Wallpapering your home is a fun DIY project that adds texture and elegance to any space. Wondering just how much wallpaper you’ll need to get the job done? Keep reading for a few basic measurements and calculations to cover your walls in style.

How to Measure for Wallpaper

(Shop this image: floral armchairs, jute area rugs, white sofas, gold wall mirrors, botanical wallpaper, and glam table lamps)

Tools Required:

• Wallpaper measurements
• Tape measure
• Calculator

Step 1: Determine the Number of Wallpaper Strips You'll Need

To find out how many wallpaper strips you'll need to cover your walls, begin by measuring the linear feet of your space:

• 1. Use a tape measure to measure the width of each wall you plan to wallpaper.
• 2. Add the widths of each wall together. This is your total width.
• 3. Measure the height of your walls. If your walls have different heights (e.g., if you have a vaulted ceiling or a sunken living room), measure to the highest point.

As you measure, don't deduct for windows, doors, or cabinets. Include these in your measurements to keep things simple and to ensure you order enough wallpaper for your project.

Sample Room Measurements:
Width of each wall: 11'
Number of walls: 4
Total Width: 11’ x 4 = 44’

Tip!

Take our What Type of Wallpaper Should I Use Quiz to find the perfect match for your home.

Step 2: Examine Your Chosen Wallpaper's Measurements

Now that you know the total height and width of the rooms you plan to cover, look at your chosen wallpaper’s specs and note the length, width, and design repeat, which tells you the distance between each repeating pattern. Convert all your specs into the same measurement to make comparisons as easy as possible. To convert inches into feet, just divide by 12. (Ex: 36" / 12 = 3').

Sample Wallpaper Measurements:
Roll width: 30" (2.5')
Roll length: 33'
Design repeat: 36" (3')

Step 3: Determine How Many Rolls of Wallpaper to Buy

(Shop this image: geometric wallpaper, gold bar carts, cocktail glasses, faux sheepskin area rugs, and bar tools)

Next, use the following formula to determine exactly how much wallpaper you’ll need.

• 1. Divide the total width of your walls by the wallpaper's width. This number will tell you how many floor-to-ceiling wallpaper strips you need. (Ex: 44' / 2.5' = 17.6 strips needed).
• 2. Add the height of your walls to the pattern repeat length to get your adjusted height. Wallpaper with a repeating design needs to be aligned at each seam, which often requires trimming excess paper. Adding the pattern repeat to your wall height ensures each strip is long enough to correctly match the design from top to bottom. (Ex: 8' + 3' = 11' adjusted height).
• 3. Divide the length of the wallpaper roll by the adjusted height in Step 2 to find out how many full strips you can get from each roll. (Ex: 33' / 11' = 3 usable strips per roll).
• 4. Round down to find the number of usable strips per roll if your result is a decimal after dividing. (Ex: 3.3 = 3 strips).
• 5. Divide the total number of strips you need (from step 1) by the number of usable strips per roll (from step 3). (Ex: 17.6 ÷ 3 = 5.87 rolls).
• 6. Round this number up to determine the number of rolls you need to buy. (Ex: 5.87 = 6 rolls).
• 7. Finally, add one extra roll to account for any mistakes or future repairs. (Ex: 6 rolls + 1 roll = 7 rolls total).

Tip!

Read our guide on Wallpapering 101: How to Install Wallpaper for everything you need to know after determining how much wallpaper you need.

You May Also Like