Wallpaper Calculator
Calculate wallpaper rolls needed for walls and ceilings. Accounts for pattern repeat, roll dimensions, and matching waste.
Room Dimensions
Openings
Wallpaper Details
0 for no pattern, 12-24 typical
Wallpaper Needed
12 rolls
Double rolls (33 ft)
Wallpaper Calculation Guide
Calculating wallpaper accurately prevents costly mistakes. Pattern matching, roll dimensions, and waste factors significantly affect the number of rolls needed.
Wallpaper Roll Sizes
North American wallpaper comes in standard sizes:
- Single Roll: 20.5" wide × 16.5 ft long (≈28 sq ft)
- Double Roll: 20.5" wide × 33 ft long (≈56 sq ft)
- Triple Roll: 20.5" wide × 49.5 ft long (≈84 sq ft)
European wallpaper is typically 21" wide. Commercial wallpaper may be 27" or 54" wide.
Usable Coverage per Roll
Actual usable coverage is less than roll size due to pattern matching and trimming:
- No pattern/random match: 25-28 sq ft per single roll
- Small repeat (0-6"): 22-25 sq ft per single roll
- Medium repeat (6-12"): 20-22 sq ft per single roll
- Large repeat (12-24"): 18-20 sq ft per single roll
- Extra large repeat (24"+): 15-18 sq ft per single roll
Pattern Repeat Explained
Pattern repeat is the vertical distance before the design repeats. It affects waste:
- Straight Match: Pattern aligns horizontally across seams (less waste)
- Drop Match/Half-Drop: Pattern drops half a repeat on alternate strips (more waste)
- Random Match: No specific matching needed (least waste)
Wallpaper Types and Costs
Vinyl Wallpaper
Most popular and durable. Washable and scrubbable. Costs $30-60 per roll. Easy to hang and remove. Good for kitchens and bathrooms.
Non-Woven Wallpaper
Modern, breathable material. Paste-the-wall application. Costs $40-80 per roll. Easy removal without damage. Eco-friendly option.
Grasscloth/Natural Materials
Textured, organic look. Costs $80-150+ per roll. Difficult to match patterns. Shows seams. Not washable. Used as accent walls.
Peel-and-Stick
Temporary, renter-friendly. Costs $30-70 per roll. Easy DIY application. Removable without damage. Limited pattern options.
Calculating Wall Area
Total Wall Area = Perimeter × Height
Perimeter = (Length + Width) × 2
Subtract door openings (20 sq ft each) and windows (15 sq ft each). Add 10-15% for pattern matching and waste.
Professional Installation
Professional wallpaper hanging costs $2-$6 per square foot for labor. Complex patterns, tall walls, and difficult materials increase costs. DIY is possible but requires patience and precision.
Preparation Requirements
- Remove old wallpaper completely
- Repair and smooth walls
- Prime walls with wallpaper primer
- Measure and mark plumb lines
- Acclimate wallpaper to room temperature 24 hours before hanging
Important Notes
Always order extra rolls (typically 1-2 additional) for future repairs. Wallpaper dye lots vary—ensure all rolls are from the same batch for color consistency.
Check manufacturer specifications for exact roll coverage and pattern repeat. Some specialty wallpapers have unique dimensions or installation requirements.
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is easier to install but may not stick well to textured surfaces. Traditional paste wallpaper requires more skill but provides better long-term durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wallpaper rolls do I need?
Calculate total wall area (perimeter × height), subtract door and window openings, then divide by usable coverage per roll (typically 25-30 sq ft for double rolls). Add 10-15% for pattern matching and waste. Example: 300 sq ft room ÷ 28 sq ft per roll = 10.7, round to 11-12 rolls.
What is pattern repeat in wallpaper?
Pattern repeat is the vertical distance in inches before the design pattern repeats itself. It affects waste—larger repeats (over 12 inches) create significantly more waste when matching patterns across adjacent strips. Random match patterns have no repeat and minimal waste.
How much does wallpaper cost per roll?
Wallpaper costs vary widely in Canada. Budget vinyl wallpaper costs $30-50 per double roll. Mid-range designer wallpaper costs $50-80 per roll. Premium grasscloth or specialty wallpaper costs $80-150+ per roll. Always buy from same dye lot for color consistency.
Do I need to subtract doors and windows?
Yes, subtract door areas (approximately 20 sq ft each) and window areas (approximately 15 sq ft each) from your total wall calculation. This reduces waste and gives a more accurate roll count. Still add 10-15% extra for pattern matching and installation mistakes.
How wide are wallpaper rolls?
Standard North American wallpaper rolls are 20.5 inches wide. European wallpaper is often 21 inches wide. Commercial-grade wallpaper may be 27 or 54 inches wide. Roll length varies: single rolls are typically 16.5 feet (≈28 sq ft), double rolls are 33 feet (≈56 sq ft).