inventory_2
Christmas Wrapping Paper Calculator
The Christmas Wrapping Paper calculator estimates how much wrapping paper you need for all your gifts — in square metres and number of rolls — based on how many presents you have and their average size.
Last updated: June 2026 · Free · No sign-up required
Results
Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result instantly.
Quick reference
| Gift size | Paper per gift | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 0.3 m² | Book, jewellery box |
| Medium | 0.6 m² | Board game, shirt box |
| Large | 1.1 m² | Boots, small appliance |
| XL | 1.8 m² | Ride-on toy, large box |
straighten Size-aware
Small to extra-large gifts each use a realistic amount of paper, so the estimate matches your pile of presents.
inventory_2 Rolls to buy
Converts the total area into whole rolls so you can shop without over- or under-buying.
recycling Less waste
Includes a sensible overlap allowance so you do not run short on the last few gifts.
Interpretation guide
| Roll size | Area | Wraps (medium gifts) |
|---|---|---|
| 70 cm × 3 m | 2.1 m² | ~3 |
| 70 cm × 7 m (jumbo) | 4.9 m² | ~7 |
| 76 cm × 30 m (pro) | 22.8 m² | ~33 |
Formula & methodology
Formula: Paper = gifts × area-per-size × 1.15 overlap; rolls = ⌈paper ÷ roll area⌉
- Enter the number of gifts and their average size class.
- Each size maps to a measured wrap area; 15% is added for overlap and pattern matching.
- Total m² is divided by your roll’s area (5 m² default) and rounded up to whole rolls.
Worked example: 20 medium gifts = 13.8 m² with overlap → 3 standard rolls (5 m² each). Mixed sizes? Run each class separately and add the totals.
Authoritative source: wikiHow — How to Wrap a Present
Frequently asked questions
How much wrapping paper per gift?
Measured wrap areas: ~0.3 m² small, 0.6 m² medium, 1.1 m² large, 1.8 m² XL — plus 15% overlap allowance, already built into the calculator.
How many gifts does one roll wrap?
A standard 70 cm × 3 m roll (2.1 m²) wraps about 3 medium gifts; a 7 m jumbo about 7. Heavy patterns that need aligning waste another 5–10%.
How do I measure paper for an odd-shaped gift?
The string trick: wrap a string once around the longest girth, add 5 cm — that’s your paper width; length = item length + one diameter. Or box it and use the size classes.
How do I cut waste when wrapping?
Wrap diagonally (uses up to 20% less), keep offcuts for small boxes, and size paper with the "one-and-a-bit circumference" rule rather than generous eyeballing — the biggest source of waste.
How much paper for Christmas vs birthdays?
The math is identical — this tool works year-round. December just concentrates ~70% of annual gift wrapping into three weeks, hence buying by the m² matters.