How to Estimate the Amount of Wallpaper Needed

Because wallpaper comes in strips, you'll likely end up with more waste than you would with paint. You can figure out roughly how much you'll need - and minimize waste - with these instructions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Calculators
• Measuring Tapes
• Wallpaper
• Calculators

1. Multiply the length of each wall to be papered by its height to get the rough square footage of the wall.

2. Multiply the length and width of each window and door. Subtract the square footage of the windows and doors from that of the walls.

3. Divide this figure by 25 for the number of rolls of wallpaper you'll likely need. Then add 20 percent - now you should really have enough paper.

4. Add another 25 percent if the paper has a large repeating pattern (known as a drop pattern) of, say, 12 inches or more. You'll have to cut this paper more often (creating waste) to make the pattern match.

5. To be sure you get the right amount, have the folks at the wallpaper store check your calculations.

Tips & Warnings

• Wallpaper is sold in double-roll packages (or bolts). Make sure you don't buy twice what you really need.
• Standard wallpaper rolls are 20 1/2-inches wide, but some specialty papers run up to 35-inches wide.
• Double-roll bolts usually contain three 8-foot strips, with leftover paper to use above doors and above and below windows.
• Keep all extra material over 12 inches for repairs and to help fit the patterns. Remember that batches of wallpaper will always contain slight variations in color and pattern.

on 11/22/2005 I strongly recommend ordering an "extra double roll" with original order. It will save disappointment later if the dye lot of any reordered paper is different from original order. Unopened, double rolls can usually be returned for a small restocking fee.