Wallpaper Roll Calculator

Plan wall coverage with roll size, pattern repeat, and waste easy inputs. Subtract doors and windows, estimate cost, and download reports fast for bids.

Enter Project Details

Roll size and room size use this unit.

Adds extra rolls using area coverage.
Adds top/bottom trimming allowance.

Set 0 for no repeat.

Use a different unit for doors/windows.

Use with the labor basis option.
Per area uses net area with waste.
Result will appear above this form.

Example Data Table

Room (L×W×H) Roll (W×Len) Repeat Waste Openings Estimated rolls
5.5×4.2×2.7 m 0.53×10 m 0.00 m 10% 1 door, 2 windows 7 rolls
18×14×9 ft 1.74×32.8 ft 1.74 ft 12% 2 doors, 3 windows 10 rolls
4×3×2.4 m 0.53×10 m 0.53 m 15% 1 door, 1 window 6 rolls
Examples are illustrative; real projects vary by layout and pattern matching.

Formula Used

  • Perimeter = 2 × (Room Length + Room Width)
  • Wall Area = Perimeter × Wall Height
  • Openings Area = Doors × (Door Width × Door Height) + Windows × (Window Width × Window Height)
  • Net Wall Area = Wall Area − Openings Area (when enabled)
  • Base Cut Length = Wall Height + Trim Allowance
  • Repeat Cut Length = ceil(Base Cut Length ÷ Repeat) × Repeat (when repeat > 0)
  • Strips per Roll = floor(Roll Length ÷ Cut Length)
  • Strips Needed ≈ ceil(Net Wall Area ÷ (Roll Width × Wall Height))
  • Total Rolls = ceil((Strips Needed × (1 + Waste%)) ÷ Strips per Roll) + Ceiling Rolls

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Choose your unit system and enter room length, width, and wall height.
  2. Enter roll width and roll length from the wallpaper label.
  3. Add pattern repeat and trim allowance if pattern matching is required.
  4. Optionally deduct doors and windows using their counts and sizes.
  5. Add waste allowance and any cost inputs to estimate budget.
  6. Press Calculate and review rolls, areas, and costs.
  7. Use the CSV/PDF buttons to save a job record.

Use these steps to estimate rolls before purchasing.

Wallpaper Roll Planning Guide

Why Accurate Roll Estimation Matters

Wallpaper is sold by the roll, but installed by the strip. A small measuring error can force a second purchase from a different dye lot, creating visible shade changes. Accurate roll counts reduce surplus and protect budgets. A planned waste allowance is usually cheaper than an emergency mid-project order.

Inputs That Drive Quantity

Room perimeter, wall height, and excluded openings set the base wall area. Roll width and roll length determine how many full-height strips you can cut. Pattern repeat and trim allowance reduce usable length per strip. Waste percentage covers mistakes, off-cuts, and future repairs.

Understanding Roll Coverage

Coverage is not simply roll width multiplied by roll length. The calculator determines strip length: wall height plus any trim. It then finds strips per roll as the floor of roll length divided by strip length. Multiply strips per roll by strip width, then round up to whole rolls. It also shows how tall walls and repeats quickly increase roll demand on site today.

Pattern Repeat and Matching Allowance

Patterned wallpaper requires aligning motifs at seams. If the repeat is 0.53 m (21 in), you may start each strip at the next repeat to match. This increases effective strip length. The calculator adds a repeat allowance so strips per roll decrease appropriately, which is why patterned jobs need more rolls.

Doors, Windows, and Obstacles

Subtracting openings can refine estimates, especially with many windows. Avoid over-deducting: you still need full strips to span around frames and returns. A safe approach is deducting only large openings and keeping a modest waste factor. The calculator supports counts and dimensions for doors and windows.

Ceiling and Accent Areas

Feature walls, alcoves, and ceilings change roll needs quickly. For a ceiling, area equals length times width, and coverage depends on roll orientation and seam planning. The calculator includes a ceiling option and estimates additional rolls separately, keeping wall and ceiling needs clear for ordering.

Common Roll Sizes and Conversions

Many wallpapers are sold as single rolls around 0.53 m wide and 10.05 m long, while some use 0.68-0.70 m widths or longer lengths. The calculator accepts custom sizes and supports metric and imperial entry. Conversions are handled internally so mixed specifications stay consistent.

Practical Ordering and Installation Tips

Order all rolls at once and confirm batch or lot numbers match. Check wall squareness and plan the first plumb line; small alignment errors compound across strips. Use the example table to sanity-check inputs before buying. Keep one extra roll for future patching in high-traffic areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I subtract doors and windows?

Deduct large openings, but be conservative. You still need full strips around frames, corners, and returns. Many installers deduct only doors, partially deduct windows, and rely on a 10-15% waste allowance for a safer roll count.

What waste percentage should I use?

For simple, plain paper in a square room, 8-10% often works. For patterns, high ceilings, or DIY installation, 12-20% is common. If you plan to keep a spare roll, include it separately or raise waste slightly.

How does pattern repeat affect rolls?

Repeat reduces strips per roll because each strip may need extra length to align the design. Large repeats and straight matches increase waste more than small repeats and random matches. Enter the repeat value to avoid under-ordering.

Do I need extra rolls for a feature wall?

Usually yes. A feature wall often needs careful centering and matching at the focal point, which increases off-cuts. Treat it like a separate wall section, keep waste higher, and consider ordering one extra roll for future repairs.

Can I mix metric and imperial inputs?

Yes, but keep each field consistent. Select the unit system first, then enter measurements in that system. The calculator converts internally so roll sizes and room dimensions align, preventing coverage errors from mismatched units.

What if my wall height varies?

Use the tallest height for strip length. Wallpaper must reach the highest point, and shorter sections will simply be trimmed. If heights vary significantly, add a little extra waste or calculate the tall wall area separately.

How many rolls should I buy from the same batch?

All rolls for a room should come from the same batch or lot to avoid color variation. Check labels when delivered. If you must buy later, take a roll with you to match codes and verify in good lighting.

Measure carefully, order extra, and enjoy flawless wallpaper results.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.