You've measured your wall. You've picked your pattern. Now you're staring at the size options wondering: how much wallpaper do I actually need?
It's the most common question we get, and getting it wrong means either running short mid-wall (nightmare) or ordering too much (annoying, but at least your wall looks good). Here's the straightforward guide to ordering exactly the right amount.
The Basic Formula
Our wallpaper comes in panels that are 30 inches wide. Here's the math:
- Measure your wall width in inches.
- Divide by 30.
- Round up to the nearest whole number. That's how many panels you need.
Example:
Your wall is 98 inches wide.
98 ÷ 30 = 3.27 panels
Round up → You need 4 panels.
Simple. But there are a few nuances that trip people up.
Choosing the Right Panel Height
We offer panels in these standard heights:
- 48 inches (4 feet)
- 72 inches (6 feet)
- 96 inches (8 feet)
- 108 inches (9 feet)
- 120 inches (10 feet)
- 144 inches (12 feet)
Measure your wall height and pick the size that's equal to or slightly taller than your wall. You'll trim the excess after installation — it's much easier to trim a little off the bottom than to deal with a gap.
Standard ceilings (8 feet / 96 inches): Order 96" panels.
Taller ceilings (9-10 feet): Order 108" or 120" panels.
The #1 Mistake: Cutting Panels in Half
This comes up constantly, so let's be clear: do not cut a panel in half to make two shorter panels.
Here's why: wallpaper patterns are designed to align side by side at full width. When you cut a panel in half and place the two halves next to each other, the pattern won't match at the seam. You'll have a visible, misaligned line running down the middle of your wall.
Example of what NOT to do:
Your wall is 60" wide × 54" tall. You think: "I'll order one panel at 30" × 108" and cut it in half to get two 30" × 54" panels."
This won't work. The pattern on the left half and right half won't align because the repeat doesn't fall at the halfway point.
What to do instead:
Order 2 panels at 30" × 72". Each panel is the right width, the pattern aligns perfectly, and you trim the extra height off the bottom. Done.
What About Doors and Windows?
Here's a common question: "My wall has a window in the middle. Do I skip that section?"
No. Order panels as if the wall were solid. You'll apply the wallpaper over the window/door opening and trim around it. This ensures the pattern stays continuous across the wall.
If you try to "skip" the window and start a new panel on the other side, the pattern won't line up. Trust the process: full panels, trim the openings.
Ordering for Multiple Walls
Wrapping an entire room? Calculate each wall separately:
- Wall A: 120" wide ÷ 30 = 4 panels
- Wall B: 96" wide ÷ 30 = 3.2 → 4 panels
- Wall C: 120" wide ÷ 30 = 4 panels
- Wall D: 96" wide ÷ 30 = 3.2 → 4 panels
- Total: 16 panels
Important: Order all panels in one batch. Wallpaper is printed to order, and colors can vary slightly between print runs. One batch = consistent color across your entire room.
Do I Need Extra for Pattern Matching?
With our wallpaper, no. Our panels are designed to align edge-to-edge without needing extra material for pattern matching. Just order the number of panels your wall width requires and the height your wall requires. The pattern matching is built into the panel layout.
Use Our Wallpaper Calculator
Don't want to do the math yourself? We built a tool for that. Our Wallpaper Calculator takes your wall dimensions and tells you exactly what to order — number of panels, which height, total cost. No guesswork.
When in Doubt, Order a Sample First
Before committing to a full wall, grab a sample swatch for $2. It's a 10" × 10" piece of your chosen design on the actual wallpaper material. Use it to:
- See the true colors in your room's lighting
- Feel the material quality
- Test adhesion on your specific wall surface
- Show your partner before you commit (always a good idea)
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
| Wall Width | Panels Needed |
|---|---|
| Up to 30" | 1 panel |
| 31" – 60" | 2 panels |
| 61" – 90" | 3 panels |
| 91" – 120" | 4 panels |
| 121" – 150" | 5 panels |
| 151" – 180" | 6 panels |
Ready to Order?
Browse our full wallpaper collection, use the calculator, and if you have any questions about sizing for your specific wall, reach out to us. We'd rather help you get it right than have you end up one panel short.