How Much Wrapping Paper Do You Need? A Simple Formula
Quick answer: for each gift, cut paper that is (2 × box width + 2 × box height + 2 inches) long around the box and (box length + box height + 2 inches) across. Add about 15% extra for trimming mistakes, then divide the total area by the area of your roll. Ten shoebox-sized gifts need about two standard rolls.
Wrapping paper is easy to over-buy or run out of halfway through Christmas Eve. The formula below is the same one used in our free wrapping paper calculator, with worked examples so you can do it on paper if you prefer.
The formula, step by step
- Measure the box in inches: length (L), width (W) and height (H).
- Paper length around the box: 2 × (W + H) + 2 inches. The extra 2 inches is for the overlap where the paper meets.
- Paper width across the box: L + H + 2 inches. This covers the top, bottom and enough to fold in at the ends.
- Area per gift: multiply the two numbers together.
- Multiply by the number of gifts and add 15% for trimming and mistakes.
- Divide by your roll area (roll width × roll length) and round up.
Worked examples
| Gift | Box size (L × W × H) | Paper per gift |
|---|---|---|
| Small (jewelry, book) | 6 × 4 × 3 in | 16 × 11 in |
| Medium (shirt box) | 12 × 9 × 4 in | 28 × 18 in |
| Shoebox | 14 × 8 × 5 in | 28 × 21 in |
| Large (toy or game) | 18 × 12 × 6 in | 38 × 26 in |
Example: ten shoebox gifts. Each needs 28 × 21 inches. Ten gifts is 28 × 21 × 10 = 5,880 square inches, and 15% extra makes about 6,760 (roughly 47 square feet). A roll that is 30 inches wide and 15 feet long holds 5,400 square inches, so you need two rolls.
Rolls come in different sizes, and the size is printed on the label, so check it against your own numbers. If the roll is narrower than the paper you need, turn the paper so the shorter side runs across the width of the roll.
Tips to make paper go further
- Wrap the biggest gifts first, then use the offcuts for small boxes.
- Use gift bags and tissue for awkward shapes like bottles, soft gifts and toys.
- Draw guide lines on the back with a ruler so you cut straight, which wastes less.
- Use double-sided tape so you can use less overlap.
- Check out our 15 easy Christmas wrapping ideas for cheap options like kraft paper and cloth wraps.
FAQs
How do you calculate how much wrapping paper you need?
For each gift, cut paper that is 2 × (width + height) + 2 inches around the box and length + height + 2 inches across it. Multiply by the number of gifts, add 15% extra, and divide by the area of your roll.
How many rolls of wrapping paper do I need for 10 gifts?
Ten shoebox-sized gifts need about two rolls that are 30 inches wide and 15 feet long. Smaller gifts may need only one roll.
How much extra paper should I buy?
About 15% extra covers trimming and mistakes. Buy more if the paper has a pattern you need to line up.
What size is a standard wrapping paper roll?
Sizes vary by brand. A common roll is about 30 inches wide, with lengths from 15 feet up. Check the label for the exact size.
Is it cheaper to use gift bags?
Often it is, especially for awkward shapes. Bags can also be reused, which saves money and paper.
Key Takeaways
- Per gift: 2 × (W + H) + 2 by L + H + 2 inches.
- Add 15% for trimming and mistakes.
- Divide the total by the area of your roll and round up.
- Use the free calculator to skip the maths.
More Christmas ideas
Free tools to try: