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Discover wallpaper installation cost. Learn about material, labor, and project factors to estimate your budget and make informed choices for your home.
Wallpaper Calculator: How Much Wallpaper Do I Need?
Photo: Victor zastol'skiy / Adobe Stock
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.
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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
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
The homeowners guide to wallpaper services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Knowing how to hang wallpaper lets you beautify any room and boost your DIY skill level. Follow these simple steps for pro-like results.
Do you have wood-paneled walls you'd like to conceal? If you're wondering if you can install wallpaper over paneling, the answer is yes. Find out how.
You can wallpaper over painted wallpaper if the wall is smooth and damage-free so that the newest layer can adhere well to it.
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.
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.