How to Measure Your Wall
Get accurate measurements for your wallpaper order. Follow our simple guide to ensure you order the right amount - no waste, no shortage.
What are you ordering?
Choose your product type for the correct measuring guide
What You'll Need
The Quick Version
Wall Width ÷ Roll Width = Number of Rolls. Then choose the roll height that covers your wall. That's it! Read on for detailed instructions.
How to Order Wallpaper Rolls
Our wallpaper rolls come in a standard width with various height options
Measure Your Wall Width
Measure the total width of your wall:
- Measure at the top, middle, and bottom
- Use the largest measurement
- Write down the width
Example
Your wall is 108" (274 cm) wideCalculate Number of Rolls
Divide your wall width by the roll width of 20" (51 cm):
Example
Always round UP to the next whole number. 5.4 becomes 6 rolls.
Measure Your Wall Height
Measure from floor to ceiling:
- Measure at multiple points
- Use the tallest measurement
- Add a few extra cm/inches for trimming
Example
Your wall is 96" (244 cm) tallChoose Your Roll Size
Select the roll height that covers your wall:
Standard Rolls
Choose the height that matches or exceeds your wall height:
Traditional Rolls (for larger projects)
Traditional rolls are longer and can cover multiple strips from a single roll - perfect for larger projects or full room coverage.
Example
Wall height is 96" (244 cm) → Choose 100" (254 cm) rolls for perfect coverage with trim allowance
Tip: If your wall is between sizes, always choose the next size up for trimming room.
Your Order Summary
Complete Example
Pro Tip: Order 1 Extra Roll
For walls with doors, windows, or if this is your first time installing wallpaper, we recommend ordering 1 extra roll as a safety buffer. It's better to have a spare than to run short!
The Quick Version
Width × Height = Total Area. Then add 10-15% extra for trimming. That's it! Read on for detailed instructions.
How to Order Wall Murals
Custom-sized murals are sold by total square footage or square meters
Measure the Width
Measure horizontally from one corner to the other. For most accurate results:
- Measure at the top, middle, and bottom of the wall
- Use the largest measurement (walls aren't always perfectly straight)
- Measure to the nearest inch or centimeter
Measure the Height
Measure vertically from floor to ceiling:
- Measure at multiple points across the wall
- Again, use the tallest measurement
- Include any baseboards or crown molding you want to cover
Calculate Your Wall Area
Examples for both measurement systems:
Imperial (feet)
12 ft × 9 ft = 108 sq ftMetric (meters)
3.6 m × 2.7 m = 9.72 m²Tip: If measuring in inches, divide by 144 to get sq ft. If measuring in centimeters, divide by 10,000 to get m².
Add Extra for Trimming
This is crucial! Always order 10-15% more than your calculated area:
- 10% extra - for simple walls with no obstacles
- 15% extra - for walls with doors, windows, or complex patterns
Imperial
108 sq ft + 15% = 124 sq ft (order this amount)Metric
9.72 m² + 15% = 11.2 m² (order this amount)This extra material accounts for trimming at edges, pattern matching, and any mistakes during installation.
Doors, Windows & Obstacles
How to handle openings in your wall
Standard Doors
Don't subtract door areas. You'll need wallpaper around the door frame, and the extra material serves as your buffer. The waste is minimal.
Small Windows
Don't subtract small windows. Windows under 3×3 feet won't significantly affect your order. Keep them in your calculation for trimming allowance.
Large Windows / Picture Windows
Subtract 50% of large window area. For windows larger than 3×3 feet, subtract half their area from your total. This accounts for trim work while preventing over-ordering.
Pro Tip
When in doubt, don't subtract anything. Having a little extra wallpaper is always better than running short. Extra material can be saved for future repairs.
Measuring Multiple Walls
For covering an entire room or multiple walls:
- Measure each wall separately using the steps above
- Calculate the area for each wall
- Add all wall areas together
- Add 10-15% to the total
Example: 4-Wall Room (Imperial)
Example: 4-Wall Room (Metric)
Common Measuring Mistakes
Measuring Only Once
Walls are rarely perfectly square. Always measure at multiple points and use the largest measurement.
Forgetting the Extra
Not adding 10-15% for trimming is the most common mistake. You'll need this buffer for clean edges and pattern matching.
Subtracting Every Opening
Don't subtract every door and window. Only subtract half the area of large picture windows.
Mixing Units
Stick to one unit throughout - either feet or meters. Converting mid-calculation leads to errors.
Unit Conversion
Length
- 1 foot = 12 inches
- 1 foot = 30.48 cm
- 1 meter = 3.28 feet
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm
Area
- 1 sq ft = 144 sq inches
- 1 sq ft = 0.093 sq meters
- 1 sq meter = 10.76 sq ft
- 10 sq ft ≈ 1 sq meter
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my walls aren't straight?
Most walls have slight irregularities. That's why we recommend measuring at multiple points and using the largest measurement. The extra 10-15% buffer also helps account for this.
Should I measure to the floor or baseboard?
Measure to the floor if you plan to wallpaper behind the baseboard (for a seamless look), or to the top of the baseboard if you'll trim the wallpaper there. We recommend leaving 1-2 inches extra either way for trimming.
Do I need extra for pattern matching?
The 10-15% extra we recommend includes allowance for pattern matching. For very large or complex patterns, consider adding up to 20% to be safe.
What if I order too much wallpaper?
We recommend keeping extra wallpaper for future repairs. Small damages can be patched with matching material. Store extras rolled in a cool, dry place.
Can I return unused wallpaper?
Please check our return policy for details on returning unused, unopened rolls. Custom-printed wallpapers may have different return conditions.
How do I measure an accent wall?
Accent walls are measured the same way - width × height + 10-15% extra. For single walls, the measurement is straightforward since you only have one surface to calculate.
Ready to Order?
Now that you have your measurements, explore our wallpaper collections and transform your space.