Starting a wallpaper project? Great choice. Wallpaper can completely transform a space, whether you're adding a bold pattern or a soft texture. But before you get to the fun part; picking the design; you need to get the basics right. And that starts with measuring your walls. Doing it properly will save time, money, and frustration later. Not sure where to begin? This how to measure walls guide will walk you through each step in a simple, no-fuss way.

Working with a pro? Or handling it yourself from a wallpaper store? Either way, you need accurate measurements.

Why measuring right matters

Wallpaper isn’t like paint; you can’t just grab another roll and hope it matches. Patterns need to align, cuts must be clean, and you’ll want enough material without overbuying. A few extra minutes with a tape measure can prevent costly mistakes later.

Think of it like baking. If you eyeball the ingredients, you might end up with something edible, but it won’t be what you had in mind. Measuring gives you control and confidence.

What you'll need

Before you get started, gather a few tools. Nothing fancy; just basics that make the job easier.

Essentials:

• Tape measure (preferably 25 feet or longer)
• Pencil or painter’s tape
• Notepad or measuring app
• Step stool or ladder (for high walls)
• Calculator

Optional but helpful:

• Laser distance measurer
• Graph paper (to sketch wall layouts)
• Masking tape to mark sections

How to measure standard walls

Let’s say you’re wallpapering a regular rectangular wall; no tricky corners, doors, or odd shapes. Here’s what to do:

1. Measure the width
   Start from one end of the wall and measure straight across to the other side. Write it down in inches or centimeters, but stick to one unit for all your measurements.

2. Measure the height
   Measure from the floor to the ceiling in at least two places (walls aren’t always perfectly level). Use the higher number to be safe.

3. Multiply width × height
   This gives you the total square footage or meters for that wall.

4. Add a buffer
   Add about 10–15% to your total to account for pattern matching, trimming, and any mistakes.

Example:

• Wall width: 12 feet
• Wall height: 8 feet
• 12 × 8 = 96 square feet
• 96 + 10% = approximately 106 square feet

Now, check how much area each roll of your chosen wallpaper covers, and divide your total by that number.

Measuring walls with windows or doors

When your wall has windows, doors, or built-in units, measure them too; but subtract their size from the total wall area.

Steps:

1. Measure the full wall (height × width).
2. Measure the window or door (again, height × width).
3. Subtract that area from your total.

If you have more than one window or a few awkward cutouts, list them separately and subtract each one. Still, don’t over-adjust; you’ll usually want to keep that 10% buffer just in case.

Tips for tricky spaces

Not all walls are simple. If you’re dealing with angles, alcoves, or sloped ceilings, break the area into smaller rectangles or triangles. Measure each one separately and then add them all up.

For slanted walls or ceilings:

• Divide the shape into right triangles and rectangles.
• Use basic geometry (½ base × height for triangles).

For curved or rounded areas:

• Measure the widest points and estimate slightly over.
• Keep the pattern in mind; some will stretch visually in these areas.

Final checklist before ordering

Once you’ve got your measurements and done the math, do a final check. Before placing an order:

Do:

• Round up; it's better to have extra than run short
• Note the repeat size if your wallpaper has a pattern
• Take photos of the space if you're ordering in-store or asking for advice

Don’t:

• Skip measuring corners and high spots
• Assume your room is perfectly square
• Forget to label your sketches or notes

Wrapping up

Measuring your walls before wallpapering doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a few careful steps, you’ll be ready to shop confidently and avoid waste. Shopping online at a wallpaper store? Or reading a how to measure walls guide like this one? Either way, being accurate really matters.

Once you have your numbers, it's time for the fun part; choosing the wallpaper that brings your space to life for custom building project.