🎨 Wallpaper Calculator
Calculate wallpaper rolls needed
Standard: 21 inches
Standard: 33 feet per roll
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Wall Dimensions
Input the height and length of your wall in feet. Measure each wall separately for accuracy. For multiple walls, calculate each wall and add the roll counts together.
Specify Roll Dimensions
Enter roll width in inches (standard is 21 inches) and roll length in feet (standard is 33 feet). Check your wallpaper product for exact dimensions.
Calculate Wallpaper Needs
Click "Calculate Wallpaper" to see the number of rolls needed. The calculator automatically includes 15% waste for pattern matching, cuts, and mistakes.
Order Materials
Use the roll count to order wallpaper. Always buy all rolls from the same dye lot/batch for color consistency. Order wallpaper paste/adhesive separately.
Formula
Wall Area (sq ft) = Height (ft) × Length (ft)
Roll Area (sq ft) = (Roll Width (in) ÷ 12) × Roll Length (ft)
Rolls Needed = (Wall Area ÷ Roll Area) × 1.15 (15% waste)
Total Rolls = Round Up (Rolls Needed)
Example 1: Standard Wall (8 ft × 20 ft, 21" × 33' rolls)
Step 1: Calculate wall area: 8 × 20 = 160 sq ft
Step 2: Calculate roll area: (21 ÷ 12) × 33 = 1.75 × 33 = 57.75 sq ft
Step 3: Calculate rolls: (160 ÷ 57.75) × 1.15 = 2.77 × 1.15 = 3.19 rolls
Step 4: Round up: 4 rolls (with 15% waste)
Example 2: Tall Wall (10 ft × 15 ft, 21" × 33' rolls)
Step 1: Calculate wall area: 10 × 15 = 150 sq ft
Step 2: Calculate roll area: 57.75 sq ft (same as above)
Step 3: Calculate rolls: (150 ÷ 57.75) × 1.15 = 2.60 × 1.15 = 2.99 rolls
Step 4: Round up: 3 rolls (with 15% waste)
About Wallpaper Calculator
The Wallpaper Calculator is an essential tool for homeowners, interior designers, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts who need to accurately determine how many wallpaper rolls are required for their projects. This calculator eliminates guesswork by providing precise roll counts accounting for pattern matching, waste, and cuts, helping you order the right amount of wallpaper without waste or shortages.
When to Use This Calculator
- New Wallpaper Installation: Calculate wallpaper needed for bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, and other spaces
- Wallpaper Replacement: Determine materials needed for replacing existing wallpaper
- Room Renovations: Estimate wallpaper quantities for room remodeling and renovation projects
- Budget Planning: Calculate material costs by determining exact roll quantities needed
- Contractor Estimates: Quick reference for contractors bidding wallpaper installation projects
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Accurate Roll Count: Precise calculations prevent over-ordering or running short
- ✅ Pattern Matching: Automatically includes 15% extra for pattern matching and waste
- ✅ Customizable Roll Sizes: Supports different roll widths and lengths for various wallpaper products
- ✅ Cost Planning: Helps budget accurately by determining exact material needs
- ✅ Time Savings: Instant calculations eliminate manual math and measurements
- ✅ Professional Results: Industry-standard formulas ensure contractor-quality estimates
Common Applications
Residential Wallpapering: Homeowners planning new wallpaper installations use this calculator to order the correct quantity of wallpaper rolls for bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and accent walls. Pattern matching requires extra material, which this calculator accounts for accurately.
Commercial Wallpapering: Contractors and designers working on commercial projects use this tool to estimate wallpaper quantities for offices, retail spaces, and commercial buildings, ensuring sufficient materials are on-site before starting work.
DIY Projects: DIY enthusiasts planning weekend wallpaper projects use this calculator to determine materials needed, avoiding costly mistakes from ordering too little or too much wallpaper.
Tips for Best Results
- Measure Each Wall: Calculate each wall separately for accuracy, especially if wall heights vary
- Account for Doors/Windows: Subtract door and window areas (approximately 15-25 sq ft each) for accuracy
- Pattern Matching: For large patterns, add 20% extra instead of 15% for proper pattern alignment
- Order Same Batch: Always buy all rolls from the same dye lot/batch for color consistency
- Extra Rolls: Keep 1-2 extra rolls for future repairs and replacements
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wallpaper rolls do I need for an 8×20 foot wall?
An 8×20 foot wall (160 sq ft) requires approximately 4 rolls of standard wallpaper (21" × 33' rolls), including 15% waste for pattern matching and cuts. Without waste, you'd need about 3 rolls, but always add extra for pattern matching.
Why do I need extra wallpaper for pattern matching?
Pattern matching requires aligning patterns between strips, which creates waste. Different patterns require different waste factors: small patterns (10-15%), large patterns (15-20%), or random patterns (10%). Always add extra for proper pattern alignment.
How do I account for doors and windows?
Subtract door and window areas from total wall area before calculating. Standard doors are 20-30 sq ft, windows are 15-25 sq ft each. Or calculate each wall separately to account for openings more accurately.
What if my wallpaper has a large pattern?
Large patterns require more waste (20% instead of 15%) for proper pattern matching. Calculate rolls needed, then add 20% extra instead of 15%. Always verify pattern repeat distance on wallpaper label.
Should I order extra wallpaper rolls?
Yes! Always order 1-2 extra rolls for mistakes, future repairs, and replacements. Wallpaper colors can vary between batches, so keeping extra from the same batch ensures matching repairs. Unused rolls can often be returned if unopened.
How much does wallpaper cost per roll?
Wallpaper prices vary widely: budget $15-$40 per roll, mid-range $40-$100 per roll, premium $100-$300+ per roll. Prices depend on quality, pattern complexity, and brand. Also budget for wallpaper paste/adhesive separately ($10-$30).