Calculating the size of your accent wall is essential for determining the amount of paint, wallpaper, or other material you'll need for your project.
Here's a simple guide based on the provided reference steps:
To accurately calculate your accent wall dimensions and required materials, you need to follow a few key steps:
Steps for Calculating Accent Wall Area
Determining the area involves measuring the wall and accounting for any elements you won't be covering.
1. Measure Your Wall
Begin by measuring the dimensions of the wall you plan to make an accent wall.
- Width: Measure from one side to the other in inches.
- Height: Measure from the floor to the ceiling in inches.
Example: A wall that is 12 feet wide and 8 feet high would be 144 inches wide (12 12) and 96 inches high (8 12).
2. Calculate the Total Area
Once you have the width and height in inches, multiply them together to find the total area in square inches.
- Formula: Total Area (sq in) = Width (in) × Height (in)
Example: Using the dimensions above: 144 inches × 96 inches = 13,824 square inches.
3. Subtract Any Areas You Won't Cover
Most walls have elements like windows, doors, or large built-in features that you won't be covering with paint or wallpaper. Measure these areas separately and subtract their combined area from the total wall area.
- Measure the width and height of each obstruction in inches.
- Calculate the area of each obstruction (width × height in inches).
- Sum the areas of all obstructions.
- Subtract the sum of obstruction areas from the total wall area.
Example: If the wall has a window that is 60 inches wide and 48 inches high (Area = 60 * 48 = 2,880 sq in), subtract this from the total area: 13,824 sq in - 2,880 sq in = 10,944 sq in.
4. Add 10% Extra for Waste
It's always a good practice to purchase slightly more material than you strictly need to account for cuts, mistakes, or future touch-ups. Adding 10% extra is a common guideline.
- Multiply your calculated area (after subtracting obstructions) by 0.10.
- Add this value to your calculated area.
Example: Add 10% to the remaining area: 10,944 sq in * 0.10 = 1,094.4 sq in.
Final calculated area needed: 10,944 sq in + 1,094.4 sq in = 12,038.4 sq in.
This final number (12,038.4 sq in in the example) is the adjusted area you need to cover, including a buffer for waste.
Calculation Summary
| Step | Description | Formula/Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Measure Wall | Get wall dimensions in inches. | Width (in), Height (in) |
| 2. Calculate Total Area | Find the total wall surface area. | Width (in) × Height (in) |
| 3. Subtract Obstructions | Remove areas you won't cover (windows, doors). | Total Area - Sum of Obstruction Areas |
| 4. Add 10% Extra | Account for waste, cuts, and touch-ups. | (Calculated Area after Step 3) × 1.10 |
Remember to check the coverage specifications of the material you plan to use (e.g., paint coverage per gallon, wallpaper roll coverage) and convert your calculated area into the appropriate units if necessary (e.g., square feet or square meters) to match the product information.
