Wrapping Paper Calculator
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Sheet size from box L × W × H plus overlap — divided by roll area for rolls to buy.
Box & roll size
Rolls needed
1
Sheet 18×16 in · ~10 similar boxes per roll
- Sheet length
- 18 in
- Sheet width
- 16 in
- Rolls to buy
- 1
- Similar boxes per roll
- 10
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How much wrapping paper do you need?
Standard box wrapping uses one rectangular sheet: length plus height on one side, width plus height on the other, each with a little overlap to hide seams. This calculator adds your overlap allowance to both dimensions before computing sheet area.
Roll area is roll width times roll length (length entered in feet; width in inches or centimeters matching your unit toggle). Divide sheet area into roll area and round up — partial sheets still mean buying another roll for the next gift.
Example: a 12×10×4 inch box with 2-inch overlap needs an 18×16 inch sheet (288 sq in). A 30-inch-wide roll × 8 ft long yields 2,880 sq in — enough for several similar boxes if you cut efficiently.
Odd shapes, tubes, and bags need more paper than box math suggests — this tool assumes rectangular prisms. Gift bags or tissue may be easier for awkward items even when the box formula says one sheet fits.
Switch US ↔ metric to match your ruler; box dimensions and roll width remap on toggle. Roll length stays in feet as sold on most US retail labels — convert mentally if your rolls are marked in meters.
Buy one extra roll for last-minute gifts and cutting waste. Patterned paper with large repeats may need extra length to align motifs — not modeled here.
Pair with the days-until-Christmas countdown and cookie exchange calculator when planning holiday party prep and gift volume together.
Common questions
How much overlap should I add?
1–2 inches (2–5 cm) per side is typical to hide seams and tuck ends. Thick boxes or heavy paper may need slightly more.
Why is roll length in feet only?
Most US rolls are labeled in feet. Box and roll width follow your unit toggle; multiply roll feet by 12 for inches when comparing to sheet size in imperial mode.
Does this account for pattern matching?
No — it uses plain area math. Stripes and large prints may need extra length to align patterns at seams.