Wrapping paper size: roll widths, sheet sizes and how much you need

Most wrapping paper rolls are 24 or 30 inches wide. A 30 inch roll covers most clothing boxes and medium gifts, and a 24 inch roll suits smaller gifts and counters with less space. Shops, boutiques, bakeries and product brands use custom wrapping paper to turn every purchase or corporate gift into a piece of their brand.

Common roll widths

• 24 in: a common width for gift counters and smaller boxes.
• 30 in: the most common width for retail rolls. It wraps most shirt and clothing boxes.
• 15 to 18 in: narrow rolls for jewelry, small boxes and books.
• 36 in: wide rolls for large boxes and baskets.

Roll length varies widely, from short consumer rolls to long counter rolls on a wrapping station. When you order custom wrap, choose the width that suits your most common box and the length that suits your counter or dispenser.

Sheet sizes

Flat sheets are easier to store and to pack in mailers. Common sizes are around 20 x 30 in and 24 x 36 in, and sheets can be cut to fit a specific box. Our custom tissue paper uses a standard 20 x 30 in sheet, which pairs well with wrapping paper sheets.

How much paper a box needs

• Around the box: add the width and height of the box, double it, and add 2 in for the overlap.
• Along the box: take the length of the box and add the height, plus about 1 in. Half the height folds over each end.

For example, a 15 x 10 x 2 in shirt box needs about 26 in around (10 + 2 = 12, doubled is 24, plus 2) and about 18 in along (15 + 2 + 1). A 26 x 18 in piece fits easily on a 30 in roll.

Measuring your most common box before you order helps you choose a roll width or sheet size with less waste.

Designing custom wrapping paper

• Use a repeating pattern, such as a small logo or icon, that looks good from any angle and on any size of gift.
• Set up the pattern as a seamless repeat so the edges line up across the roll.
• Keep the logo small. A large logo gets cut off and folded on most boxes.
• On kraft paper, use one or two dark colors. Ink prints darker on brown paper, and light colors can disappear. Our kraft paper page explains more.
• On white paper, full patterns and brighter colors print well.

Recyclable wrapping paper

Much of the gift wrap sold in stores cannot be recycled, because foil, glitter and plastic coatings stop it from being processed with paper. A common test is to scrunch the paper in your hand. Plain paper stays scrunched. Foil and plastic-coated wrap springs back.

Uncoated wrapping paper printed without foil or glitter can usually go in paper recycling after the gift is opened. Small pieces of tape are usually accepted, but check your local program. Paper ribbon, cotton twine and paper gift tags keep the whole package recyclable.

To price a run, see our custom wrapping paper.

Common questions

What is the standard width of wrapping paper?

Most wrapping paper rolls are 24 or 30 inches wide. Narrow 15 to 18 inch rolls and wide 36 inch rolls are also available.

How do I know how much wrapping paper I need?

Go around the box with twice the width plus twice the height, plus 2 inches of overlap. Along the box, use the length plus the height, plus about 1 inch.

Is wrapping paper recyclable?

Plain paper gift wrap can usually be recycled. Wrap with foil, glitter or a plastic coating cannot.

What paper is best for custom wrapping paper?

Recycled white paper for bright patterns, or recycled kraft for a natural look with one or two dark colors.