended cut & breakage waste buffer
3 Boxes (~276 tiles needed)
~14 sq ft / box · ~112 tiles

2. Mortar, Grout & Spacers

02
Polymer-Modified Thin-Set Mortar (50 lb bags)
Recommended trowel: 1/4" × 3/8" square notch (~45 sq ft/bag)
1 Bag (50 lb)
50 lbs total
03
Sanded Grout (for joints ≥ 1/8")
Calculated for tile size & joint thickness
Formula: ((3 + 6) × 0.125" × 0.3125" × 34.5 × 9.5) ÷ 18 = 6.4 lbs
1 Bag (10 lb)
~6.4 lbs required
04
Plastic Cross Tile Spacers
Maintains uniform grout joint width on small & mosaic formats
1 Bag (250 spacers)
~250 cross spacers per pack

Essential Tools Checklist

Check if you have these at home
Estimated Project Budget
Materials: $188 – $254

Based on tile + thinset, grout & spacers (toggle prep above to include backer & membrane).

Rough national estimates — local store & contractor prices vary.

Optional Contractor Labor$240 – $540Local market installer rate benchmarks
Calculated on FreeTileCalculator.com — Free, accurate homeowner estimatorDate:
Backsplash Pro Tips

Secrets to a Flawless Kitchen Backsplash

1. Leave 1/8" Gap Above Countertop

Never sit the bottom tile row directly on granite, quartz, or laminate counters. Rest tiles on 1/8″ spacers, then seal the gap with 100% color-matched silicone caulking to accommodate natural expansion.

2. Plan Around Outlets

Turn off electrical breakers before tiling. Measure outlet box placements so your tile cuts fall cleanly behind the switch plates. Remember to purchase electrical box extenders so switches sit flush with tile.

3. Center the Stove Focal Point

The wall behind your range is the centerpiece of the kitchen. Always find the exact vertical centerline behind the stove and work outward so tiles are perfectly symmetrical on both sides.

Kitchen Backsplash FAQs

How do I measure my kitchen backsplash square footage?
Measure the length of your countertop runs in feet (e.g. 10 feet along the main counter + 6 feet along the island/side = 16 linear feet). Multiply by the standard 1.5 feet (18 inches) height under cabinets: 16 ft × 1.5 ft = 24 sq ft. Then add the focal area behind the stove (e.g., 2.5 ft wide × 2.5 ft high = 6.25 sq ft). Total backsplash area = ~30.25 sq ft. Add 15% to 20% waste for outlet cuts and edge trimming.
How do I finish the raw exposed edges of backsplash tile?
If your tile does not come with matching glazed bullnose edges, use a metal edge profile like Schluter Jolly or Rondec. Install the metal trim into the thinset at the end of the cabinet run for a crisp, modern, protective finished edge.
Can I tile directly over drywall or painted walls for a backsplash?
Yes! Unlike showers which require cement board and waterproofing, kitchen backsplashes are considered "intermittently wet" or dry areas. You can tile directly over painted drywall, provided the wall is clean, grease-free, and lightly scuffed with sandpaper to ensure mortar bond.
Should I use premixed mastic or thin-set mortar for a backsplash?
For small ceramic subway tiles (3"×6") on clean drywall, premixed tile adhesive (mastic) is popular and DIY-friendly because it has high initial tack and tiles won’t slide down the wall. For heavy glass, marble, or large porcelain tiles, always use polymer-modified thin-set mortar.