Wallpaper Calculator
Find out how many rolls of wallpaper you need for a room. Just enter your measurements.
Why this much?
Estimate based on the measurements you entered. Roll coverage and pattern repeat vary by product, so check the label before ordering.
How the calculator works
This calculator adds up the area of your four walls (length plus width, doubled, times ceiling height), then subtracts a standard allowance for doors (about 20 sq ft each) and windows (about 15 sq ft each) to get the wall area you’re actually covering.
We add a waste allowance on top for pattern matching and trimming, then divide by how much usable area a single roll covers, rounding up so you don’t come up short mid-wall.
Quick tips for buying wallpaper
- Buy a little extra. Wallpaper is sold by the roll, not the square foot, so rounding up almost always means one full extra roll.
- Check the pattern repeat. Large or busy patterns waste more paper when matching seams, so bump your waste allowance up to 20% or more for bold designs.
- Match dye lots. Rolls from different production runs can vary slightly in shade, so buy everything you need in one order.
- Measure each wall separately if they differ. This calculator assumes a simple rectangular room; alcoves and sloped ceilings need extra paper.
- Keep a spare roll. Hold one back after the job for future repairs, since matching a discontinued pattern later can be difficult.
Typical roll coverage
| Roll type | Usable coverage |
|---|---|
| Standard single roll | 25-30 sq ft |
| European double roll | 55-60 sq ft |
| Large pattern repeat roll | 20-25 sq ft |
| Peel-and-stick roll | 28-35 sq ft |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to paper the ceiling too?
This calculator only estimates wall coverage. Ceilings are rarely wallpapered, but if yours is, measure its area separately and add it to your total.
How much waste allowance should I use?
15% is a reasonable default for a simple pattern. Increase it to 20-25% for large repeats, diagonal patterns, or rooms with lots of corners.
Should I subtract closets?
This calculator treats the room as one open box. For rooms with closets, measure the closet walls separately and add that area if you’re papering inside them too.
What if my result is a fraction of a roll?
Wallpaper is sold by the whole roll, so always round up. A partial extra roll is also useful to keep on hand for future repairs.