How Much Wallpaper
Do I Need?
Last updated: July 2026
A practical guide from
La Muur WALLPAPER
SOUTH AFRICA
Whether you’re wallpapering a single feature wall or an entire room, calculating the correct number of rolls is one of the most important parts of your project.
Order too few and you may not be able to match the production batch later.
Order too many and you’ve spent more than necessary.
This guide explains how to calculate wallpaper quantities, why pattern repeat matters and when it’s worth ordering an extra roll.
Quick Answer
Most standard European wallpaper rolls cover approximately 5m².
The exact number of rolls you need depends on:
– Wall width
– Wall height
– Pattern repeat
– Pattern match
– Ceiling height
– Installation wastage
The easiest way to calculate your quantity is to use our Wallpaper Calculator.
Need help?
Contact us if you’d like us to double-check your quantities.
Step 1 – Measure Your Walls Correctly
Measure the width and height of each wall you plan to wallpaper.
Don’t estimate.
Walls are rarely perfectly square, so measure both ends and use the larger measurement.
A standard spare bedroom wall, for example, might measure:
Wall width: 3m
Wall height: 2.7m
Wall area: 8.1m²
Step 2 – Understand
Standard Wallpaper Roll Sizes
Most European wallpaper rolls sold by la muur measure:
- 10 metres long
- 52 centimetres wide
What is the wallpaper coverage
of a 10m roll?
This is the starting point for every quantity calculation.
We have a minimum order quantity of 2 rolls of wallpaper (sufficient to fill one small spare room wall).
We always recommend that you order one extra roll – for batch consistency and future repairs.
Step 3 – Pattern Repeat Changes Everything
This is where most quantity mistakes happen.
Wallpaper isn’t simply cut into equal lengths.
Each strip must line up with the next, which means some material is always lost during installation.
The larger the pattern repeat, the greater the wastage.
Typical allowances are:
As a general guide:
Random or Free Match: add 10%
Small Offset Match: add 15–20%
Large Offset Match: add 20–30%
Every La Muur product page includes the pattern repeat and match type to help you calculate accurately.
Straight, unpatterned or textured wallpaper:
Random/ Free Match: 10% wastage
small pattern repeat wallpaper
Offset Match: 15-20% wastage
LARGE PATTERN REPEAT WALLPAPER
Offset Match: 20-30% wastage
Step 4 – Ceiling Height Makes a Difference
Many online wallpaper calculators assume ceilings of around 2.4–2.6 metres.
Many South African homes – particularly newer builds – have ceilings closer to 2.7m or higher.
At 2.7m you typically get three drops from a roll.
At 3m you may only get two full drops.
That difference alone can increase your order by an entire roll.
Step 5 – Should You Deduct
Doors and Windows?
Usually, no.
Wallpaper still has to be cut around openings, and pattern matching creates wastage regardless.
Only consider deducting measurements for:
– Large sliding doors
– Full-height glazing
– Very large windows
Even then, it’s better to be conservative.
Why We Recommend Ordering One Extra Roll
Every wallpaper design is printed in production batches.
Although manufacturers work to incredibly high standards, slight colour variations can occur between different print runs.
Keeping one spare roll means you have:
- A perfect colour match for future repairs
- Protection against accidental damage
- Peace of mind if you ever redecorate
It’s one of the simplest decisions that can save considerable frustration later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many square metres does one wallpaper roll cover?
Most standard European wallpaper rolls cover approximately 5m², although pattern repeat reduces the usable coverage.
Does pattern repeat affect how many rolls I need?
Yes.
Larger pattern repeats create more wastage during installation and often require additional rolls.
Can I subtract doors and windows?
Usually not.
Pattern matching means much of the material around openings is still required.
Should I order an extra roll?
Yes.
We recommend ordering one extra roll whenever possible to allow for repairs and future colour matching.
Need Help?
Use our Wallpaper Calculator for an instant estimate, or send us your wall measurements.
We’ll happily confirm your quantities before you order.