Wallpaper Calculator: How Much Wallpaper Do I Need?

 living room wallpaper design
Photo: Victor zastol'skiy / Adobe Stock
 living room wallpaper design
Photo: Victor zastol'skiy / Adobe Stock
Highlights
  • To calculate your wallpaper needs, you'll need to find the square footage of each wall you want to cover.

  • You'll also need to know the size of the wallpaper roll.

  • Patterns may require extra wallpaper to match up.

Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
Geo Icon

Ready to transform a room from "meh" to "wow?" Wallpaper can help. But first, you need to find the answer to "how much wallpaper do I need?" Nothing is more annoying than running out of wallpaper in the middle of the project, so use this wallpaper calculator to get the right amount. 

How to Calculate Wallpaper Needs

woman holding roll of wallpaper
Photo: Ludmila Kapustkina / istock / Getty Images

To figure out how much wallpaper you'll need, make note of how large each roll is and the total square footage of the walls you want to cover, minus any openings such as windows and doors:

Number of Rolls Needed = Square Footage of Wall 1 + Square Footage of Wall 2 + Square Footage of Wall 3 + Square Footage of Wall 4 – Square Footage of Any Openings / Square Footage per Roll

How to Measure for Wallpaper

To measure for wallpaper, use a steel measuring tape to measure the height and width of each wall you want to cover, not including baseboards, moldings, and other areas you don’t want to cover.

If the wall has large openings, such as a door, window, or fireplace, also measure the height and width of those, then subtract their square footage from the wall's total square footage. You don't have to worry about subtracting small openings, such as outlets or light switches.

If you're going to hang paper with a pattern, you'll most likely need a bit extra to allow the pattern to align and to keep the wall from looking crooked. Add about 10% of the total square footage to your wallpaper needs.

Who to Hire to Hang Wallpaper

It can be worth it to hire a professional to hang wallpaper, as working with an experienced wallpaper installer can help you avoid buying too much (or too little) and ensure the finished project looks great.

Your best bet is to work with someone who specializes in installing wallpaper. If you can't find a local installer, another option is to hire a handyperson. Just make sure the handyperson has experience working with wallpaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many types of wallpaper exist, from removable peel-and-stick options to more permanent options that involve pasting. You can also find wallpaper that you can paint over, wallpaper with a texture, and wallpaper made from various materials, such as vinyl. Some types of wallpaper are washable, which can be a great option for kitchens or if your household has small children.

You may end up with extra wallpaper once your project is finished. Hang on to that wallpaper, as you may need to use it to patch up areas that get damaged later on. If you have a lot of excess wallpaper, try getting creative with it. You can use it to line the inside of a cabinet or drawers, for example.

Wallpaper costs depend on several factors, such as the type, who's installing it, and how much you need. Usually, peel-and-stick wallpaper costs less than more permanent options. If you DIY, you can also expect your costs to be lower compared to working with a professional. The average cost to install wallpaper is $560, but total costs can range from $175 to $1,500.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.
The homeowners guide to wallpaper services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Young woman tries out a new wallpaper
Jun 11, 2025
Jun 11, 2025
The cost to install new wallpaper ranges from $313 to $819, but factor in more if you have high ceilings, an expensive product, or specific customer needs.
A cozy living room with wallpaper on one wall
Mar 4, 2024
Mar 4, 2024
Figuring out the best temperature to hang wallpaper is tricky and depends on factors like humidity and air circulation. Learn when to hang up yours.
Woman hanging wallpaper
May 19, 2025
May 19, 2025
Knowing how to hang wallpaper lets you beautify any room and boost your DIY skill level. Follow these simple steps for pro-like results.
A senior man reading in a room with wallpaper
Apr 8, 2025
Apr 8, 2025
After ripping out old wallpaper, you may be left wondering, “How do I remove wallpaper paste from the walls?” Here’s how to get rid of old wallpaper glue.
A woman hanging fruit-covered wallpaper
Mar 20, 2025
Mar 20, 2025
Can you put wallpaper on textured walls? You can, but you might not want to. If you do, here are some tips to stack the odds in your favor.
accent wall bathroom with wallpaper
Mar 21, 2025
Mar 21, 2025
Is washable wallpaper suitable for bathrooms? Yes, but this only applies to certain types of wallpaper in specific situations. Here’s what you need to know.