Wallcoverings
Lining paper rolls by area
- where
- area including waste (m²)
- wall area to line (m²)
- ceiling area to line (m²)
- waste allowance (%)
- coverage of one roll (m²)
- roll length (m)
- roll width (m)
- rolls needed
Explain this equation
Works out lining paper rolls by area, which is good enough because lining paper has no pattern to match.
Wall and ceiling areas are added and increased for waste. A roll covers its length times its width. Dividing and rounding up gives the rolls.
Area divided by coverage per roll.
Sense check: 50 m² plus 10% is 55 m²; 20 m rolls 0.53 m wide cover 10.6 m² each, so 6 rolls.
Watch out: cross-lining (horizontal) under wallpaper often wastes more at the corners and openings.
Works out rolls of lining paper from the area. Plain lining has no pattern to match, so an area method with a waste allowance is fine.
Enter your values to see the result.
Good to know
Lining paper is sold in grades (800–2000, heavier for poorer walls) and commonly in 20 m × 0.53 m double rolls; single rolls are 10 m. Graham & Brown suggest about 10% waste. Walls to be papered are usually cross-lined (horizontally) so the joints do not line up with the finish paper; walls to be painted are usually hung vertically.
Common mistake
Using the area method for patterned paper. It is only reliable for plain lining.
Limits
Use the wallpaper roll calculator for patterned or full-height finish papers.
Sources
- Double roll lining paper 20 m × 0.53 m (merchant listing, Toolstation)
- Erfurt Mav lining paper, grades 800–2000, roll 20 m × 0.53 m (Decorating Warehouse listing)
- Graham & Brown, How to measure your room (allow about 10% extra; straight and offset match; repeat example 64/32 cm)
- BS 8000-12 Workmanship on construction sites. Code of practice for decorative wallcoverings and painting
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.