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Wallpaper Yardage Calculator

Wallpaper Measurement FAQs

 

Accurate wallpaper measurements are needed for a successful home decorating project. Getting these measurements wrong can lead to wasted materials, increased costs, and frustrating installation delays.

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Proper wallpaper measurement involves taking the width of each wall at its widest point and the height from the lowest floor point to the highest ceiling point, then combining these measurements to determine the total coverage needed. This approach ensures enough material while accounting for pattern repeats and potential installation challenges.

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Getting Started with Wallpaper Measurements

Accurate wall measurements are essential for calculating the correct amount of wallpaper needed for any project. The right tools and precise measurements prevent costly mistakes and ensure sufficient coverage.

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Tools Required for Accurate Measurements

A metal tape measure provides the most reliable measurements for wallpaper projects. Select one that's at least 25 feet long with clear, readable numbers.

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A pencil and notepad are crucial for recording measurements immediately. This prevents errors from memory lapses or miscommunication.

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Essential Measurement Points:

  • Wall width at the widest point

  • Height from floor to ceiling

  • Window dimensions and locations

  • Door frames and openings

 

Take measurements twice to confirm accuracy. Record each dimension in both feet and inches for easy calculations.

The tape measure must lay flat against the wall surface. Pull it taut to avoid sagging, which can lead to inaccurate measurements.

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For complex walls, create a simple sketch with labeled dimensions. This helps track measurements for walls with multiple windows or architectural features.

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Measuring Your Walls Correctly

Accurate wall measurements form the foundation of a successful wallpaper installation. Taking precise measurements while accounting for obstacles and wall types ensures you order the right amount of wallpaper and achieve professional results.

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Calculating Wall Width and Height

Measure the wall width at multiple points - top, middle, and bottom. Use the largest measurement to ensure complete coverage.

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Record the wall height from the baseboard to the ceiling. Take multiple measurements at different points, especially on older homes where floors and ceilings may not be perfectly level.

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Multiply the width by height to calculate the total square footage of a wall. You can also use our Wallpaper Yardage Calculator above!

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Incorporating Wall Obstacles

List all doors, windows, and built-in features that won't need wallpaper coverage. Measure their exact dimensions and subtract from the total wall area.

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Make note of light switches, outlets, and air vents. These require careful cutting during installation but don't affect the quantity calculation.

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Mark locations of architectural details like chair rails or crown molding. These create natural breaking points that may impact pattern alignment.

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Adjusting Measurements for Wall Types​

Sloped or slanted walls need special consideration. Measure both the shortest and tallest points, then use the longer measurement to ensure full coverage.

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Curved walls demand additional material. Measure the actual curved surface distance rather than the straight-line distance between endpoints.

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Check for any uneven surfaces or damage that might need repair before installation. Document these areas to address them during wall preparation.

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Calculating Wallpaper Quantity

Precise wallpaper calculations require measuring wall dimensions, accounting for pattern repeats, and adding extra material for matching and potential mistakes.

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Understanding Total Square Footage

Start by measuring each wall's height and width using a metal tape measure or laser measuring tool & write down measurements.

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Multiply the height by width for each wall to determine individual wall square footage. Add these numbers together for the total wall area.

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Subtract areas that won't need wallpaper, like windows and doors. Measure each opening's height and width, multiply them together, and subtract from the total wall area.

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Factoring in Pattern Repeats and Matches

Check the wallpaper label for pattern repeat measurements - this is the vertical distance between identical design elements.​

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Divide wall width by wallpaper width to determine the number of strips needed. Always round up to the next whole number.​​

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Wallpaper Measuring Frequently Asked Questions

Accurate measurements and calculations are crucial in successful wallpaper installation. Proper planning helps avoid wastage, saves you money and ensures sufficient coverage for the entire space.

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How do I calculate the amount of wallpaper needed for a room?

Multiply the wall height by the total width of all walls to determine the square footage needed. You can add 10% or so extra for any potential mistakes.

Divide the total square footage by wallpaper width to determine the number of rolls/yards needed.

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What steps should I take to measure a room for wallpaper?

Start by measuring the height of each wall from baseboard to ceiling. Measure the width of each wall from corner to corner.

Write down all measurements in inches, always rounding up to the nearest inch. Include notes about windows, doors, and other features that won't need covering.

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Can you explain the meaning of wallpaper pattern repeats like 64/32?

Pattern repeats indicate the vertical distance before a design repeats itself. A 64/32 pattern means the full repeat occurs every 64 inches, with a half-drop match at 32 inches.

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What's the best way to measure a room for wallpaper with repeat patterns?

Calculate the total wall area first.  Consider the pattern match type (straight or drop) when calculating.

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How do you determine the number of wallpaper rolls required for a room?

Calculate total square footage needed including any pattern-matching allowance. Subtract any large openings like windows and doors.

Divide the total by the usable square footage per roll. Round up to the nearest whole roll for safety.

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What are the considerations for measuring square footage for wallpapering?

Account for all architectural features like alcoves, bay windows, and dormers. Measure each wall section separately for accuracy.

Include measurements for inside corners and around doorways. These areas often require additional material for proper pattern alignment.

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