Kitchen Backsplash Calculator
Calculates kitchen backsplash tile quantities for standard 18" high under-cabinet runs, 30" to 36" high behind-the-range focal accent panels, tile trim (Schluter Jolly pencil trims), and premixed Type 1 mastic adhesive.
Formula
Area = (Linear Ft × (Height in ÷ 12)) + Range Feature; Boxes = Ceil((Area × (1 + Waste %)) ÷ Box Sq Ft)
1. Standard Run Area = Counter Linear Ft × (Height in ÷ 12) 2. Range Feature Area = (Include Range ? 7.5 sq ft : 0) 3. Net Backsplash Area = Standard Run Area + Range Feature 4. Total Area with Waste = Net Area × (1 + Waste %) 5. Tile Boxes (10.7 sq ft/box) = Ceil(Total Area with Waste ÷ 10.7) 6. Type 1 Tile Mastic (1-gal pail covers ~40 sq ft) = Ceil(Total Area ÷ 40) 7. Schluter Jolly Metal Edge Trim (8-ft stick) = Ceil(Exposed Edge Lin Ft ÷ 8)
Inputs
- Total Backsplash Run Length
- Standard Under-Cabinet Height
- Tile Behind Range to Hood / Ceiling?
- Tile Selection
Worked example
Tiling an 18-ft backsplash run (18" high) plus a 30"x36" range accent wall with 3x6 subway tile.
Outcome: Under-cabinet area is 27.0 sq ft (18 × 1.5). Range accent adds 7.5 sq ft = 34.5 sq ft net. With 10% cut waste (38.0 sq ft), order 4 boxes of 3x6 subway tile (42.8 sq ft total / ~340 tiles). Adhesive: 1 gallon of premixed Type 1 mastic.
Why should you never use grout where the backsplash tile meets the countertop?
The countertop and the wall framing expand and contract at different rates due to seasonal humidity changes. Rigid grout will crack and crumble within months. Building standards mandate flexible 100% color-matched silicone caulk at all plane changes.