Subway Tile Calculator
Estimate subway tile for backsplashes, walls, showers, running bond layouts, grout, waste, boxes, outlets, trim, and cost.
Step 1: Subway Tile Size
What subway tile size are you using?subway preview
How to Use the Subway Tile Calculator
Follow these three simple steps to calculate your subway tile, grout, boxes, waste overage, and estimated budget.
Choose Subway Size & Layout
Select size presets (such as 3x6 or 4x12) in Step 1. Pick running bond offset (25%, 33%, or 50% offset) and layout direction.
Measure Backsplash & Outlets
Enter your counter length, height, and number of wall outlets. The tool automatically accounts for edge trim and cut waste.
Calculate boxes & trim
Review the detailed breakdown for tiles, box counts, and exposed trim edges. Add 10-12% waste factor for outlets and corners.
Subway Tile Sizes & Coverage
Subway tile is classic ceramic rectangular tile. The most common standard size is **3x6 inches**, which covers exactly 0.125 square feet per tile. Other popular subway tile options include 2x8, 4x8, and modern large formats like 4x12.
33% Offset vs. 50% Offset
A **50% offset** (half-tile stagger) is the traditional brick bond pattern. Modern large-format subway tiles (longer than 15 inches) are often recommended for a **33% offset** (one-third tile stagger) to prevent visual bowing or lippage issues on uneven walls.
Example Subway Tile Backsplash Calculation
Let's calculate for a backsplash that is **10 feet wide by 1.5 feet high** (15 sq ft) using standard 3x6 subway tiles:
1. Area = 10 × 1.5 = 15 sq ft
2. Coverage per tile (3x6) = (3 × 6) ÷ 144 = 0.125 sq ft
3. Base tiles count = 15 ÷ 0.125 = 120 tiles
4. Add 10% waste = 120 × 1.10 = 132 tiles
5. If box contains 80 tiles = 2 boxes (rounded up)
Subway Tile FAQs
How many 3x6 subway tiles do I need?▼
A 3x6 inch subway tile covers 0.125 sq ft. Divide your total area square footage by 0.125 to get your base tile count, then add 10% for waste cuts.
How much subway tile do I need for a backsplash?▼
Measure the width and height of the backsplash area. Multiply them to get the square footage, subtract any window cutouts, and add a standard 10% overage.
Should subway tile use 33% or 50% offset?▼
3x6 tiles are best at 50% offset. Large format subway tiles (e.g. 4x16 or 6x24) should use 33% offset to prevent surface bowing.
Can I use subway tile vertically?▼
Yes, vertical running bond is a popular modern design choice. Select vertical direction in Step 5 of the calculator.
Related Tile Calculators
Need to finish your tile estimate? Use these related tools to calculate layout, waste, boxes, grout, cost, and project-specific tile quantities.
Backsplash Calculator
Estimate backsplash tile, layout, cuts, and box needs.
Wall Tile Calculator
Estimate wall tile, grout, waste, and boxes.
Tile Layout Planner
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Tile Calculator
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Tile Waste Calculator
Estimate extra tile for cuts, pattern layout, breakage, and repairs.