What is the standard wallpaper roll size in the UK?

The standard UK wallpaper roll is 10.05m long × 0.53m wide, giving a coverage area of approximately 5.3 m². Some manufacturers offer wider rolls at 0.70m width. European rolls and designer brands like Farrow & Ball may differ slightly — always check the roll dimensions on the packaging before ordering.

How does pattern repeat affect the number of rolls I need?

Pattern repeat means each strip of wallpaper must be aligned with the adjacent strip. A large pattern repeat (over 300mm) can waste 15-20% more wallpaper per roll because you need to cut each drop longer to match the pattern. Our calculator adds extra waste for pattern matching automatically — no repeat means no extra waste, while large repeats add up to 20%.

Should I always round up when buying wallpaper?

Yes — always round up. You cannot buy half rolls, and it's essential to have spare wallpaper from the same batch in case of mistakes, damage, or future repairs. We recommend buying at least one extra roll beyond the calculated amount. Paint batch numbers and wallpaper dye lots can vary, so buying all your rolls together ensures consistent colour.

Do I subtract doors and windows when calculating wallpaper?

Yes. Our calculator subtracts standard door widths (0.8m) and window widths (1.2m) from the room perimeter to reduce the number of drops needed. However, you will still need partial drops above doors and below windows, so the saving is modest. For safety, some decorators prefer not to subtract openings at all.

How much wallpaper paste do I need?

A standard packet of wallpaper paste (such as Solvite All Purpose) typically covers 7-10 rolls when mixed according to the instructions. For heavy or vinyl wallpapers, use a stronger mix which covers fewer rolls per packet. Always follow the manufacturer's mixing instructions for the best adhesion.

Wallpaper Calculator — How Many Rolls Do I Need?

Calculate wallpaper rolls needed for any room. Accounts for pattern repeats, doors and windows using standard UK roll sizes.

Room Length

Room Width

Ceiling Height

Standard UK ceiling height is 2.4m

Roll Size

Number of Doors

Standard door width 0.8m subtracted

Number of Windows

Standard window width 1.2m subtracted

Pattern Repeat

Larger patterns waste more wallpaper per roll

Include wastage allowance

Adds 10% extra for trimming, mistakes and spares

Wastage Percentage

10% recommended — ensures you have spare from the same batch

Price Per Roll (optional)

Enter your supplier price for a cost estimate

How We Calculate This

Our wallpaper calculator works by calculating the number of drops (vertical strips) needed to cover your room perimeter, then working out how many usable drops you get from each roll. Pattern repeat is accounted for by increasing the effective drop length.

The formula

Total drops = Room perimeter ÷ Roll width

Usable drops per roll = Roll length ÷ (Ceiling height × (1 + pattern waste factor))

Rolls needed = Total drops ÷ Usable drops per roll × Wastage factor

For example, a room 4m × 3.5m with 2.4m ceilings and standard rolls (10.05m × 0.53m): Perimeter = 15m. Drops needed = 15 ÷ 0.53 = 29 drops. Drops per roll = 10.05 ÷ 2.4 = 4 drops. Rolls = 29 ÷ 4 = 8 rolls (rounded up), plus 10% wastage = 9 rolls.

Pattern repeat waste factors

No repeat: 0% extra — plain papers or random match
Small repeat (<150mm): 5% extra
Medium repeat (150-300mm): 10% extra
Large repeat (>300mm): 20% extra — significantly reduces usable drops per roll

All results are rounded up because you cannot purchase partial rolls. We always recommend buying at least one extra roll from the same batch for repairs and mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Verify with your supplier.