subway tile sizes: the designer’s guide to choosing the right one

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 (like clé subway in ceramic) 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 a white herringbone tile backsplash, 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. 

white subway tile kitchen backsplash

best subway tile sizes for a kitchen backsplash

white subway tile is a timeless choice for kitchen backsplashes, and selecting the right size can enhance both function and style. classic 3×6 tiles remain the most popular option, offering a balanced look that works in traditional and transitional kitchens. 2×4 tiles are ideal for smaller kitchens or detailed layouts, adding texture and visual interest through more grout lines.

for a cleaner, more contemporary feel, 4×8 tiles reduce grout visibility and create a more streamlined appearance—especially effective in modern kitchens with flat-panel cabinets. ultimately, the best subway tile size depends on your kitchen’s scale, cabinet style, and how much contrast you want between tile and grout.

selecting the right size based on your kitchen layout

choosing the right white subway tile size for your kitchen backsplash depends largely on your kitchen’s layout and proportions. in smaller kitchens or tight backsplash areas, 2×4 tiles help create visual detail without overwhelming the space, while fitting neatly around outlets and corners. 3×6 tiles work well in most standard layouts, offering a versatile balance that complements both compact and open kitchens.

for larger kitchens with long countertop runs or expansive walls, 4×8 tiles can make the space feel more streamlined and open by reducing grout lines and visual breaks. matching tile size to wall length, cabinet height, and focal areas ensures the backsplash feels intentional rather than crowded or undersized.

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.

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 plays a major role in how subway tile looks. standard joints (1/16–1/8 inch) create a cohesive, clean surface, while wider joints (1/4 inch or more) highlight each tile for a more rustic feel. for most installations, 1/8 inch is the sweet spot—balanced and versatile. tiles with natural variation, such as handmade or tumbled ceramics, often require a 3/16 inch joint; in these cases, a grout color that closely matches the tile helps joints fade into the background. as a rule, follow industry standards, use the smallest joint your tile allows, and consult your installer or designer.

when it comes to color, lighter grout with light tiles keeps joints less noticeable—think light grey with white or beige with cream. matching the grout tone to the tile helps it visually recede, while darker grout adds contrast and warmth but may fade over time and show wear differently.

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.

fequently asked questions

what is the standard subway tile size?

the classic and most common subway tile size is 3×6 inches. it’s considered the standard because it works well in most kitchens and bathrooms, fits traditional and modern styles, and is easy to install with minimal waste.what size subway tile looks best in a small bathroom?in small bathrooms, 2×4 or 3×6 tiles tend to look best. smaller tiles fit tight spaces more easily, wrap corners cleanly, and can make the room feel more detailed—especially when paired with light grout and simple layouts.

what size subway tile looks best in a small bathroom?

in small bathrooms, 2×4 or 3×6 tiles tend to look best. smaller tiles fit tight spaces more easily, wrap corners cleanly, and can make the room feel more detailed—especially when paired with light grout and simple layouts.

are bigger subway tiles going out of style?

no—larger subway tiles (like 4×8) are still very much in style. they’re popular in modern and contemporary spaces because they reduce grout lines and create a cleaner, more streamlined look.

what’s the best size for a white subway tile kitchen backsplash?

for most kitchens, 3×6 tiles are the safest and most versatile choice. if you want a more modern feel or have a larger kitchen, 4×8 tiles offer a sleek, low-grout look, while 2×4 tiles work well for smaller kitchens or designs that benefit from extra texture.