Gift Wrapping Paper Calculator
Enter your gift box dimensions to see the size of wrapping paper sheet you'll need to fully cover it, with allowance for the seam overlap and folded ends.
The two measurements the sheet needs
Paper length runs right round the box's length-and-height cross-section; paper width covers the face plus the two flaps you fold in at the ends:
paper length = 2 × (box length + box height) + seam overlap
paper width = box width + 2 × box height + end fold marginThe defaults are a 12 × 8 × 4 in box with a 2 in overlap and a 2 in fold margin. That gives 2 × (12 + 4) + 2 = 34 in of length and 8 + 8 + 2 = 18 in of width, so cut a 34 × 18 in sheet.
Which side you call the length matters
The formula is not symmetric, so turning the box changes the paper it eats. The same 12 × 8 × 4 box entered the other way round - length 8, width 12 - needs 26 × 22 in, which is 572 square inches against 612. Wrap the shorter side around and let the long side run across the roll.
- Seam overlap is the tuck under the final edge. 2 in is comfortable; 1 in suits a small box.
- End fold margin is extra beyond the two triangular folds. Deep boxes eat it fast, because height counts twice in the width line.
Frequently asked questions
What size paper do I need to wrap a shoebox?
A 13 × 8 × 5 in shoebox with the default allowances needs 2 × (13 + 5) + 2 = 38 in by 8 + 10 + 2 = 20 in, so a 38 × 20 in sheet.
How much extra paper should I allow for the seam?
About 2 in on a normal gift box. Thin paper can drop to 1 in; heavy or textured stock is easier to fasten with 3 in.
Why does the box height count twice in the width?
Each end of the box needs a flap tall enough to fold over it, and there are two ends. That is why a deep box uses far more paper than a flat one of the same footprint.