How to use this wall tile square footage calculator
Kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, tiled wainscoting, and shower walls with different widths or heights.
- Add the finished room, wall, floor, or ceiling dimensions. Split irregular areas into non-overlapping rectangles.
- Choose the measurement unit, enter the tile details, and select a waste percentage that suits the layout.
- Use the coverage printed on the manufacturer's box, then calculate to see area, tile count, and the whole boxes to order.
Measure before you estimate
Measure the width of each wall and the vertical distance from the bottom to the planned top edge of tile. Record doors, windows, or other untiled openings as separate width-by-height deductions. Include returns and niche faces only if they will use the same tile; intricate surrounds may be best estimated separately.
How the calculation works
Each wall area is width × tiled height. The calculator adds walls together, subtracts the openings, applies waste, and estimates pieces and boxes by dividing by tile and package coverage. It rounds order quantities up to full pieces and cartons.
Worked example
Example: two tiled walls
A 10 ft wall is tiled 4 ft high, a 6 ft wall is tiled 4 ft high, and a 3 ft × 7 ft door is not within either tiled area.
Working: The two walls total 64 sq ft. Since the opening lies below the 4 ft tile line, it does not overlap the measured tile area and should not be deducted. At 10% waste, plan for 70.4 sq ft and round up using the package coverage.
Common measurement mistakes
- Using ceiling height when tile stops at a backsplash or wainscot height.
- Subtracting an opening that is below the tiled section and therefore was never included.
- Forgetting returns, side splashes, or wall areas behind fixtures that are part of the plan.
Choosing a tile waste percentage
A simple backsplash has relatively few cuts, while multiple walls, outside corners, niches, and borders can raise waste. Start with an allowance suited to the layout—often around 10% for a simple wall—and confirm the final amount with the tile setter.
Always check the product's actual coverage and installation instructions before buying. Cuts, breakage, grout joints, package quantities, and future repair stock can change the final quantity.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate tile for a partial wall?
Multiply the wall width by the height that will actually be tiled. Do not use full room height if the tile stops at a backsplash or wainscot line.
Should I subtract a door from wall tile area?
Subtract it only if the door opening overlaps the measured tiled area. An opening completely below the tiled height is already excluded.
Can I combine several walls?
Yes. Add each wall with its own width and tile height, and use opening deductions for doors or windows that overlap the tiled surface.
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