How Much Wrapping Paper and Ribbon Do You Need?
Paper width needs to be twice the box's width plus twice its height, plus 2 inches overlap. Paper length needs to cover the box's length plus about three-quarters of its height at each end.
For ribbon in a simple cross, allow twice the length plus twice the width plus four times the height, plus 20 inches for the bow.
Measuring properly
Measure all three dimensions
Length, width and height of the box, in inches. Almost every wrapping disaster comes from guessing one of them.
Work out the wrap-around
Twice the width plus twice the height gives the distance the paper must travel around the box. Add two inches so the seam overlaps rather than meeting exactly.
Work out the ends
The paper must reach along the box and fold in at both ends. Length plus about 1.5 times the height covers it comfortably.
Cut once, and cut straight
Mark both edges and cut in one continuous motion rather than snipping — a ragged edge shows on every seam, however carefully you fold.
Planning the bow
Once the box is wrapped, our ribbon and bow calculator gives exact yardage for the bow you have in mind, plus how many rolls to buy if you're wrapping several.
Common box sizes
| Gift | Rough box size | Paper needed |
|---|---|---|
| Small jewellery box | 4 × 4 × 2 in | 14 × 7 in |
| Candle in a jar | 4 × 4 × 5 in | 20 × 12 in |
| Book | 9 × 6 × 1.5 in | 17 × 12 in |
| Jumper box | 15 × 10 × 3 in | 28 × 20 in |
| Large hamper | 18 × 12 × 10 in | 46 × 33 in |
Awkward shapes: use a box. Nothing wraps a knitted jumper or a bag of yarn neatly. Putting soft or irregular gifts into a plain box first takes a minute and turns an impossible wrap into a simple rectangle — and the recipient can reuse the box.
Wrapping handmade gifts
Tissue paper inside the box protects delicate handmade items and adds a moment of anticipation. For anything knitted or crocheted, tuck in a small card with the fibre content and washing instructions — the surest way to stop a hand-knitted jumper meeting a hot wash.
Questions we're often asked
How much wrapping paper do I need for a box?
Twice the width plus twice the height, plus two inches, gives the paper width. The length is the box length plus about 1.5 times its height.
How much ribbon to tie around a present?
Twice the length plus twice the width plus four times the height, then add about 20 inches for a bow. A standard shoebox takes roughly 60 inches.
How do I wrap something with no straight edges?
Put it in a box first. Soft or irregular items never wrap neatly on their own, and a plain box turns the problem into a simple rectangle.