Wallpaper calculator — how many rolls do you need?

Calculate the total wall area (perimeter × height minus windows and doors), then divide by the roll width to get the number of strips. Multiply strips × height × (1 + waste%) and divide by the roll length, rounding up. Always add at least 10% for waste.

The most common width in Europe is 0.53 m (53 cm). Other widths include 0.70 m (decorative), 1.00 m (structural) and 0.52 m (some vinyl rolls). Always check the exact dimensions on the packaging.

A standard roll is 10 metres long, usually yielding 3–4 strips for a 2.5 m ceiling. Rolls from some brands may be 10.05 m, 15 m or 5 m. Always confirm the length on the label.

Add 10–15% for plain or small-pattern wallpaper, and 15–25% for large-pattern wallpaper (e.g. large floral or geometric). The allowance covers pattern matching, end cuts, first and last strips, and any accidental damage.

Wall area = room perimeter × height minus windows and doors. Perimeter = (length + width) × 2. Example: room 4×5 m, height 2.5 m: perimeter = 18 m, wall area = 18 × 2.5 = 45 m². Subtract roughly 1.5 m² per window and 2 m² per door.

Use lightweight wallpaper paste for paper wallpaper (about 60–80 g per 10 l water), heavy-duty paste for vinyl and non-woven (80–100 g per 10 l). Non-woven (fleece-backed) wallpaper is pasted directly to the wall; paper wallpaper must be soaked for 5–10 minutes.

Prepare the wall (clean, smooth, prime), mark a vertical plumb line, start from a corner or window, apply paste to the wall (non-woven) or paper (traditional), smooth from centre outwards with a wallpaper brush or roller, and trim excess at ceiling and skirting.

Budget wallpaper: 20–60 PLN/roll; mid-range: 60–150 PLN/roll; premium: 150–500+ PLN/roll. Labour: 15–35 PLN/m². Example: 50 m² wall, 15 rolls at 80 PLN + adhesive 30 PLN + labour 50×25 PLN ≈ 2480 PLN. DIY saves about 50%.

Wet method: soak the wallpaper with warm water and washing-up liquid or a specialist remover, wait 10–15 minutes for the adhesive to soften, then strip with a scraper. Re-soak stubborn areas. After removal, wash the wall, repair any damage and prime before new wallpapering.

Wallpaper offers more decorative options, hides wall imperfections and lasts 10–20 years, but costs more and is harder to apply. Painting is faster, cheaper and easier to change, but requires a smooth surface. Choose based on wall condition, budget and desired effect.