Introduction
Installing a backsplash tile can transform the look of your kitchen or bathroom. Backsplashes not only provide an attractive accent wall behind sinks, stoves, and counters, but they also protect walls from moisture, grease, and splashes. When planning a backsplash installation, one of the most important steps is calculating precisely how much tile you will need. Properly measuring the space and doing the tile math ahead of time ensures you purchase enough materials for the project. This prevents having to make multiple trips to the tile store. Calculating the right amount of backsplash tile may seem tricky, but following a few simple steps makes it easy.
Measure the Area to Be Tiled
The first step in determining how much backsplash tile you need is accurately measuring the area you plan to cover. Make sure to write down the measurements, as you will need these figures for your calculations.
Measure Length and Height
Use a tape measure to measure the length and height of the backsplash area in inches. For best results, take measurements in multiple spots and average them. Record the average length and height.
For example, if your measurements for height are:
- 16 inches
- 16.5 inches
- 16.25 inches
Average them to get 16.25 inches.
Do the same for the length measurements.
Measure Outlets, Windows, and Obstacles
Be sure to subtract the dimensions of any outlets, windows, or other obstructions in the backsplash area. You don’t want to include them when calculating how many tiles you need.
Create a Sketch
Draw a quick sketch of the backsplash space showing the measurements. This helps visualize the area and serves as a reference for calculations.
Determine Tile Size
Next, you need to know the size of the tile you plan to install. Tile is sold by the square foot, but to determine how much you need, you must know the dimensions of each individual tile.
Tile Shape
Tile comes in square, rectangular, hexagonal, and other shaped formats. Square tiles are the easiest to calculate. With rectangular or hexagonal tiles, you need to know tile’s length and width measurements.
Tile Dimensions
If you already purchased the tile, check the packaging or specifications for the exact dimensions. Tile size is noted in inches like 12×24 or 3×6.
If tile shopping, take a measuring tape with you to the store. Measure tiles you are considering to determine their length, width, and thickness. Write down these measurements.
Knowing your precise tile size is key for an accurate tile count.
Calculate How Many Tiles Are Needed
To determine the quantity of tiles required, divide the area of the backsplash space by the area of one tile.
Use this formula:
(Backsplash Length x Backsplash Height) ÷ (Tile Length x Tile Width)
Plug your measurements into the formula to get the estimated number of tiles needed.
Example Tile Count Calculation
For example, if the backsplash area measures:
- Length: 144 inches
- Height: 48 inches
And the tile size is:
- Tile Length: 6 inches
- Tile Width: 3 inches
Then the tile calculation would be:
(144 inches x 48 inches) ÷ (6 inches x 3 inches) = 346 tiles
Round up to the nearest whole tile.
Do your tile math carefully to reach an accurate tile count. Having extras is better than coming up short.
Factor in Design Elements
Your tile calculations also need to account for any decorative backsplash design elements.
Borders or Accent Tiles
If installing a border or accent tiles, calculate their dimensions separately from the field tiles.
For example, if using 4 inch wide decorative listello tiles vertically along the edges, measure and calculate these border tiles individually.
Diagonal Installations
Laying tile on a diagonal requires about 15% more material. Adjust your tile count by adding this waste factor if doing a diagonal pattern.
Tile Cuts
Since most backsplashes require partial tiles around edges and openings, add 5-10% more tiles to allow for cuts. It’s smart to overestimate rather than underestimate here.
Purchase Materials
Use your tile count to determine how many boxes of tile to purchase. There is typically 10-15 square feet of tile per box. Divide your total square footage amount by 10-15 to get the number of boxes needed.
Adhesive and Grout
In addition to tile, purchase the recommended adhesive and grout. Approximately 65-85 square feet of tile can be covered by a 25-pound bag of thinset adhesive. For grout, 25-35 square feet of tile equates to about 1 pound of grout.
Tools/Supplies
Make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies for the installation like grout float, spacers, tape, and safety gear. Preparation makes tiling go smoothly.
With the right calculations and materials, you can feels confident tackling a DIY backsplash project and have it turn out beautifully. Properly measuring the space, determining tile dimensions, and doing the tile math ensures backsplash success.
Frequently Asked Questions about Calculating Backsplash Tile
Calculating how much backsplash tile is needed for your kitchen or bathroom project does not need to be difficult. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about doing the tile math:
How do I calculate square feet for a backsplash?
To calculate square footage, multiply the backsplash length times the backsplash height. For example, if the backsplash is 8 feet long by 4 feet high, the square footage would be 8 x 4 = 32 square feet.
What is the best formula for calculating tiles?
The basic formula is: (Backsplash Length x Backsplash Height) ÷ (Tile Length x Tile Width). Plug in your measurements to calculate the number of tiles needed.
How much extra tile should I get?
Order 10-15% more tile than your measurements show is needed. The extras accommodate tile cuts, wastage, and future repairs. It is better to end up with unused tiles than to run short during the installation.
Should I include the area under the cabinets when measuring?
No, only measure the exposed backsplash area since tile will not be installed under the cabinets.
How do I calculate tile layout patterns?
Make a grid showing tile locations to visualize layout patterns like bricks or diamonds. Calculate the best tile dimensions to limit small cuts. Some advanced designs require more tile due to waste, so adjust quantities accordingly.
What information do I need about my tile?
Having the exact tile dimensions (length, width, and thickness) allows you to make the most accurate tile calculations. Also confirm if the tiles are sold individually or in sheets.
How do I determine the tile height?
Pay attention to standard backsplash installation height, often 4-6 feet. But also consider factors like faucets that would interfere with extremely high backsplashes. Measure carefully to determine the ideal backsplash height for your space.
Should I use a tile calculator app or online tool?
Apps, calculators, or estimators can be useful, especially for more complex projects. But learning the basic tile math formulas allows you to calculate needs for any tile job.
Carefully measuring your backsplash area and tile dimensions, then doing the simple tile calculations, provides the most precise tile count. Be sure to add extras as a buffer so you end up with just the right amount of materials.
Conclusion
Installing a tile backsplash brings an attractive, eye-catching look to your kitchen or bath. With proper planning and calculations, you can confidently take on a DIY backsplash project. Measure the area dimensions, determine your exact tile size, and use the formula to calculate the estimated number of tiles required. Factor in extras for design effects, cuts, and repairs during installation. Purchase the necessary tiles, tools, adhesive, and grout using your square footage totals. Feel empowered doing your own tile math to execute a stylish backsplash tile installation.