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Wallpaper Calculator

Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham. US single roll approx 28 sq ft; double roll approx 56 sq ft. Last verified 14 June 2026.

Hanging wallpaper requires careful planning to avoid running out of material mid-wall or buying excess that cannot be returned. This wallpaper calculator estimates the number of rolls needed for a room by taking the total wall area, subtracting openings for doors and windows, and dividing by the usable square footage per roll. In the United States, wallpaper is typically sold in single rolls (approximately 28 to 30 square feet) or double rolls (approximately 56 to 60 square feet), although the exact coverage varies by manufacturer and product. Always check the square footage on the specific roll label. The calculator defaults to 28 sq ft per single roll and 56 sq ft per double roll. One roll is subtracted for each standard door and one roll for each window as a rough estimate of the deductions from those openings. If your doors or windows are very large, or if you have many of them, you may need to subtract more rolls manually. For wallpaper with a pattern repeat, buy at least one additional roll beyond what the calculator shows, as pattern matching wastes material from every strip. Always buy from the same run number (also called a batch or lot number) to ensure colour consistency. Keep at least one extra roll for future repairs.

Total of all wall lengths
Subtract 1 roll per door
Subtract 1 roll per window
Total wall area (sq ft)--
Net area after deductions (sq ft)--
Rolls needed--

Wallpaper calculation formula

Wall area = Perimeter x Ceiling height
Deductions = Doors x (1 roll sqft) + Windows x (1 roll sqft)
Net area = Wall area - Deductions
Rolls = ceil(Net area / Sqft per roll)

Worked example: 52 ft perimeter, 8 ft ceiling, 1 door, 2 windows, double roll (56 sq ft)

  1. Wall area: 52 x 8 = 416 sq ft
  2. Deductions: (1 + 2) x 56 = 168 sq ft subtracted (3 rolls' worth)
  3. Net area: 416 - 168 = 248 sq ft
  4. Rolls: ceil(248 / 56) = 5 double rolls

Wallpaper calculator: frequently asked questions

How much wallpaper do I need for a room?

Measure the room perimeter (the total length of all walls) in feet and multiply by the ceiling height to get the total wall area. Subtract 1 roll for each door and 1 roll for each window to account for the material you will not use on those areas. Divide the remaining square footage by the usable coverage per roll (typically 28 to 56 sq ft depending on roll type) and round up. This calculator does all of those steps.

What is the difference between a single and double roll of wallpaper?

Wallpaper rolls come in two formats in the US. A single roll is approximately 28 to 30 square feet. A double roll is approximately 56 to 60 square feet and is twice as long. Wallpaper is priced per single roll but usually sold in double-roll packages. This calculator handles both types. When in doubt, check the label on your wallpaper for the exact square footage per roll.

Should I add a waste factor for wallpaper?

Yes, especially if your wallpaper has a pattern repeat. A small random or textured pattern may only need 10% extra for pattern matching and waste. Large bold patterns with a long repeat (12 inches or more) can waste 20 to 25% of each roll matching the repeat. This calculator subtracts 1 roll per door and window as a rough allowance for deductions, but you should also add extra rolls if you have a pattern repeat to match.

How do I measure the room perimeter for wallpaper?

Walk around the room measuring each wall length in feet and add them all together. For a rectangular 14 x 12 ft room, the perimeter = 14 + 12 + 14 + 12 = 52 ft. Multiply by ceiling height to get wall area: 52 x 8 = 416 sq ft. Then subtract for doors and windows and divide by the coverage per roll.

What type of wallpaper is best for bathrooms and kitchens?

For high-humidity areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, use vinyl or vinyl-coated wallpaper, which is moisture-resistant and scrubbable. Paper-backed vinyl is the most durable option for wet areas. Avoid traditional paper wallpaper in bathrooms, as it can bubble, peel, and grow mould in humid conditions. Always use a mould-resistant adhesive and ensure the wall surface is properly prepared and primed before hanging.

Sources

Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology. Always check your product's roll coverage label.