All Calculators

Wallpaper Square Footage Calculator

Calculate wallpaper rolls needed for any room. Standard double rolls cover about 56 sq ft after pattern matching waste.

Wallpaper Calculator

Pre-set with a 15% waste factor for standard pattern repeats. Bump to 20% for large pattern repeats.
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Total Area
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With 15% Waste
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How wallpaper is sold

Most wallpaper is sold in "double rolls" — a single bolt that contains two rolls' worth. A standard double roll covers 56 sq ft after typical pattern matching.

Some imported papers come in single rolls (28 sq ft). Always check the label, because the math is very different.

Pattern repeat = waste

Wallpaper patterns repeat at fixed intervals. A 19-inch pattern repeat means every strip starts at a 19-inch increment, so you waste material aligning patterns. The bigger the repeat, the more waste.

Add 15% for standard repeats (under 18 inches). Add 20% for large repeats (over 18 inches). Add 25% for very large or random match patterns.

Pro tips

Buy from the same batch

Like paint, wallpaper has dye lots. Specify same batch when ordering multiple rolls.

Save extra for repairs

Keep one full roll for future patches. Discontinued patterns are nearly impossible to match.

Plan seam locations

Pattern matching at corners is hard. Plan to start at the most visible wall and work toward less-visible ones.

Subtract openings

Doors, windows, and large openings should be subtracted just like with paint.

Frequently asked

How big is a double roll of wallpaper?+
A standard American double roll covers approximately 56 sq ft after pattern matching. European single rolls cover about 28 sq ft.
How much extra wallpaper should I buy?+
15% for standard pattern repeats, 20% for large repeats, and 25% for very large or random patterns.
Can I match wallpaper for a repair later?+
Often not — wallpaper patterns are discontinued frequently and dye lots vary. Always save an extra roll.