subway tile sizes decoded: the ultimate guide

standard subway tile sizes

ia good thing to keep in mind when going over sizes: contrary to popular belief, not all subway tiles are twice as wide as they are tall. while the definitive, rectangular tile (a 1:2 ratio) is what usually comes to mind, subway tile can be square, too. understanding that you’re not limited to a single form helps you visualize how they’ll look no matter which size or shape you choose.

however, for the sake of this article, let’s stick to rectangles for now. the most common sizes in this shape are 3x6 inches, 4x8 inches, and 2x4 inches. choosing the right size depends on several factors.

3x6 inch subway tiles

the time-honored 3x6 inch tiles are a popular choice for kitchen backsplashes and showers, but they can easily fit into other areas of your home, too. their narrow width makes them ideal for tight spaces, while still providing ample coverage. that means they’ll work well in both small and large rooms. 

4x8 inch subway tiles

for bigger impact, 4x8 inch tiles make a great option. for one thing, their larger size speeds up installation. they also provide plenty of coverage. still, in a small space 4x8 tiles might feel overwhelming. in that sense, they’re best suited for medium to large rooms, but after you’ve looked through some tile options and design ideas, you may just decide bigger is indeed better, even for a smaller location.

2x4 inch subway tiles

the more diminutive subway tile cousin, 2x4 inches, creates an intricate mosaic effect. this size does require more grout and can be time-consuming to install, but it also provides an interesting visual texture. 2x4 tiles are typically used for accents or in very small rooms, but again, there’s no hard and fast rule.

factors to consider when choosing subway tile size

you know the old adage: size matters. that mostly holds true for subway tile, with exceptions according to personal aesthetics. the options you go with depend on several factors.

dimensions and layout

the first things to consider for your project are your room dimensions and the layout you want to achieve. larger sizes of subway tile will make a space appear more open, while smaller tile creates a busier look.

the size of your tiles will of course determine how many you need to cover a surface, but that’ll help determine how they’re laid out, as well. smaller tiles, like 2x4 inches, allow for more creative patterns but require more grout lines. larger 4x8 inch tiles have a more seamless look but may appear too imposing in a small area. 

room size and scale

speaking of room size, ideally, you’ll choose a subway tile size that complements your room’s scale. for a petite bathroom or galley kitchen, it’s probably best to stick to smaller tiles to match the room scale. by contrast, in an expansive family room or master bath, larger tiles help balance the scale. mixing sizes, like using 4x8 inch tiles on the floor and 3x6 inch tiles on walls, can create a more artistic, design-forward look.

functionality and practicality

maybe you’ve got the tile size in mind to jibe with the room proportions, but it’s also crucial to recognize the purpose of the room when selecting the right subway tile size. in high-moisture areas like showers, smaller tiles with more grout provide better traction but they can be harder to clean. for backsplashes, 4x8 inch tiles limit grout lines that can stain over time, and larger tiles create a surface that’s–you guessed it–easier to clean. 

aesthetics

the sizes of subway tile also impact the appearance of the installation. smaller tiles tend to provide a vintage feel, while larger tiles result in a sleek, more modern look. but smaller can also feel more cluttered, especially if the space is big, while bigger tiles can look overwhelming in a small area. love big and small? combining sizes creates a unique, custom design. in any case, the tile size you choose has a massive effect on the overall visual style you’re shooting for. 

choosing subway tile sizes for showers

nothing brings a bathroom space to life like the right tile. for showers, 3x6 inch tiles with a narrow grout line are a classic, water-resistant choice. they can also help make a small shower feel more open. but for a modern look, larger 4x8 inch tiles with minimal grout also work well. bigger sizes, like 6x12, are more difficult to install on vertical surfaces because of their weight (it’s certainly doable, though), and would probably require a really large shower to avoid overpowering the space. for showers, it’s really about finding the harmony between style and practicality.

it’s also key to remember that subway tile sizes for showers have a direct impact on the appearance of grout lines. smaller tiles mean more grout lines, while larger tiles have fewer and typically thicker grout lines. if you want grout lines to disappear, choose larger tiles and a grout that closely matches your tile color. for a more decorative presence, try selecting contrasting grout and smaller tile.

choosing subway tile sizes for kitchen backsplashes

it can feel like we live half of our lives in the kitchen–preparing meals and snacks throughout the day, entertaining dinner guests, and just hanging out. that means you’re going to spend a lot of time looking at whatever tile you choose for your kitchen backsplash, so consider size carefully. 3x6 or 4x8 inch tiles are popular subway tile sizes for backsplashes because of their timeless style, but you’ll want to contemplate your room dimensions and preferred grout lines first.

for example, for a backsplash with an angled or curved section, smaller tiles, like 2x4 inches, may be easier to work around tight corners and contours. decorative 2x4-inch tiles can also make great vintage accents when mixed in with larger sizes.

more open-concept kitchens may require bigger tiles, which are ideal for filling the expansive walls efficiently, although the design flexibility of 3x6 inch size works well for backsplashes of any dimension.

for a high-functioning subway tile backsplash in a busy kitchen, consider tile that’s durable, heat-resistant, and low-maintenance. smaller tiles typically require more grout, which can stain and collect grime over time. larger tiles have fewer grout lines, making them easier to wipe down and keep clean. porcelain or ceramic tile in a matte or satin finish is a practical kitchen choice.

the appearance of your backsplash also depends on the specific tile you choose. tiles with an intricate pattern or varied texture tend to appear more cohesive when using smaller sizes with tighter grout lines. minimal, solid-colored tiles show off their beauty best in larger sizes with minimal grout.

mixing and matching subway tile sizes

incorporating different subway tile sizes in your installation is an easy way to create visual dynamics and texture. using a combination of standard subway tile with mini, medium, and jumbo sizes adds dimension and prevents a flat, monotonous look. the varied tile sizes draw the eye around the space and keep things interesting.

strategically placing larger subway tiles in a pattern can help guide the viewer's eye in a particular direction, too. for example, you might use standard subway tile throughout, with a column of the larger sizes placed vertically on one side of a window to subtly lead the eye up and emphasize the window. or you could use larger tiles in a horizontal band across the middle of the wall to make a small room appear more open.

another clever use of mixed subway tile sizes is to highlight interesting architectural details in a space. frame doorways, windows, niches, or other features using larger tiles–the contrast in size will bring out those details. in a kitchen, you might highlight the stove hood or sink area. in a bathroom, you could draw attention to the mirror or tub. this purposeful approach to your tile layout enhances a room's best assets.

once you have an idea of the overall look, determine where you want the centerpiece of your design to be. you’ll want to position your statement tiles there, again placing larger, bolder tiles in this area.

with your focal point in mind, you can now choose 2-3 subway tile sizes to mix and match. a good rule of thumb is to stick to tiles that differ in size by no more than 50%, but having said that, there are really no rules in tile aesthetics–just your own taste and style. (whatever mix you decide on, you’ll want to buy more of the sizes you’ll use most prominently.)

the possibilities really are endless!

subway tile sizes and grouting

grout width also affects the look of your subway tile. standard grout lines (1/16 to 1/8 inch) help tiles appear as a cohesive surface, while wider grout lines (1/4 inch or more) create a more rustic style by emphasizing each tile. for most installations, a grout line of 1/8 inch works well, blending the tiles together while still allowing their shape and texture to shine.

for tiles where slight variations in thickness are present, like handmade or tumbled ceramic tiles, a wider 3/16 inch joint may be the most conducive. in that case, we suggest choosing a grout color that closely matches your tile to minimize the appearance of the joints. whatever you decide, our take is that it’s best to follow industry-standard guidelines, or to use the smallest grout joint the tile requires, and to always consult your contractor or designer.

a final word on grout color: using a lighter-shaded grout with light-colored tiles is an easy way to make grout joints less conspicuous, especially if wider widths are needed for your installation. a grout color that matches the tone of your tiles will help the grout visually recede into the background. for example, you might use a light gray grout with white subway tiles or a beige grout with cream tiles. just remember that lighter grout colors are harder to keep clean, and that using a darker grout can add warmth to white or light tile colors, although it will likely fade over time. 

subway, your way

ok, we’ve covered subway tile sizes–now it’s a matter of looking through different materials, colors, and patterns to find the right subway tile for your project. will you opt for a classic ceramic tile or a natural stone, such as slate and marble? a classic brickwork or herringbone pattern? whatever you choose, with a stronger grasp of the different subway tile sizes and their practical applications, you’re ready to bring your design ideas to life for your bathroom or kitchen–or any living space.