How to Measure Wrapping Paper for a Gift

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: November 25, 2020 References Tested

If you're wrapping a gift and aren't sure how much wrapping paper to use, there are a couple easy methods you can use to help you decide. No matter what shape the gift is, there are some simple ways you can measure the paper to make sure it covers the entire present. With some wrapping paper, scissors, tape, and a few spare minutes, your gift will be wrapped in no time.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Measuring Paper for a Box

1
Roll out the wrapping paper on a flat surface. Choose the wrapping paper you’d like to use to wrap your gift and place it on a clean, flat surface like a tabletop. Unroll the wrapping paper enough so it’s covering a large portion of your flat surface.^{[1]
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2
Place your box on the edge of the wrapping paper. Set your gift down on the cut end of the wrapping paper so the largest side is face-down. Line the gift up along the side of the wrapping paper to help you with the measuring process.^{[2]
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Roll the box 3 times in a straight line to measure how much paper you’ll need. Start at the cut end of the wrapping paper and flip it over 3 times, going in the direction of the rolled paper. As you flip it, the box will roll onto its side, again onto its back, and one more time onto its other side. ^{[3]
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4
Add 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) inches to the paper's length and cut it. Hold a ruler next to the side of your box that's closest to the rolled wrapping paper, which is where your box landed after 3 rolls. Add an extra 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) to this length to make sure the wrapping paper is long enough to cover the entire gift with room to spare. Mark the paper and cut it using scissors in a straight, even line.^{[4]
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- Use a pencil to mark the spot where you’ll cut, if you’d like.
- For bigger boxes, use a second roll of wrapping paper if the wrapping is too short to fit.
5
Pull up the paper on the box's ends to see if it covers ¾ of each side. Now that the paper is measured to cover the length and width, pull the last 2 edges of the wrapping paper up to the box’s ends. If both ends are able to cover three-quarters of the box’s side, great! Otherwise, use scissors to trim the paper until it’s the right length.^{[5]
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Secure the wrapping paper to the box using tape. Now that the wrapping paper is measured and cut to fit the box, it’s time to tape it up. Pull the wrapping paper length so it’s taut and covering the box before taping it in place. Crease the ends of the gift so the wrapping paper folds flat and tape these as well.^{[6]
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- Add ribbon or a bow to the gift to complete it, if you’d like.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Wrapping an Oddly Shaped Gift

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Unroll your wrapping paper and place your object in the center. Choose which wrapping paper you’d like to use to wrap your gift and roll it out on a clean, flat surface. Put your oddly shaped gift in the center of the unrolled paper.^{[7]
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- You might have an oddly shaped gift like a toy castle or a football.
- Circular or cylindrical items count as oddly shaped gifts too.
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Wrap the end of your wrapping paper all the way around your gift and cut it. Take the loose end of the wrapping paper and pull it over your object so it’s covering it completely. Once the end of the wrapping paper is touching the paper on the other side of the object, add about 2 in (5.1 cm) of extra length with a ruler (or just estimate!) and cut the paper in a straight line.^{[8]
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- The extra length will help you tape the wrapping paper together and ensure the paper is wide enough to fit your gift.
- Remove the gift from the center of the wrapping paper once you’re done measuring.
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Pull both cut sides together and put tape down their entire length. Once your paper is cut, bring both loose edges in towards the center. Overlap them slightly for a stronger hold and put pieces of tape along the edges to hold the ends together.^{[9]
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- Use double-sided tape if you don’t want the tape to be visible.
- Use at least 3 pieces of tape to hold the 2 ends together—one at each end and one in the center.
4
Fold the bottom loose end up and flatten it in a straight line. Bring the bottom end of the wrapping paper up at least 5 in (13 cm). If the object you’re wrapping is pretty short, pull the edge up even farther. Fold the horizontal crease so that it’s in a straight, flat line.^{[10]
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Open the crease and form 2 triangle flaps before creasing them too. Push down on both sides of the crease you just formed to create 2 triangle shapes. Crease the triangles too so they’re nice and flat. Once you’ve done this, you should be left with a diamond or square shape.^{[11]
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Fold the tips of the triangles towards the middle and tape them. Pull the top and bottom triangle tips inwards and create another crease. Use a couple pieces of tape to secure the triangle tips in place, forming the bottom of your wrapping paper bag.^{[12]
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- Pull the triangle tips inwards until they’re touching each other before taping them.
7
Place your gift inside the bag you’ve created and fold it closed. Slide your hand into the open end of the bag to open it wide. Put your gift inside and settle it down at the bottom of the bag. Fold the top of the bag over to create another crease, sealing the gift inside.^{[13]
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- Add tape to the folded crease at the top to keep it in place, if you’d like.