How To Measure Square Footage For A Backsplash
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Today, I’m sharing how to measure square footage for our removable kitchen backsplash project. This was the first time I had attempted a tiling project, so measuring the wall to determine how many kitchen backsplash tiles I needed stumped me! I stared at the wall, tape measure in hand, completely clueless.
Thankfully, my dad reminded me of the simple math equation to get accurate measurements! Once he walked me through it, I realized how straightforward the process actually was.
Let me break it down for you, so you don’t have to go through the same confusion I did.
Why Accurate Backsplash Measurement Matters for Your DIY Project
Before you start tiling, let’s talk about why measuring correctly is so important:
- Avoids material shortages – Because nothing’s worse than running out of tiles mid-project.
- Prevents overspending – No need to buy more than you need!
- Saves time and effort – Get it right the first time.
- Helps with budgeting – Knowing your exact square footage makes cost calculations easier.
Reduces waste – Less waste, less stress, and a happier wallet.
What You’ll Need to Measure Your Backsplash
Calculator (optional, but helpful)
Measuring tape
Pencil
Paper or notebook
Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Backsplash Square Footage
Step 1: Measure the Length and Width of Each Area
Grab your measuring tape and measure each backsplash section. In my case, it was the entire wall under the upper cabinets. If you have multiple areas, break them into sections (A, B, C, etc.).
- Measure in inches for easier conversions.
- Include all areas—even around windows or outlets.
- Write everything down to keep track of your measurements.
Step 2: Calculate the Area of Each Section in Square Inches
Here’s the formula:
Length (in inches) x Width (in inches) = Area (in square inches)
In my case, the entire backsplash wall was 13 feet (156 inches) in length and 1 foot (12 inches) in width.
So:
156 x 12 = 1,872 square inches
Step 3: Convert Total Square Inches to Square Feet
To get square footage, divide your total square inches by 144 (since 1 square foot = 144 square inches).
1,872 ÷ 144 = 13 square feet
Step 4: Add Up the Square Footage of All Sections
If you have multiple sections, repeat the steps above and add up all the square foot totals. That’s your final backsplash area.
Related: See how my tutorial on how to use a wet saw using glass tile
Don’t Forget the Overage! Accounting for Waste and Cuts
Now, let’s talk extra tile. Mistakes happen, and you’ll need a little wiggle room for cuts, breakage, and future repairs.
- Order at least 10% extra for standard layouts.
- Bump that up to 15-20% for complex designs like diagonal patterns.
For our kitchen, we picked glass tile—mostly because it was trendy (I love trends) and I wanted the coastal color blue.
And guess what?
Our kitchen backsplash cost was under $2 per square foot, even with the extra tiles included!
Consider Trim Pieces and Decorative Elements
If your backsplash ends at an open wall, you’ll likely need trim pieces for a clean, polished look. These usually come in:
- Bullnose tile – Rounded edges for a finished style.
- Liners – Great for decorative transitions.
Trim pieces are measured in linear feet, so plan accordingly.
Backsplash Square Footage: Common Scenarios and Tips
Measuring Around Windows and Outlets
Measure the total area first, then subtract the areas of any windows or outlets. This keeps your numbers accurate without unnecessary complexity.
Dealing with Angled Walls or Unique Kitchen Layouts
For tricky layouts, break the area into simple rectangles, measure each one separately, then add them together.
The Importance of Drawing Your Layout
The tile guy asked me to draw on paper the actual kitchen layout and total area of my backsplash.
And wow, what a difference that made!
Seeing everything visually helped me get my numbers right before I even picked up a tile.
Average Backsplash Square Footage: What to Expect
Most backsplash areas range between 20-40 square feet, but every kitchen is different.
Factors like cabinet height, countertop space, and layout all play a role.
Related: See our kitchen makeover the first time, before we fully remodeled the kitchen with new cabinets. This picture above is from the article in Woman’s Day Magazine!
Common Questions About Calculating Backsplash Square Footage
How many square feet is a 12×12 inch tile?
One tile = 1 square foot. Simple!
Should I round up when calculating square footage?
Yes! Always round up to make sure you have enough tile (especially after adding overage).
Where can I get help double-checking my measurements?
- Tile store associates
- Professional installers
- Online tile calculators
Choosing the Right Tile After Measuring
Now that you know your square footage, it’s time for the fun part—choosing your tile!
- Material matters – Ceramic, glass, and stone each have different costs and styles.
- Budget accordingly – Tile prices vary widely per square foot.
- Match your kitchen style – Your backsplash should complement your countertops and cabinets.
Measuring your backsplash isn’t complicated—but it is the key to a stress-free tiling project. By following these steps, you’ll avoid common pitfalls, save money, and ensure your backsplash turns out exactly how you envisioned.
Meet Jessica
What started as a hobby, Jessica’s blog now has millions of people visit yearly and while many of the projects and posts look and sound perfect, life hasn’t always been easy. Read Jessica’s story and how overcoming death, divorce and dementia was one of her biggest life lessons to date.
Ha, I too have a college degree and have to google “how do I calculate square feet” every so often. What’s up with the “144” anyway? My dad told me to “look it up” just like the time when I was little and wanted to know how to spell pneumonia. Some of these rules just hurt your brain! Could you please ask gramps what’s up with the “144”? 🙂
Awesome tip! The 144 is because there’s 144″ in a sq ft (12″ length x 12″ width). I always remember this by the size of 1 floor traditional floor tile (like in schools, which is where I learned that).
See, you were paying attention in school! Thanks, now I will not ever have to google or ask pops again…haha!
Math was certainly not my thing! ha
Thank you Jaima!
A Square foot is 12 in by 12 in. Thus to find square inches in a sugared foot you multiply 12 by 12= 144
Thank you for the tip! Now my husband will think I’m so smart because I won’t have to ask him :-). Love the blue back splash.
Thank you Mandy 🙂
Can I tell you…..my head hurt just looking at that title! Good thing you were around to help me figure it all out!
blessings,
karianne
It the same for measuring floors.
This is why I became a hairstylist! :-/ This really brought back the memories of why I disliked math so much. Thank you for posting this because it completed my measuring backsplash experience. Now I can order my tile.
Very pretty
Where did you get your blue tile from?
Thank you! This is exactly what I needed! I did a Google search about measuring sq. ft. and this was one of the first things to pop up. So helpful, thanks!
wow the backsplash looks great
Thank you!