There are several ways to calculate how much wallpaper you will need, and many variables can come into play, such as vaulted ceilings, paper width, pattern repeat, number and size of doors and windows. Just as two situations are not exactly alike, no single method of calculation will work perfectly every time. It is always a good idea to do your measurements a couple of ways and then compare them. As the carpenter says, "measure twice, cut once." It is also a good idea to order a little more than you need in case you make a mistake or need to make a repair sometime later.

When you search for wallpaper on our Website, we provide a built-in calculator to help you determine how much you need to order based on your room dimensions, and the specific size and pattern repeat of the design you select.

If you want to develop a quick estimate of your needs, use the estimating charts or the square footage method described below.

Finally, if you want even more precision, engineer the room strip by strip.

Remember that wallpaper is priced by the single roll, but is sold in double- or triple-roll bolts. This method of packaging creates longer continuous runs of paper and usually results in less waste. So make sure your measurements adjust for the bolt packaging of your particular paper.

Always round up to the nearest foot when taking your measurements and use a yardstick or steel tape measure, not cloth.

Estimating Charts

Estimate Chart - Ceilings and Borders

Estimate Chart - Single Rolls Needed 20.5" wide paper, average repeat

Estimate Chart - Single Rolls Needed 27" wide paper, average repeat

After you have determined the number of rolls you need from the charts above, you can deduct one half roll for each standard size door or window. However, many people find that the little they may save by doing so does not compensate for the peace of mind that comes from having extra paper in case they run short, make mistakes, or need to make a repair. Do not deduct for windows and doors if measuring for borders or ceilings.

Square Footage Method

• Multiply the length of each wall by its width to get the square footage
  
• Add the square footage of all walls together
  
• Find the pattern repeat for the wallpaper you have chosen from the website, the sample book, or the product label
  
• Divide the total square footage of your project by the usable yield figure shown in the table below:
  

• This is the number of single rolls you need. Divide by 2 and round to the nearest even number to get the number of double-roll bolts needed. Divide by 3 if the product is packaged in triple-roll bolts. While product is priced by the single roll, it is packaged and ordered in full bolts.

Engineering the Room

Engineering the room involves planning where each strip will be hung before you start the job.

• Choose the inconspicuous spot where you intend to hang your first strip, and make a mark with your pencil. (See How to Hang Wallpaper)
  
• Measure the width of your wallcovering and add 1/8" to accommodate the natural expansion of the paper. Make pencil marks that distance around the room in the direction you will be hanging. At inside corners, subtract ¼" and at outside corners, subtract ½".
  
• Check to make sure you will not be left with any very narrow (2-3") strips to hang in corners or next to windows or doors. If there are, move your starting point to eliminate them as much as possible.
  
• Using the pattern repeat for the paper you have chosen, determine the length of each strip you will hang, including the necessary scrap to match the pattern.
  
• Determine the total amount of paper needed by adding the amounts needed for each strip. Divide your total measurement by the amount of paper in each bolt to determine the number of bolts to order. (Remember bolts come in single- or double-roll bolts.) Add one bolt for coverage
  

Measuring A Cathedral Ceiling Calculate each wall separately as some may be standard height and some may have a cathedral ceiling. Add up the square footage of each wall. To calculate the square footage of a cathedral ceiling wall, measure the height of the wall at the highest point and at the shortest point. Add these measurements together and divide by two. This gives you the average wall height. Multiply by the wall's width to get the square footage of the wall.

Measuring a Stairway Wall Divide the area into triangles ("A" and "C" in the diagram) and, if necessary, a rectangle ("B" in the diagram). Calculate the rectangle by multiplying the length times the height, and triangles as two-thirds the length times the height. Add the totals of these individual areas to determine the total wall surface to be covered. Divide the square footage by 44 and round up to determine the number of single rolls needed.