What wrap allowance should I add?

For gallery wrap (stapling on the back of stretcher bars), add 50-75 mm per side. For stapling on the sides, 30-40 mm is enough. The calculator adds the allowance to both sides of each dimension, so a 50 mm setting adds 100 mm total to width and height.

What are standard canvas roll widths?

In the UK, canvas rolls are commonly available in widths of 1600 mm (63 in), 2100 mm (83 in) and 2500 mm (98 in). Length is typically 5 or 10 metres per roll. Wider rolls give more layout options but cost more per metre.

How do I minimise waste when cutting canvas?

Use the auto orientation option to let the calculator find the best layout. Cut all pieces of one size before moving to the next. Use leftover strips for small canvases or test pieces. Plan your cutting before marking the canvas.

Should I account for canvas grain direction?

Most artists do not need to worry about grain direction for standard canvas. However, if using linen with a visible weave pattern, you may want all canvases cut in the same direction — use portrait or landscape orientation mode to enforce this.

ArtCalcs

Canvas Roll Calculator — Canvases from a Roll

Calculate how many canvases can be cut from a roll of canvas given standard and custom sizes.

Roll Width

Width of the canvas roll

Roll Length

Total length of canvas on the roll

Canvas Width

Finished canvas width (before wrap)

Canvas Height

Finished canvas height (before wrap)

Wrap Allowance (per side)

Extra fabric per side for wrapping and stapling

Cut OrientationAuto tries both and picks the best layout

How We Calculate This

How Canvas Roll Cutting Works

Cut size = Canvas size + (Wrap allowance x 2)

The calculator divides the roll width by the cut piece width to find how many fit across, then divides the roll length by the cut piece height for rows. Auto orientation tries both arrangements and picks whichever yields more canvases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators

Canvas Size Calculator

Calculate canvas dimensions including wrap-around allowance for gallery wrap and stapling edges. Free online calculator, no signup required.

Stretcher Bar Calculator

Work out stretcher bar lengths, cross braces and corner keys needed for your canvas. Includes brace spacing for large canvases.

Canvas Area Calculator

Calculate the total area of canvas fabric needed including overlap for stapling. Works for single canvases or cutting multiples.

Gesso Coverage Calculator

Calculate how much gesso primer you need for your canvas or wood panel based on surface area, absorbency and number of coats applied.

Panel Size Calculator

Work out wood panel dimensions and cradling requirements for rigid painting surfaces. Covers MDF, birch plywood and hardboard panels.

Last updated: March 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities before purchasing materials.