Origami Base Size Calculator

Each origami base uses a different fraction of the starting paper in the final model. For a bird base, the finished model is roughly 25 to 35% of the diagonal paper size. For a waterbomb base, approximately 30 to 40%. This calculator uses empirical multipliers derived from common origami bases to estimate the required paper size.

The bird base is one of the fundamental origami bases used to create many traditional models including the crane. Starting from a square sheet, it produces a shape with four narrow points. The crane's body height is approximately 30% of the starting paper's size. To fold a crane 10 cm tall, you need approximately a 33 cm square.

Most beginner models work well with 15 x 15 cm (6 x 6 inch) paper. Larger paper (20 to 25 cm) is easier to handle for complex models. Traditional origami paper (kami) comes in 15 cm squares. Foil paper is better for advanced models that need to hold sharp creases.

Most traditional origami bases (bird base, fish base, waterbomb base, preliminary base, frog base) start from a square. Some models use rectangles (like a dollar bill fold), and modular origami uses many smaller sheets. This calculator is designed for square paper bases.

Origami size ratios are approximate because the exact final size depends on individual folding tightness, paper thickness, and the specific model design. Use this calculator as a starting guide and test with a practice sheet before using fine paper. More complex models (more collapse steps) will produce a smaller finished model relative to paper size.