How Much Wrapping Paper Do I Need? Paper and Presents per Roll (UK)
To wrap a box, the paper must go once around it with an overlap, and be long enough to cover the ends. A box 30 × 23 × 10 cm needs a piece 69.0 × 42.0 cm with a 3 cm overlap, about 0.29 m², which is 7 presents from a 70 cm by 3 m roll. The wrapping paper calculator works out the paper and ribbon for your own boxes and roll.
A 70 cm by 3 m roll is a common size on UK shelves, but there is no standard, so use the size printed on your roll.
Paper for common gifts
With a 3 cm overlap, from a 70 cm by 3 m roll:
| Gift | Box size | Paper to cut | Paper used | Presents per roll |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gift card box | 10 × 8 × 3 cm | 25.0 × 15.0 cm | 0.038 m² | 48 |
| Book (paperback) | 20 × 13 × 3 cm | 35.0 × 25.0 cm | 0.088 m² | 24 |
| Shirt box | 35 × 25 × 5 cm | 63.0 × 42.0 cm | 0.265 m² | 7 |
| Shoebox | 33 × 20 × 12 cm | 67.0 × 47.0 cm | 0.315 m² | 6 |
| Medium box | 30 × 23 × 10 cm | 69.0 × 42.0 cm | 0.290 m² | 7 |
| Large box | 45 × 35 × 20 cm | 113.0 × 67.0 cm | 0.757 m² | 2 |
Presents per roll, by roll size
For the 30 × 23 × 10 cm box:
| Roll | Presents per roll |
|---|---|
| 70 cm × 2 m | 4 |
| 70 cm × 3 m | 7 |
| 70 cm × 4 m | 9 |
| 70 cm × 5 m | 11 |
| 70 cm × 10 m | 23 |
| 50 cm × 3 m | 4 |
| 50 cm × 5 m | 7 |
Wrapping tips
- Cut the paper with the pattern the right way up, and cut along a straight line (use the grid on the back if there is one).
- Use double-sided tape on the seams, so that no tape shows.
- Fold the ends in sharp creases for a neat finish, and secure them with tape.
- For odd shapes, put the present in a box or a bag, or use fabric or tissue paper.
- Save the scraps for small presents and tags.
Ribbon
One band around this box takes 1.11 m and a ribbon crossed both ways 1.96 m, both including about half a metre for the bow.
See also the Christmas tree size calculator and the Christmas turkey calculator for the rest of the Christmas plan.
Frequently asked questions
How do I measure how much wrapping paper I need?
Measure the box. The paper must go once around the box with an overlap, and be as long as the box plus enough for the ends. A box 30 × 23 × 10 cm needs a piece 69.0 × 42.0 cm with a 3 cm overlap.
How many presents can I wrap with one roll of wrapping paper?
A roll 70 cm wide and 3 m long wraps about 7 boxes the size of a 30 × 23 × 10 cm box, or 7 shirt boxes (35 × 25 × 5 cm). There is no standard roll size in the UK, so check the width and length on your roll's label.
How much ribbon do I need for a present?
About 1.11 m for one band around this box, and 1.96 m if it crosses both ways, including a bow.
Is a wider roll better?
A wider roll takes bigger boxes in one piece and fits several pieces side by side for small gifts. A narrow roll is fine for books and small boxes.
More guides
Tools & materials for this project
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Estimates only. Quantities depend on your materials, site and supplier. Confirm important numbers before you order, and check the Building Regulations and any planning rules for anything structural or close to a boundary.
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