Wallpaper Calculator
How many rolls of wallpaper to order for a room. Handles pattern repeat (free-match, straight-match, drop-match) which changes the waste calculation.
How to use
- 1
Enter the room's length, width, and ceiling height.
- 2
Pattern repeat: check the wallpaper label. Solid colours and free-match patterns are 0. Patterned wallpaper is usually 30-64cm.
- 3
Match type: free match wastes least (no alignment). Straight match = pattern repeats across each strip. Drop match wastes most (pattern offsets diagonally between strips).
- 4
Subtract doors and windows.
- 5
Pick the roll standard — Euro 0.53m × 10m is most common in UAE.
- 6
Order 1 extra roll beyond what the calculator says for future repairs. Batches change colour.
Frequently asked questions
The vertical distance between identical repeat motifs on the wallpaper. If the same flower is 64cm below the next identical flower, the pattern repeat is 64cm. To match strips side-by-side, each strip needs enough extra length to align — which means more waste on each strip.
Free match (random match): no alignment between strips — cuts straight from the roll. Lowest waste. Straight match: pattern aligns horizontally; each strip starts at the same vertical point. Medium waste. Drop match (offset): pattern shifts down by half the repeat between adjacent strips. Highest waste. Always check the label.
European 0.53m × 10m is the global default — most rolls sold in UAE follow this. American rolls are wider and shorter (single 0.68 × 8.2m, double 0.68 × 16.5m). Non-woven / paste-the-wall premium rolls are sometimes 1.06m wide (less seam visible). Pick what you actually purchased — the calculator handles each.
Yes. Wallpaper batch numbers differ subtly in colour between production runs. If you damage a strip 6 months later or need to patch a hole, you may not find a perfectly-matched roll. Buying 1-2 extra at first order and storing them is the cheap insurance.
Free-match plain wallpapers and modern paste-the-wall non-wovens are DIY-able for someone patient. Pattern matching, traditional paste-the-paper, and ceiling work usually justify a paid installer. UAE installer rates: AED 15-30 per m² of wall coverage, more for textured or velvet wallpaper.
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Source: European wallpaper roll standard: 0.53m × 10m (5.3 m²) · Last verified 2026-06. This tool provides estimates only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Always verify your specific situation with the relevant UAE authority or a licensed advisor before taking action.