Backsplashes provide a stylish and practical accent in kitchens and bathrooms. When planning a backsplash installation, it’s important to accurately calculate the square footage to determine the tile and materials needed. With some simple measurements and math, you can easily figure out the backsplash square footage.
Measuring the Backsplash Area
The first step in determining backsplash square footage is measuring the area that will be covered. Here are some tips for getting accurate measurements:
- Use a tape measure – Carefully measure the length and height of the backsplash area. Record the measurements to use for your calculations.
- Measure in multiple spots – Walls are rarely perfectly straight, so take measurements at each end and the middle of runs. Average the numbers.
- Include all areas – Measure the entire area that will be covered, including behind the range or cooktop and surrounding windows and outlets.
- Convert if needed – If measurements are in feet, convert to inches (1 foot = 12 inches) before calculating square footage.
Calculating Total Square Footage
Once you have all the measurements, you can calculate the total backsplash square footage using this formula:
Total Square Footage = Length x Height
Simply multiply the average length by the average height for each section of backsplash. Add the square footage of each section together to get the total.
Here’s an example:
Backsplash behind sink:
- Length: 48 inches
- Height: 30 inches
- 48 x 30 = 1,440 square inches
- To find square feet, divide by 144 (1,440 ÷ 144 = 10 square feet)
Backsplash on side wall:
- Length: 60 inches
- Height: 30 inches
- 60 x 30 = 1,800 square inches
- 1,800 ÷ 144 = 12.5 square feet
Total square footage = 10 + 12.5 = 22.5 square feet
Always round up decimal measurements, so for this backsplash the total square footage would be 23 square feet.
Factors that Impact Backsplash Square Footage
Several factors can increase or decrease the total backsplash square footage in your space:
Backsplash Height
The standard backsplash height is 4 inches from the countertop, but you can install taller backsplashes. If your design calls for a 6 inch, 8 inch, or full height backsplash, measure and calculate using the actual height.
Outlets and Switches
Any outlets, switches, or fixtures in the backsplash area need to be accounted for. Measure and calculate the area of the openings and subtract them from the total square footage.
Inside Corners
For inside corners where backsplash runs meet, calculate and add both sections separately. Do not multiply by the combined length in corners.
Islands
For standalone island installations, measure the length and height walking around the entire island to get a total footage amount.
Backsplash Extras
If adding specialty tile pieces like borders, mosaics, or medallions, calculate the square footage of those areas separately. These extras will be in addition to the full backsplash footage.
How to Use Backsplash Square Footage
Knowing the precise backsplash square footage is valuable for several reasons:
Determine Tile Needs
Tile is commonly sold by the square foot. Match up tile size (in inches) with your total backsplash area to estimate the materials needed. Don’t forget to account for pattern matching and grout.
Calculate Material Costs
With the square footage amount, you can better estimate costs and create a backsplash budget. Research pricing for tiles, adhesive, grout, trim, and tools.
Find the Right Contractor
When getting contractor quotes for installation, the square footage helps ensure accurate bids. Provide each contractor with the measurements.
Plan for Installation Time
An experienced tile installer can typically set 8-10 square feet per hour. For larger projects, knowing the exact work area allows for better installation scheduling.
Backsplash Calculator Tools
If you want to skip the manual calculations, there are several easy backsplash calculator options:
Mobile Apps
Tile calculator apps like “TileCalc” allow you to input measurements and quickly determine square footage and materials required.
Online Calculators
Many design sites like HGTV.com offer project calculators to estimate backsplash tile needs after you plug in surface dimensions.
Kitchen Planning Software
When designing a full kitchen, programs like SketchUp and Kitchen Draw give the ability to map out backsplash space and getCalculated square footage amounts.
Design Specialist Help
Tile showrooms will often have knowledgeable design specialists who can assist in coming up with layouts and backsplash calculations.
How to Calculate X for Other Tile Projects
The same principles used in determining backsplash square footage apply to calculating tile for other installations:
Floor Tile
Measure length and width of the full flooring area, calculating each room separately. Add all room amounts together for total floor square footage.
Shower Tile
Measure front wall length and height along with any side walls. Calculate the area of each wall and niche separately.
Countertop Tile
Measure the length and depth of the countertop. Multiply to find the square footage. The edges also need to be calculated separately.
Fireplace Surrounds
Measure the height in the center, width, and hearth depth. Calculate each section – hearth, sides, and mantel – individually.
Accurately determining square footage is a key first step for any tile project. With precise measurements and a simple formula, you can calculate the backsplash area in your kitchen or bath and get the information needed to plan a successful design.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calculating Backsplash Square Footage
How do you calculate square feet for a backsplash?
To calculate square feet for a backsplash, measure the length and height of each backsplash section. Multiply the length by the height to get the square inches. Divide the square inches amount by 144 to convert to square feet. Add together the square footage of each section for the total.
What is the standard size for a kitchen backsplash?
The typical backsplash size is 4 inches tall by whatever length is needed for the kitchen design. Full backsplashes go all the way to the underside of wall cabinets and are often 18-24 inches high.
How much backsplash do I need for a 10 ft kitchen?
For a basic 4 inch backsplash in a typical 10 foot kitchen, you would need approximately:
- 10 linear feet behind sink and stove at 30 inches high = 25 sq ft
- 5 linear feet on side at 30 inches high = 12.5 sq ft
Total for a basic 10 foot kitchen = approximately 37.5 square feet of backsplash.
What is the average cost per square foot for a backsplash?
The cost per square foot for a backsplash installation averages $10-$25. Simple ceramic tile can be as low as $5 per square foot while natural stone and mosaic tiles run $15-$30 per square foot. Unique materials like glass and metal tiles can be $25-$50 per square foot.
Should you calculate backsplash by linear feet or square feet?
For purchasing tile and materials, it is best to calculate the backsplash by the total square footage. Linear feet measurements are useful for budgeting labor since tilers often quote pricing per linear foot.
How much tile do I need for a backsplash?
To determine how much tile is needed, divide the total backsplash square footage amount by the tile size in square feet. For example, for a backsplash that is 50 square feet and using 2×2 inch tile sheets (4 sq ft per sheet), you would need approximately 50/4 = 12-13 tile sheets.
Whattile cuts minimize wastage?
The best way to minimize tile waste is to use a design layout with 50% offset patterns or bricklaid patterns that allow you to use cut tile pieces. Avoid layouts with tiles all the same size or fittings like bullnose trim which require specific cuts.
Key Takeaways on Calculating Backsplash Square Footage
- Carefully measure all backsplash sections and convert to square inches
- Use the formula: Length x Height = Square Footage
- Round up for decimal footages and account for inside corners
- Match square footage to tile sizes when estimating material needs
- Apps, programs, and specialists can provide backsplash calculations
- The same square footage math applies to all tile installations
Knowing the backsplash area square footage is an important first step in planning any kitchen or bath backsplash tile project. With a tape measure, notepad, and calculator, you can quickly determine the precise space to cover. This allows you to estimate tile, grout, and installation needs, leading to a successful and stylish backsplash design.
Conclusion
Calculating the square footage is an essential part of planning any backsplash installation. By following the steps for carefully measuring each section, using the simple length x height formula, and accounting for design factors, you can easily determine the total backsplash area that will need tile coverage.
Having the precise backsplash square footage amount allows you to purchase the right quantity of tile, adhesive, grout and accessories needed to complete the project. It also aids in budgeting for labor costs. If undertaking a DIY backsplash install, knowing the exact work area helps better schedule the time required.
Whether planning a smallfocal backsplash over a stovetop or a expansive display reaching up to the ceiling, starting with square footage calculationsprovides a solid foundation for pulling together the perfect design. So break out the measuring tape, whip out your calculator, and measure twice to determine the backsplash square footage before cutting any tile.