Gift Wrap Paper Calculator
Find exactly how much wrapping paper a box or tube needs — the sheet size to cut, the best way to lay it on the roll, how many gifts a roll covers, how many rolls to buy for several gifts, the cost per gift and the ribbon length — in centimetres or inches.
How it works
Box: sheet length = 2·(width + height) + overlap · sheet width = length + 2 × end flap, end flap = height + 1 cm (generous), ¾·height + 1 cm (neat) or ½·height + 1.5 cm (thrifty) · Tube: sheet = (π·diameter + overlap) × (length + 2 × end flap) · Gifts per roll = sheets across the roll width × ⌊roll length ÷ sheet length along the roll⌋, best of every box and sheet orientation · Rolls = ⌈gifts ÷ gifts per roll⌉ · Ribbon (cross tie) = 2·length + 2·width + 4·height + bow
Wrapping a box the standard way, the paper travels once around it — two widths and two heights — plus a few centimetres of overlap where the seam meets. In the other direction the sheet has to cover the box length and fold over both ends: generous flaps that cover the whole end need about the box height on each side, while flaps that just meet in the middle need only half of it. Because a box can be wrapped around any of its three sides, and the sheet can lie along or across the roll, the calculator tries every combination and picks the one that gets the most gifts out of your roll, also fitting two or more small sheets side by side when the roll is wide enough. A tube works the same way with its circumference in place of the girth. Enter how many gifts you have to see the rolls to buy, the paper left over, the cost per gift and, if you like, the ribbon for a cross tie with a bow.
Worked example
A 30×20×10 cm box needs a sheet 2·(20+10)+3 = 63 cm long and 30+2·(10+1) = 52 cm wide, about 0.33 m² of paper. On a 300 cm × 70 cm roll, cutting 63 cm lengths gives 4 gifts; turning the sheet so 52 cm runs down the roll and 63 cm across it gives ⌊300 ÷ 52⌋ = 5 gifts. Twelve such gifts need ⌈12 ÷ 5⌉ = 3 rolls. A cross-tied ribbon with a 50 cm bow takes 2·30 + 2·20 + 4·10 + 50 = 190 cm.
Frequently asked questions
How do I work out how much wrapping paper I need?
Measure around the box (two widths plus two heights) and add 3–5 cm for the overlap — that is one side of the sheet. For the other side, take the box length plus about the box height for the two ends. A 30×20×10 cm box needs a sheet of about 63 × 52 cm.
How much extra paper should I add for overlap?
About 2–5 cm where the seam closes, and at each end enough to fold down neatly — roughly the box height for full flaps, or half of it if you want the flaps to just meet. Set the seam overlap and end-flap style under More options; the sheet size includes them.
Why does a box sometimes not fit the roll?
One side of the sheet has to fit across the roll. If both sides are wider than the roll, the paper will not reach. Letting the calculator find the best layout tries each way of wrapping the box; if nothing fits, use a wider roll or join two pieces with the seam on the bottom.
How many gifts will one roll of wrapping paper cover?
Divide the roll length by the sheet length that runs along the roll, then multiply by how many sheets fit across its width. A 3 m × 70 cm roll wraps about five 30×20×10 cm boxes, or ten shoebox-lid-sized gifts if two fit side by side.
How much ribbon do I need to wrap a present?
For a ribbon that crosses on top, allow two lengths, two widths and four heights of the box, plus 40–60 cm for the bow. Turn on “Work out ribbon too” to add it.
Does thicker or textured paper change the amount?
The area is the same, but stiff, foil or textured paper creases less cleanly, so a little more overlap helps. If in doubt, round the sheet up a few centimetres in each direction.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.