Wallcoverings
Ceiling paper rolls
- where
- length of each strip (m)
- length across the room (m)
- trimming allowance (m)
- strips per roll
- roll length (m)
- strips needed
- distance the strips cover side by side (m)
- roll width (m)
- rolls needed
Explain this equation
Works out the rolls of paper for a ceiling.
Each strip runs across the room plus trimming. Whole strips per roll is the roll length divided by the strip length, rounded down. The number of strips is the distance to cover divided by the roll width, rounded up. Rolls are strips divided by strips per roll, rounded up.
Whole strips out of whole rolls.
Sense check: 3.5 m strips (3.6 m with trimming) get two to a 10 m roll; 4 m of ceiling needs 8 strips, so 4 rolls.
Watch out: hang ceiling paper parallel to the main window where possible, and choose the direction that wastes least.
Works out rolls of lining or ceiling paper hung across a ceiling, by counting full-length strips.
Enter your values to see the result.
Good to know
Ceiling strips are normally hung parallel to the main window wall and across the shorter span, so each strip is short and easy to handle. Allow about 50 mm at each end for trimming. For long strips, double rolls (20 m) cut waste.
Common mistake
Running long strips the full length of the room, which is hard to handle overhead and wastes more of each roll.
Limits
Rectangular ceilings. Chimney breasts and bays: add their extra strips by hand.
Sources
- A.S. Création, roll calculator (standard Euro roll 10.05 m × 0.53 m; add about 5 cm to the height; buy a spare roll)
- Double roll lining paper 20 m × 0.53 m (merchant listing, Toolstation)
- BS 8000-12 Workmanship on construction sites. Code of practice for decorative wallcoverings and painting
- Geometry: rectangle and cylinder surface areas, prism volumes
Results are calculations from the published methods and figures shown, and depend on the data you enter. Coverage depends on the product, surface and application. Always follow the paint and wallcovering manufacturers’ data sheets and BS 6150 / BS 8000-12. Check prices and VAT with your own records and HMRC.