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Wallpaper Calculator

Calculate exact number of wallpaper rolls needed for your room. Get accurate coverage estimates with pattern repeat and waste calculations included.

Calculate Wallpaper Rolls

Room Dimensions
Wallpaper Roll

Typical: 21" or 27"

Typical: 33 ft

0 for solid colors

Deductions

Results

📦 Rolls Needed

Minimum
6
rolls
Recommended
7
+10% for waste
Wall Area
352.0 sq ft
Coverable Area
333.5 sq ft
Per Roll
57.8 sq ft
Waste
21.2%
Deductions: 37.0 sq ft (50% counted for waste)

💡 Tips

  • • Order 7 rolls to account for pattern matching and mistakes
  • • Buy all rolls from the same batch to ensure color consistency
  • • Keep extra roll for future repairs and touch-ups

Related Calculators

Standard Wallpaper Roll Sizes

TypeWidthLengthCoverage
US Single Roll20.5-21"16.5 ft~28 sq ft
US Double Roll20.5-21"33 ft~56 sq ft
European21" or 27"27-33 ft48-75 sq ft
Commercial54"30 ft135 sq ft

Note: Always verify roll dimensions before purchasing. Coverage varies based on pattern repeat and waste.

Pattern Repeat Guide

No Repeat (Solid/Texture)

No pattern to match. Minimal waste (5-10%).

Best for: First-time installers, cost-effective, easy cutting

Small Repeat (0-12")

Easy to match. Moderate waste (10-15%).

Examples: Small florals, geometric patterns, stripes

Medium Repeat (12-24")

Requires careful matching. Higher waste (15-20%).

Examples: Medium florals, damasks, traditional patterns

Large Repeat (24"+)

Difficult to match. Significant waste (20-30%).

Examples: Large florals, murals, dramatic designs. Factor extra cost.

How to Measure Your Room

1
Measure Wall Perimeter

Measure length of each wall and add together. For rectangular room: (Length + Width) × 2

2
Measure Ceiling Height

Measure from baseboard to ceiling or crown molding. Round up to nearest 6 inches.

3
Measure Openings

Measure width and height of each door and window. Note: Only 50% is deducted for waste.

4
Check Roll Specifications

Get exact roll width, length, and pattern repeat from manufacturer or retailer.

5
Add Safety Margin

Add 10-15% for standard patterns, 20-25% for large repeats, 25% for beginners.

Waste Calculation Explained

Wallpaper waste is inevitable due to pattern matching, cutting mistakes, and room irregularities. Understanding waste helps you order correctly.

Pattern Matching Waste

Each strip must align with previous strip. Large repeats waste 1-2 ft per strip.

Cutting Waste

Trimming around doors, windows, outlets, switches adds 5-10% waste.

Installation Errors

Beginners may waste 15-20% on mistakes. Practice on closet or behind door first.

Future Repairs

Keep 1 extra roll for touch-ups. Can't guarantee same batch later.

Installation Tips

📐 Start Point

Start in least visible corner or behind door. Work away from main light source.

🎨 Batch Consistency

Buy all rolls from same batch/dye lot. Colors vary between production runs.

📏 Plumb Line

Use level or plumb bob for first strip. Walls aren't always straight.

✂️ Seam Placement

Avoid seams at outside corners. Plan seams in inconspicuous areas.

💧 Paste Application

Follow manufacturer instructions. Some paste wall, some paste paper.

⏱️ Booking Time

Let pasted paper relax 5-10 min before hanging. Prevents bubbles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌
Not Ordering Enough

Can't match batch later. Always order 10-15% extra, especially for patterned paper.

❌
Ignoring Pattern Repeat

Large repeats waste significant paper. 24" repeat on 8 ft ceiling = 25% waste per strip.

❌
Wrong Roll Dimensions

Assuming all rolls are 21"×33 ft. European and commercial sizes differ. Always verify.

❌
Fully Deducting Openings

Deduct only 50% of door/window areas. Cutting around openings creates waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rolls of wallpaper do I need?
Calculate total wall area (perimeter × height), subtract 50% of door and window areas, then divide by usable area per roll. Standard roll (21" × 33 ft) covers about 50-60 sq ft depending on pattern. Always add 10-15% extra for pattern matching, cutting mistakes, and future repairs. For patterned wallpaper, waste can be 20-30% higher.
What is wallpaper pattern repeat and how does it affect quantity?
Pattern repeat is the vertical distance before the design repeats. Small repeat (0-12"): minimal waste. Medium (12-24"): 10-15% waste. Large (24"+): 20-30% waste. Each strip must be cut in full repeats to match patterns at seams. A 24" repeat with 8 ft ceiling wastes about 1 ft per strip. Solid/textured wallpapers have no repeat, so less waste.
Should I deduct doors and windows from my calculation?
Yes, but only deduct 50% of door and window areas. This accounts for waste from cutting around openings and pattern matching. Don't deduct areas smaller than 5 sq ft. For rooms with many small windows, it's safer to calculate full wall area. Large picture windows or patio doors can be fully deducted if carefully measured.
What are standard wallpaper roll sizes?
US Standard: 20.5-21" wide × 33 ft long (single roll = ~56 sq ft, double roll = ~112 sq ft). European: 21" × 33 ft or 27" × 27 ft. Commercial: 54" wide (no seams on short walls). Always verify roll dimensions before buying - manufacturers vary. Wider rolls reduce seams but cost more. Length affects how many full drops you get per roll.
How do I measure my room for wallpaper?
Step 1: Measure wall lengths and add them (perimeter). Step 2: Measure ceiling height from baseboard to ceiling/crown molding. Step 3: Measure each door (width × height) and window. Step 4: Note any alcoves, built-ins, or angles. Step 5: Write down if ceiling is sloped or uneven. Round measurements up to nearest 6 inches for safety. Use steel tape measure for accuracy.
Can I wallpaper a ceiling? How do I calculate?
Yes, ceilings can be wallpapered. Calculate ceiling area (length × width). Add 20% waste for ceiling work (more difficult = more waste). Use paste with stronger adhesion. Pattern direction matters - stripes should run along the length of room. Consider using prepasted or paste-the-wall paper for easier ceiling application. Tip: Work with a helper for ceiling jobs.
How much extra wallpaper should I order?
Standard: Add 10-15% for waste (pattern matching, mistakes, future repairs). Large pattern repeat: Add 20-25%. First-time installer: Add 25% extra. Complex room (angles, alcoves): Add 15-20%. Always order complete rolls - can't buy partial. Buy all rolls from same batch (dye lot) for color consistency. Keep 1 extra roll for repairs - colors change between batches.