Backsplash Calculator

How to use this calculator

Enter the total length of the wall you're covering in feet, the backsplash height in inches, and choose a tile size. For an L-shaped or U-shaped kitchen, add the lengths of each wall together. If you want the tile to run higher behind the range, add that section separately. Subtract large openings such as a window, but not small outlets.

How this is calculated

Backsplash area is wall length times height (typically 18 inches for a standard counter-to-cabinet backsplash). The calculator applies a 15% waste allowance for cuts around outlets and corners.

Example

A 14-foot run at 18 inches high is 21 square feet. With 4 by 4 inch tile that takes about 218 tiles, and with 3 by 6 inch subway tile about 194. At $15–$40 per square foot for material plus installation, the estimated cost is $315–$840.

Typical costs

Installed backsplash cost commonly lands at $15–40 per sq ft. Labor alone is typically $10–25 per sq ft, and a basic ceramic or subway tile starts at roughly $11 per sq ft installed. Natural stone, glass, metal, or handmade tile can push this to $40–60+ per sq ft.

What can change the price

Patterns such as herringbone, small mosaic tiles, many outlets and corners, and removal of an old backsplash all add labor. If you plan to do it yourself, you save the labor portion but need to allow for tools such as a tile cutter, trowels, and spacers.

Estimate only — outlet cutouts and accent details aren't factored into the tile count.