How much overlap should I allow?

A 2-3 cm overlap on each side is standard for neat wrapping. For thicker paper or a bulky box, increase to 4-5 cm. The overlap ensures edges are covered and you can fold neatly.

How do I wrap an odd-shaped item?

For irregular shapes, place the item on the paper, pull up each side and estimate by eye. As a rule of thumb, use the smallest rectangular box the item fits into and add 5 cm extra per side.

Does this work for square boxes too?

Yes. Simply enter the same value for length and width. The calculator handles square and rectangular boxes of any proportion.

What if my paper roll is narrower than the paper width needed?

If the roll is narrower, you may need to use two pieces or wrap diagonally. The calculator flags when the roll width is too narrow for a single sheet.

How do I reduce waste?

Choose a roll width close to the paper width needed. Wrapping diagonally can sometimes use less paper for cube-shaped boxes. Reuse offcuts for gift tags or smaller items.

CraftCalcs

Gift Wrap Calculator — Wrapping Paper Size

Calculate the exact wrapping paper size needed for boxes of any dimension.

Box Length

Length measurement

Box Width

Width measurement

Box Height

Height measurement

Overlap Per Side

Percentage overlap between adjacent frames

Roll Width

Standard rolls are 50 cm or 70 cm wide

Cost Per Metre of Roll

Optional — leave 0 to skip cost

How We Calculate This

How the Calculation Works

The calculator uses the standard box-wrapping formula:

Paper width = box length + 2 x box height + 2 x overlap

Paper length = box width + 2 x box height + 2 x overlap

This ensures full coverage of all six faces with a neat fold-over on each side. The total area is calculated in square metres, and the roll length needed is derived from your roll width.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Ribbon Length Calculator

Work out ribbon length for bows, wrapping and decoration.

Gift Box Calculator

Calculate card or board dimensions to construct gift boxes from flat sheets.

Tissue Paper Calculator

Estimate tissue paper sheets needed for gift bags and box filling.

Gift Bag Size Calculator

Find the right gift bag size for your item dimensions.

Gift Tag Calculator

Calculate how many tags you can cut from a sheet of card.

Last updated: 2025-02-20

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.