How much wallpaper will you need?

Last updated Mar. 17, 2025 by Charles Zemub

How Much Wallpaper Will You Need?

Decorating a room with wallpaper can dramatically transform its look and feel, adding color, texture, and personality. However, calculating the exact amount of wallpaper needed can be daunting, especially for novices. Understanding how to accurately measure and calculate the amount necessary is crucial to ensure you have enough material to complete the project efficiently without wasting resources. This article will guide you through the essential steps to calculating wallpaper needs, including measurements, considerations for different room styles, and some tips and tricks for a successful application.

Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Wallpaper

Step 1: Measure the Walls

Start by measuring your walls to determine their dimensions. Here’s how you can do it:

• Height: Measure from the floor to the ceiling.
• Width: Measure the length of each wall from corner to corner.

For rectangular rooms, measure all four walls. If your room is more complex, with alcoves or additional partition walls, be sure to include these in your measurements.

Step 2: Calculate the Total Wall Area

Once you have all the necessary measurements, calculate the total wall area (TWA). Use the following method:

• TWA = (Height x Width of Wall 1) + (Height x Width of Wall 2) + … (for all walls measured).

Step 3: Deduct Areas Not to be Papered

Subtract any areas that will not be papered, such as windows, doors, or large fixed fixtures, from your TWA. Calculate the area of each feature and deduct it:

• Area to Deduct = (Height x Width of Window 1) + (Height x Width of Door 1) + …

• Net Wall Area (NWA) = TWA – Total Area to Deduct

Step 4: Determine Roll Coverage

Wallpaper is sold in rolls, each of which has a specific dimension and coverage. Standard roll sizes generally cover approximately 21 square feet or 56 square feet for double rolls. Always check the roll specifications. Consider the potential waste and extra required for complex patterns or repeat designs.

Step 5: Calculate the Number of Rolls Needed

Finally, divide the Net Wall Area by the roll coverage to find out how many rolls you need:

• Number of Rolls Needed = NWA ÷ Roll Coverage

Round up to the nearest whole number to ensure you have enough wallpaper for pattern matching and mistakes.

Special Considerations

Pattern Repeat

Patterns in wallpaper often require additional calculations. If you choose a patterned paper, check the pattern repeat length. You may need extra rolls to match patterns correctly across seams.

Complex Room Shapes

Rooms with alcoves, varying wall heights, or unusual shapes require careful measurement of each affected area. Additional paper may be needed for these adjustments.

Dealing with Waste

Always factor in at least 10% extra for waste, pattern matching, and mistakes. It’s better to have a little more than to run short.

Practical Tips

• Get a Sample: Before purchasing, obtain a sample to ensure it matches your room’s decor.
• Buy from the Same Batch: Purchase all wallpaper as a single batch to avoid color variations between rolls.
• Plan Layout: Lay out your design plan before starting to ensure alignment and pattern match.

✓ Short Answer

To determine how much wallpaper you need, measure the height and width of each wall, calculate the total wall area, and deduct the areas of windows and doors. Determine the roll coverage from its packaging, and then divide the total net wall area by this coverage to find out the number of rolls required, rounding up to account for waste and pattern matching.