How to Measure for Wallpaper
A quick, reliable way to work out how much wallpaper to order — and why ordering a little extra is smart.
In this guide
Measure each wall
Measure the width and height of every wall you plan to cover, in the same unit. Multiply width by height for each wall, then add the walls together for total square footage (or square metres).
Account for pattern repeat
Patterns with a large repeat need more material, because each strip has to line up with the next. Made-to-order brands like Canvas & Ivy print to your wall size, which reduces guesswork; roll-based brands list a "repeat" figure you add to each drop.
Add a waste margin
Add roughly 10–15% for trimming, matching, and mistakes. Keep at least one extra roll or panel from the same batch for future repairs, since dye lots can vary.
Subtract very large openings only
You can subtract big openings like picture windows or doors, but leave small ones in as part of your waste margin.
FAQs
How much extra wallpaper should I order?
Add about 10–15% over your measured area for trimming and pattern matching, and keep a spare roll from the same batch for repairs.
Does pattern repeat change how much I need?
Yes. A larger repeat wastes more at each seam, so large-repeat patterns require more material than the raw wall area suggests.