Wallpaper Calculator
Estimated Total Cost
$360 – $720
$0.90 – $1.80 per sq ft
Material
$200 – $400
Labor
$160 – $320
Rolls Needed
8 rolls
Wall Area
400 sq ft
Standard Vinyl: Durable, washable, and moisture-resistant. The most popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. Available in thousands of patterns and colors.
Waste Factor: Our estimate includes 10% extra for pattern matching, trimming, and waste. Complex patterns with large repeats may require 15–20% extra — order an additional roll or two for safety.
Disclaimer: Estimates are for budgeting purposes only. Actual costs vary by location, contractor, material availability, and project complexity. Always get professional quotes for exact pricing.
Wallpaper Cost Breakdown
| Wallpaper Type | Material / Roll | Labor / Roll | Total / Roll |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Vinyl | $25 – $50 | $20 – $40 | $45 – $90 |
| Peel & Stick | $30 – $60 | $0 (DIY) | $30 – $60 |
| Grasscloth | $50 – $100 | $35 – $70 | $85 – $170 |
| Textured | $35 – $75 | $25 – $50 | $60 – $125 |
| Designer / Custom | $75 – $200 | $40 – $80 | $115 – $280 |
* Standard roll covers approximately 57 sq ft. Estimate includes 10% waste factor for pattern matching and trimming.
Average Project Costs
| Project | Wall Area | Type | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accent Wall | 100 sq ft (2 rolls) | Designer / Custom | $230 – $560 |
| Bedroom | 350 sq ft (7 rolls) | Standard Vinyl | $315 – $630 |
| Living Room | 500 sq ft (10 rolls) | Textured | $600 – $1,250 |
| Whole House | 2,000 sq ft (39 rolls) | Standard Vinyl | $1,677 – $3,354 |
How We Calculate
Our wallpaper calculator estimates project costs based on wall area, wallpaper type, and project scope. A standard roll covers 57 sq ft, and we apply a 10% waste factor for trimming, pattern matching, and cuts around outlets and openings.
How the math works: Rolls needed = ceil(wall area ÷ 57 × 1.1). Material cost = rolls × material price per roll. Labor cost = rolls × labor price per roll × scope multiplier. Total = material + labor. Whole-house projects receive a 10% labor discount to reflect bulk installation efficiency.
Wallpaper Type Comparison
Standard Vinyl ($25–$50/roll material, $20–$40/roll labor) is the most popular choice. Durable, washable, and moisture-resistant. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas. Available in thousands of patterns and colors.
Peel & Stick ($30–$60/roll material, $0 labor) is the ultimate DIY option. Self-adhesive backing eliminates paste and professional installation. Repositionable and removable without wall damage. Perfect for renters and accent walls.
Grasscloth ($50–$100/roll material, $35–$70/roll labor) features natural woven fibers for a rich, textured look. Each roll has unique color variations. Requires professional installation. Not recommended for high-moisture areas.
Textured ($35–$75/roll material, $25–$50/roll labor) adds dimension with embossed or raised patterns. Excellent for hiding wall imperfections. Available in paintable varieties for custom color matching.
Designer / Custom ($75–$200/roll material, $40–$80/roll labor) includes premium wallpapers from high-end brands and custom-printed designs. May feature metallic accents, hand-painted patterns, or specialty materials. Professional installation strongly recommended.
Additional Cost Factors
Our estimates cover wallpaper material and installation labor. Not included: wall preparation (patching, priming, smoothing — $0.50–$2/sq ft if needed), old wallpaper removal ($1–$3/sq ft), trim work around outlets and switches ($2–$5 each), and specialty adhesives ($15–$30 per gallon for non-pasted papers). Walls should be clean, smooth, and primed before installation.
Data Sources
Pricing data is compiled from HomeAdvisor, Angi, wallpaper retailers, and verified contractor estimates across multiple US regions. Material costs reflect standard retail pricing. We review and update this data regularly.
Last updated: 2026-02-02
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does wallpaper cost? +
Wallpaper costs $0.80–$7 per square foot installed, depending on type. Standard vinyl runs $0.80–$1.60/sq ft, peel & stick $0.50–$1.05/sq ft (DIY, no labor), grasscloth $1.50–$3/sq ft, textured $1.05–$2.20/sq ft, and designer/custom $2–$5/sq ft. Per roll, material costs range from $25–$200 and professional installation adds $20–$80 per roll.
How many rolls of wallpaper do I need? +
A standard wallpaper roll covers approximately 57 sq ft after accounting for waste. Calculate: wall area (sq ft) ÷ 57 × 1.1 (10% waste factor), rounded up. For a 400 sq ft room, you'd need 8 rolls. Complex patterns with large repeats may need 15–20% extra — add 1–2 more rolls for safety.
How do I calculate wall area for wallpaper? +
Measure the total wall height × the perimeter of the room (sum of all wall widths). Subtract the area of windows and doors (standard door = ~21 sq ft, standard window = ~15 sq ft). For an accent wall, just measure that wall's height × width. A typical 12×14 ft bedroom with 8 ft ceilings has roughly 350–400 sq ft of wall space after subtracting openings.
Is peel and stick wallpaper worth it? +
Peel & stick wallpaper is an excellent choice for DIY and renters. It costs $30–$60 per roll with zero labor costs — you can install it yourself in a few hours. It's removable without damaging walls, repositionable during installation, and available in hundreds of designs. Downsides: may not adhere well to textured walls, and quality varies by brand.
How much does it cost to wallpaper a room? +
A typical bedroom (350 sq ft of wall space) costs $280–$560 for standard vinyl wallpaper installed professionally, or $210–$420 for DIY peel & stick. A living room (500 sq ft) runs $400–$800 for standard vinyl. A single accent wall (100 sq ft) costs $75–$280 depending on wallpaper type. Whole-house projects (2,000+ sq ft) may qualify for bulk labor discounts.
Should I hire a professional to install wallpaper? +
For standard vinyl and peel & stick, DIY installation is feasible for most homeowners. Hire a professional ($20–$80 per roll labor) for grasscloth, designer wallpapers, rooms with many corners/obstacles, stairwells, or large-pattern papers requiring precise alignment. Professional installation ensures bubble-free results and proper pattern matching.
How long does wallpaper last? +
Quality wallpaper lasts 10–15 years or longer with proper installation and care. Vinyl wallpaper is the most durable — washable and moisture-resistant. Grasscloth may show wear sooner in high-traffic areas. Peel & stick typically lasts 3–5 years before adhesive weakens. Compared to paint ($2–$6/sq ft, refreshed every 5–7 years), wallpaper often provides better long-term value.
Related Calculators
Plan Your Next Project
Explore more free calculators to estimate costs and materials for your home improvement projects.