How much does one roll of wallpaper cover?

A standard wallpaper roll is 10m long × 53cm wide = 5.3 m². After accounting for pattern repeat and waste, expect 4.5-5 m² of usable coverage per roll.

How do I calculate wallpaper for a room?

Measure room perimeter (all walls) × height = total area. Subtract large windows/doors. Divide by usable coverage per roll (4.5-5 m²). Add 10-15% for waste and pattern matching.

What is pattern repeat and why does it matter?

Pattern repeat is the vertical distance before a design repeats. Large repeats (>50cm) waste more paper matching patterns at seams. A 64cm repeat can waste 20-30% more material than a 32cm repeat.

Should I subtract doors and windows?

Subtract large windows and patio doors (>2 m²). Don't subtract standard doors or small windows—this accounts for waste and gives you spare rolls for future repairs.

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Wallpaper Calculator

Room Perimeter (m)

Wall Height (m)

Roll Length (m)

Rolls Needed

Total Area: 50 m²
+10% waste allowance

Reviewed by Lisa Chen, Interior Designer | Last Updated: November 2025

Wallpaper Calculation Guide

Wallpaper installation requires precise measurement to avoid running short or over-ordering. Pattern repeats, ceiling heights, and waste factors all affect the final roll count.

💡 Expert Tip: Pattern Repeat Matters

"Always check the pattern repeat before ordering. A large repeat (>50cm) can waste 20-30% more material because each strip must be cut to match the pattern. For a 12-roll job with 64cm repeat, you might need 14-15 rolls instead."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Subtracting All Windows/Doors: Only subtract large windows and patio doors (>2 m²). Keep coverage for standard doors and small windows to account for waste.
Ignoring Pattern Repeat: Solid colors have no repeat, but patterns require matching. Check the roll label—32cm repeat wastes less than 64cm repeat.
Forgetting Ceiling Height Variations: Sloped ceilings, bulkheads, or stairwells need extra material. Measure the tallest point and add 20% for complex rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I measure room perimeter?

Measure each wall and add them together. For a rectangular 4m × 5m room: (4+5+4+5) = 18m perimeter. Include bump-outs and alcoves.

What is standard wallpaper roll size?

Most rolls are 10m long × 53cm wide (5.3 m² total). European rolls are sometimes 10.05m × 52cm. Peel-and-stick wallpaper varies widely (check packaging).

Is peel-and-stick easier than traditional?

Yes, peel-and-stick is DIY-friendly (no paste, easier repositioning), but costs 2-3× more and doesn't last as long (5-7 years vs 15+ for traditional). Great for renters.