Traditionally subway tile is 3 x 6 inches.
													
																	Dimensions of a subway tile. 
									
	
		
	
																	These decorative tiles are often used to delineate two sections of wall tile. 
																	What exactly is subway tile. 
																	In showers especially with a contrasting grout color this smaller size can look a bit busy. 
																	The classic 1 2 ratio is pleasing to the eye. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	The 3x6 size is the most common subway tile size. 
																	Photograph by chris tubbs. 
																	The smaller size opens up a wider range of material options including of course glass but also stainless steel as well. 
																	2 x 4 4 x 8 6 x 12. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	An optimist at home in notting hill. 
																	A typical backsplash is 18 tall giving you an even 6 rows of tile. 
																	It s a bit tough to define especially if you connote subway tile with a specific rectangular shape. 
																	Sometimes tiles that are not 1 2 but still have a smaller rectangular shape are considered subway tile as well like a 4. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	For the maximum long but narrow ceramic tile consider using listellos. 
																	However sizes for subway tile have expanded to include many other sizes. 
																	It s very popular size for kitchen backsplashes. 
																	Subway tiles are a perennial favorite in bathrooms as these too have a 1 2 size ratio. 
															
													
									
	
		
	
																	A century later these simple cheap durable easy to clean tiles are a go to option for kitchens bathrooms laundry rooms and mud rooms that work in a variety of interior design styles from industrial lofts to contemporary or period homes. 
																	While technically anything smaller than 3 x 6 could be considered mini subway tile the most common size is 1 x 2 subway tile. 
																	Subway tile became an instant classic when it was introduced in nyc subway stations in the early 1900s.