How to measure accurately, how much extra to order, and which calculator to use for each panelling style.
How to measure your wall
-
1
Measure height and width
Measure from floor to ceiling, and across the full width of each wall you’re panelling. Measure at both ends and in the middle, walls are rarely perfectly square, and you want the largest dimension to work from.
-
2
Work out the area
Multiply height by width to get the area in square metres. If you’re panelling multiple walls, work out each wall separately and add them together.
A = h × wAtotal = A1 + A2 + A3 …Rather not do the arithmetic? Use our Wall Area Calculator - enter your dimensions and it does the multiplying and adding for you.
-
3
Subtract doors and windows
Measure any doors, windows or openings on the wall and subtract their area from your total. Don’t subtract for skirting boards or small fixtures, you’ll usually panel around or over these.
-
4
Add 10% for waste
Add 10% to your final figure to cover cuts, off-cuts and the occasional mistake. For intricate patterns or staircases, add 15%.
Use our calculators
Skip the arithmetic. These tools take your wall dimensions and tell you exactly what to order for each panelling style.
General
Wall Area Calculator
A straight area calculator for any wall, any panel type. Handles multiple walls and subtractions.
MDF kits
Shaker Panelling Calculator
For classic shaker walls and half-walls. Choose square or rectangular panels, set spacing, get a cut list.
MDF kits
Board & Batten Calculator
For vertical board & batten walls. Set batten spacing, dado height and get exact moulding lengths.
PVC & sheet panels
Wall Panelling Calculator
For PVC wall panels and other sheet-style panels. Enter your wall dimensions and the panel size, get the exact number of sheets and adhesive needed.
Wainscoting
Wainscoting Calculator
Design, visualise and order custom wainscoting. 3D design tool for planning the layout of panels, mouldings and dado rails before you order.
Common measuring mistakes
Measuring once
Measure at both ends and in the middle. Older properties can be out by several centimetres across a single wall.
Forgetting the waste allowance
Ordering exactly what the tape says leaves no margin for cuts, miscuts, or damaged edges. Always add 10%.
Mixing units
Pick millimetres or metres and stick with it. Swapping between units mid-project is a common source of error.
Ignoring obstructions
Radiators, sockets, light switches, skirting, coving. Note their positions now, not when you’re cutting.
Measuring the panels, not the wall
Always start from the wall dimension. Panel sizes exist to serve the wall, not the other way around.
Send a sketch with your measurements and we’ll double-check before you order.