Subway Tile Calculator
Subway tiles needed for a wall or backsplash.
Enter your values
Enter the wall width in ft.
Enter the wall height in ft.
Enter the tile width in in.
Enter the tile height in in.
Enter the waste allowance in %.
Results update instantly as you type — no submit needed. Your values are remembered on this device, and the shareable link reopens the calculator with exactly these numbers.
- Tiles needed
- 141
- Wall area
- 16 sq ft
- Tile coverage
- 0.125 sq ft each
- Boxes at 40 tiles each
- 4
Quick answer
Subway tile count is wall area divided by the area of one tile, plus a waste allowance for cuts.
tiles = ceil((area x (1 + waste%)) / tile area)
At a glance
| What it does | Subway tiles needed for a wall or backsplash. |
|---|---|
| Category | Home & DIY |
| Inputs needed | Wall width, Wall height, Tile width, Tile height, Waste allowance |
| Main output | Tiles needed |
| Formula | tiles = ceil((area x (1 + waste%)) / tile area) |
| Cost | Free — no sign-up, no download |
How to use the Subway Tile Calculator
- 1Measure the wall or backsplash width and height.
- 2Enter the subway tile dimensions, commonly 3x6 inches.
- 3Add 10% waste for a running-bond layout, more for herringbone patterns.
Inputs explained
- Wall width(ft)
- Enter the wall width in ft.
- Wall height(ft)
- Enter the wall height in ft.
- Tile width(in)
- Enter the tile width in in.
- Tile height(in)
- Enter the tile height in in.
- Waste allowance(%)
- Enter the waste allowance in %.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Wall width8 ft
- Wall height2 ft
- Tile width3 in
- Tile height6 in
- Waste allowance10 %
Results
- Tiles needed141
- Wall area16 sq ft
- Tile coverage0.125 sq ft each
- Boxes at 40 tiles each4
Frequently asked questions
What layout uses the most waste?
Herringbone and picket layouts can need 15-20% extra due to angled cuts.
Do I need bullnose edge tiles?
Yes, for exposed edges without trim — count them separately from field tile.
What do I need to enter into the Subway Tile Calculator?
Just 5 values: wall width, wall height, tile width, tile height, waste allowance. Every field starts with a realistic example, so you can change one number at a time and watch the result update instantly.
How does the Subway Tile Calculator work out the answer?
Subway tile count is wall area divided by the area of one tile, plus a waste allowance for cuts. It applies the formula tiles = ceil((area x (1 + waste%)) / tile area) and shows the working so you can check each step by hand.
Is the Subway Tile Calculator free, and do I need an account?
It is completely free with no sign-up, no download and no usage limit. Everything is calculated in your browser, so the numbers you type never leave your device.
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.