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Wallpaper Calculator

Work out how many rolls of wallpaper you need for a room. Accounts for pattern repeat, doors, and windows. Standard NZ rolls are 10m x 0.53m.

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Disclaimer

This calculator provides estimates for general information purposes only. Results are based on standard formulas and may not reflect your individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many rolls of wallpaper do I need for a room?
A standard NZ wallpaper roll is 10m long and 0.53m wide (5.3 m²). With a 2.4m ceiling, each roll gives about 2 full drops. For a typical 4m × 4m bedroom (38 m² of wall area), you will need about 7–8 rolls with no pattern repeat, or 8–9 rolls with a 30–60cm pattern repeat. Always order one extra roll for cuts and future repairs. Source: Resene NZ.
How does pattern repeat affect how much wallpaper I need?
Pattern repeat is the vertical distance between identical points in the pattern. The longer the repeat, the more waste per drop because you have to align patterns between drops. With a random/free-match pattern there is zero extra waste. With a 30cm repeat, expect 10% extra waste. With a 60cm repeat, expect 20% extra waste. For very large repeats (1m+), waste can hit 30%. Always check the roll label for the pattern repeat. Source: Resene.
Should I hire a professional or hang wallpaper myself?
DIY is feasible if you have a small room with simple wallpaper (random pattern, smooth walls). Professional hanging costs $25–$50 per m² in NZ, plus the cost of the wallpaper. Pros are essential for textured wallpapers, large rooms with multiple corners, ceilings, and patterned designs that need precise alignment. Most painters and decorators in NZ offer wallpaper hanging. Always allow rolls to acclimatise to room temperature for 24 hours before hanging. Source: NZ tradesman quotes.

A wallpaper calculator estimates the number of rolls needed to cover a room. Standard NZ wallpaper rolls are 10m long and 0.53m wide. Pattern repeat reduces the usable length, so heavier patterns need more rolls.

How this calculator works

Enter the room dimensions and ceiling height, the wallpaper roll size, and the pattern repeat. The calculator works out the wall area (minus doors and windows), divides by the usable area per roll, and rounds up.

Wallpaper Coverage (Standard NZ Roll)

Roll size10m × 0.53m = 5.3 m²
Usable per drop (2.4m ceiling)~2 drops per roll
Pattern repeat (random)Full 5.3 m² usable
Pattern repeat 30cm~4.5 m² usable
Pattern repeat 60cm~4 m² usable

Worked Examples

Bedroom 4m × 3.5m × 2.4m high, 30cm pattern repeat, 1 standard door, 1 window

~8 rolls needed

  1. Wall perimeter: 2 × (4 + 3.5) = 15m
  2. Wall area: 15 × 2.4 = 36 m²
  3. Less door (2 m²) and window (1.5 m²): 32.5 m²
  4. Usable per roll with 30cm repeat: ~4.5 m²
  5. Rolls needed: 32.5 / 4.5 = 7.2 → round up to 8

Built and maintained by Konstantin Iakovlev. Data sourced from the IRD and official New Zealand government sources.

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