How to Measure for Peel-and-Stick Tile Stickers (and How Many to Order)
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Measure the flat face of one tile, edge to edge, without the grout lines. Pick the sticker size that matches that face. Then count every tile you want to cover, divide by 12 (our stickers come in packs of 12), round up and add a few spares. If you're covering a plain wall with no tiles, there's no grout to match, so you can choose any size you like.
This guide is for anyone ordering peel-and-stick tile stickers. Each sticker covers one tile. Getting the size right is what makes the finished wall look like new tile instead of stickers on old tile.
What you need
- A tape measure or ruler that shows eighths of an inch or millimetres
- A pencil and paper, or your phone's notes app
- A photo of the whole wall, to count tiles from later
Step 1: Measure the tile face, not the grout
Put the end of the tape on the edge of one tile, where the glaze meets the grout, and measure straight across to the opposite edge. Do the same in the other direction. That's the tile face. Don't include the grout lines on either side.
Measure two or three tiles in different spots. Tiles in one wall should match, but older walls sometimes have a patched area with slightly different tiles.
Measure, don't go by the box. Tile is often sold by a rounded size, and the actual face can be a little smaller than the name suggests. Your tape measure is the number that counts.
Step 2: Match a sticker size to your tile
Our square tile stickers come in these sizes:
| Sticker size (inches) | About (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5, 3.7 | 89, 94 | Small tiles |
| 3.9 | 99 | |
| 4.25, 4.5 | 108, 114 | 4.25" is a very common North American wall tile |
| 5, 5.5, 5.7 | 127, 140, 145 | |
| 5.9 | 150 | |
| 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5 | 152, 165, 178, 191 | |
| 7.9 | 201 | |
| 8 | 203 | |
| 9.8 | 249 | |
| 11.8 | 300 | |
| 13 | 330 | Large tiles |
A few designs also come in rectangles. Check the size options on the design you like.
Choose the size that matches your tile face. Then each sticker sits on the flat glaze, and the grout lines between tiles stay as they are. A sticker larger than the tile will hang over into the grout.
Why not cover the grout too?
Grout usually sits a little lower than the tile face. Our stickers are thin vinyl, about the thickness of paper. Stretched across a grout line, the vinyl bridges the dip instead of sticking into it, and those spots tend to lift. A sticker sized to sit on the flat glazed face sticks properly, and your existing grout lines stay visible between the new tiles, which is what makes it look like tile.
My tile is between two sizes
You have two choices:
- Go one size down. No trimming, and the grout line looks slightly wider. This is the easier option.
- Ask for a custom size. We make custom tile sizes on request. Message us your tile measurement.
Not sure? Message us your tile measurement and the design you like, and we'll tell you which size we'd pick.
Step 3: Count the tiles
Count the tiles in one row and the number of rows, then multiply. Do this for each section of wall separately (for example, either side of a window or range hood) and add them up.
- Count cut tiles as whole tiles. Partial tiles along the counter, the ceiling or a cabinet still need a full sticker, which you trim to fit.
- Skip what you won't cover. If you're leaving the tiles right behind the stove or sink bare (see where tile stickers work in kitchens and bathrooms), leave them out of the count.
- Outlets and switches: a tile with an outlet in it still needs a sticker. You'll cut the hole after applying.
Step 4: Work out how many packs
Tile stickers come in packs of 12. Divide your tile count by 12 and round up. Then add spares:
- Plan on at least a few extra stickers for practice, mistakes and future repairs. On a bigger wall, an extra pack is worth it.
- Order everything at once. Printing can vary slightly between print runs. Stickers from one order match each other better than a pack added months later.
| Tiles to cover | Packs (no spares) | Suggested |
|---|---|---|
| 30 | 3 (36 stickers) | 3 packs leaves 6 spares |
| 48 | 4 (48 stickers) | 5 packs, so you have spares |
| 70 | 6 (72 stickers) | 7 packs |
| 100 | 9 (108 stickers) | 9 or 10 packs |
Covering a plain wall (no tiles)
You can also put tile stickers straight onto a smooth, painted wall, a laminate panel or glass. With no grout to match, place the stickers edge to edge and choose the size by look: smaller tiles give a busier pattern, larger tiles a calmer one. Measure the area's width and height, divide each by the sticker size, round up, and multiply to get the count.
Common questions
Should I order a sample first?
If colour matters to you, yes. You can order a 6" x 6" sample piece to see the colour and the finish (matte or gloss) on your own wall and in your own light. Our printer also tends to print a touch cooler than some screens show, so a sample is the surest check.
Can you make a size that isn't listed?
Yes. We make custom tile sizes on request. Message us with your tile measurement.
Metric?
Our sizes are listed in inches. If your tiles are metric, measure them in inches (1 inch = 25.4 mm) and pick the size that matches, or message us for a custom size.