Christmas wrapping paper calculator UK 2026: how many rolls do I need?
Tell us how many presents you have in each size and what your roll looks like, and get the paper you need and the number of rolls to buy, before you stand in the shop guessing. Free, no sign-up, nothing saved.
1. Your roll
300 cm is 3 metres. Check the label on your roll.
Our suggestion for mistakes. Set 0 for none.
2. Your presents
Sizes are in centimetres: length, width, height. The first five rows are examples of common sizes; change any number to match your own boxes.
| Size | Length | Width | Height | How many | Paper each |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small flat giftbook, DVD, slim box | - | ||||
| Small boxmug, candle, small toy | - | ||||
| Medium boxshoebox, clothes | - | ||||
| Large flat boxboard game, jigsaw | - | ||||
| Big boxlarge toy, kitchen gadget | - | ||||
| Your own sizeenter your own | - |
How the sum works
- For each present the paper has to go right round the box: 2 x (width + height), plus 2 cm so the edges overlap.
- It also has to run past each end of the box by half the smaller side of the box end, so the other measurement is the length plus that smaller side.
- The calculator tries the paper both ways round (and with the box turned on its side) and uses whichever takes the least length off your roll, as long as it fits across the roll width.
- It then adds your spare allowance and rounds up to whole rolls. It is an estimate: oddly shaped presents, patterned paper that needs lining up and a wobbly cutting hand will all change the answer.
Tips to make the paper go further
- Measure the box, not the present inside it. A mug in a 12 cm cube is a 12 cm cube.
- Wrap the biggest ones first, then use the offcuts for the small ones.
- Put the paper's grid lines (on the back of most rolls) along the edge of your cut and cut straight.
- Do the tags in one go too: our free gift tags page prints names, 8 to an A4 sheet.
More free tools for December
- Free printable Christmas gift tags 2026: add names, 8 per A4 sheet.
- Christmas budget calculator UK 2026: how much to spend per person.
- Christmas card posting dates 2026: and a card-writing planner.
- Christmas dinner timing calculator: what goes in the oven when.
- Christmas Eve box ideas 2026: a packing list and tags per child.
- Christmas 2026 key dates UK: Advent, Jumper Day and a live countdown.
Common questions
How much wrapping paper do I need for one present?
It depends on the box. For a box with length L, width W and height H, the paper needs to go all the way round the box (2 x (W + H), plus about 2 cm so the edges overlap) and run past each end by half the smaller side of the box end (so L + the smaller of W and H in total). Our calculator does this sum for every size you enter and picks the way of cutting the paper that uses the least from the roll.
How many rolls of wrapping paper do I need for Christmas?
Enter how many presents you have of each size, then your roll width and length. The calculator adds up the paper and tells you how many whole rolls to buy. A typical family mix of 15 to 25 presents often comes to a few rolls, but it depends entirely on box sizes, so use the sum rather than guessing.
What size is a standard roll of wrapping paper?
Roll sizes vary by brand and shop, so check the label. Common ones are a few metres long and around 50 to 70 cm wide, and the calculator starts at 70 cm wide by 300 cm long. Change both boxes to match what you are buying.
Why does it add a spare allowance?
Real wrapping wastes paper: crooked cuts, a torn corner, a second go. We start with 10 per cent spare as our own suggestion. Set it to 0 if you are an expert, or 20 if you are wrapping with small children.
Does it work for odd-shaped presents?
Not exactly. Wrap the awkward ones in a bag, a box or by guessing the smallest box that would hold them, and enter that size. If a present is too big for the roll width, the calculator tells you, because you would need wider paper or to join two pieces.
Is anything saved or sent?
No. The sums run in your browser from what you type. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.
How can I use less paper?
Cut each piece to size instead of wrapping from the roll, put small presents in gift bags, use brown paper or reusable fabric, and avoid foil or glitter paper if you want to recycle it: the usual local rule is that if it holds its shape when scrunched, it can go in recycling, but check your own council's guidance.
Calculator made by TCH Works. An estimate only: the shop's roll labels and your own boxes decide the real answer.