Wallpaper Calculator — Rolls & Cost
Estimate how many rolls of wallpaper you need for any room. Accounts for pattern repeat, doors, and windows, and supports both US standard (20.5″ × 33 ft) and Euro (53 cm × 10.05 m) roll sizes.
Wallpaper Calculator
Wallpaper Roll Sizes
| Roll Type | Width | Length | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| US single roll | 20.5″ (52 cm) | 33 ft (10 m) | ~56 sq ft (5.2 m²) |
| US double roll | 20.5″ (52 cm) | 66 ft (20.1 m) | ~112 sq ft (10.4 m²) |
| Euro roll | 21″ (53 cm) | 33 ft (10.05 m) | ~57 sq ft (5.3 m²) |
| Commercial / wide | 27″ (68.5 cm) | 27 ft (8.2 m) | ~60 sq ft (5.6 m²) |
| Murals (custom) | varies | made to wall size | per wall |
The Euro roll is now the global standard, including most designer and peel-and-stick brands. US single rolls are increasingly rare — pricing per single roll persists as a marketing convention even when sold as doubles.
How to Measure for Wallpaper
- Measure the perimeter of the room: 2 × (length + width). Walk it with a tape measure, including alcoves.
- Measure ceiling height. Round up to the nearest inch (or cm).
- Multiply perimeter × height = wall area in sq ft (or m²).
- Subtract openings: standard door = 21 sq ft (1.95 m²), standard window = 15 sq ft (1.39 m²). Don’t deduct openings smaller than 5 sq ft (0.46 m²).
- Add pattern repeat to the strip height: a 21″ (53 cm) repeat plus 8 ft (2.4 m) ceiling = 9 ft 9″ (3 m) per strip.
- Strips per roll: roll length ÷ strip height (rounded down).
- Strips needed: perimeter ÷ roll width (rounded up).
- Rolls: strips needed ÷ strips per roll (rounded up). Add 1 spare roll for repairs.
Imperial example: 12×12 ft room, 8 ft ceiling, 20.5″ × 33 ft single roll, no pattern repeat. Perimeter: 48 ft = 576″. Strips needed: ceil(576 ÷ 20.5) = 29. Strips per roll: floor(33 ÷ 8) = 4. Rolls: ceil(29 ÷ 4) = 8 rolls.
Metric example: 3.7×3.7 m room, 2.4 m ceiling, 53 cm × 10.05 m Euro roll, no pattern repeat. Perimeter: 14.8 m = 1480 cm. Strips needed: ceil(1480 ÷ 53) = 28. Strips per roll: floor(10.05 ÷ 2.4) = 4. Rolls: 7 rolls.
Understanding Pattern Repeat
The pattern repeat is the vertical distance between two identical pattern elements. It determines how much wallpaper you waste aligning seams.
- Random match (0 repeat): stripes, textures, grasscloth. No waste — cuts can start anywhere. Buy ~5% extra.
- Straight match: pattern repeats horizontally at the same height on each strip. Waste = up to one pattern repeat per strip. Buy 10–15% extra.
- Drop match (half-drop or quarter-drop): pattern shifts vertically every other strip. Waste = up to half a repeat per strip. Buy 10–20% extra.
- Large repeats (24″+ / 60 cm+): common for botanicals and damasks. Can require 20–30% more rolls than calculated for plain.
The repeat distance is printed on the wallpaper label, usually as “21″ vertical repeat” or “53 cm pattern repeat.”
Wallpaper Types and Cost
| Type | Price (per single roll) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl-coated paper | $20–$50 ($1.80–$4.50/m²) | Bedrooms, living rooms — entry-level |
| Solid vinyl | $30–$80 ($2.70–$7.10/m²) | Kitchens, bathrooms — scrubbable |
| Non-woven (paste-the-wall) | $40–$120 ($3.60–$10.70/m²) | Easy install, removable, breathable |
| Peel-and-stick | $30–$60 ($2.70–$5.40/m²) | Renters, accent walls — no paste |
| Grasscloth / natural fiber | $80–$200 ($7.10–$17.90/m²) | Designer feature walls |
| Designer / luxury / hand-printed | $100–$300+ ($8.90–$26.80+/m²) | Statement rooms, foyers |
| Custom murals | $5–$15 per sq ft ($54–$160/m²) | Single feature wall |
Professional installation typically adds $2–$4 per sq ft ($22–$43/m²), or $40–$80 per single roll, depending on pattern complexity and wall prep needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many rolls of wallpaper for a 12×12 room?
For a 12×12 ft (3.7×3.7 m) room with 8 ft (2.4 m) ceilings, 1 door, and 2 windows, you need approximately 8 standard US single rolls (20.5″ × 33 ft). Always round up and buy one extra roll for waste and future repairs.
What is pattern repeat and why does it matter?
Pattern repeat is the vertical distance between identical points in a wallpaper pattern. A 21″ (53 cm) repeat means you waste up to 21″ per strip aligning patterns. Larger repeats require more rolls — a 24″ (60 cm) repeat can increase rolls needed by 20–30%.
What is the difference between single and double rolls?
A single roll is 20.5″ × 33 ft (~56 sq ft / 5.2 m²). A double roll is 20.5″ × 66 ft (~112 sq ft / 10.4 m²). Most wallpaper is sold in double rolls but priced per single roll — always check the label or coverage in sq ft.
How much does wallpaper cost?
Budget: $20–$50 per single roll. Mid-range: $50–$100. Designer/luxury: $100–$300+. Peel-and-stick typically costs $30–$60 per roll but is easier to install and remove. Add ~$2–$4 per sq ft for professional installation.
Related Calculators
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- Drywall Calculator — need new drywall before wallpaper?
- Tile Calculator — tiling the bathroom instead?
- Carpet Calculator — flooring the same room?
- Area Unit Converter — convert between square feet, square meters, acres, hectares
- All Construction Calculators
Standard openings deducted: door = 21 sq ft (1.95 m²), window = 15 sq ft (1.39 m²). Roll counts assume the strip-and-perimeter method (industry standard); area-only methods underestimate by ignoring strip waste. Always order one extra roll for repairs — dye lots vary between print runs and may not match later.
