Gift Wrap Roll & Size Guide

How Gift Wrap Rolls Are Measured

Every gift wrap roll is sized by two numbers: width x length. Width is the size of the sheet you pull across the box; length is how much paper is on the roll.

Lengths follow the industry's ream system:

A full ream holds roughly twice the paper of a half ream.

Wrapping Paper Widths — What Each Width Is For

Width is the number that decides whether a roll works for your products. The industry ladder:

Most stores run on the two workhorse widths: 24 inches for apparel-size boxes and 30 inches for giftware and larger boxes.

Stock Roll Sizes

Our stock program runs four widths — 18, 24, 26, and 30 inches — across quarter, half, and full ream lengths:

Shop Gift Wrap

How Many Boxes Will a Roll Wrap?

Every wrapped box takes one cut of paper, so yield comes down to one number: the cut length. Measure around the box the short way — twice the width plus twice the depth — and add about 3 inches for the seam overlap. Divide the roll length by that cut length and you have your count.

These are planning numbers: they assume a 3 inch seam overlap and already subtract 10 percent for miscuts and the roll-end stub. Directional prints and plaids that need pattern matching use roughly 10 percent more. The 24" x 14" x 4" box uses the full 30" width, so it wraps best in practiced hands. Paper only — ribbon and bows are extra.

The quick rule: plan on about 170 shirt boxes from a 24" x 417' half ream — roughly one shirt box every 2 feet of paper. For a box not listed here, measure around it the short way, add 3 inches, and divide the result into the roll length.

Custom Widths: Slitting & Sheeting

Any gift wrap roll can be slit to a custom width — whatever the roll width or ream length. Every cut piece is finished with plastic core ends. This is how the industry produces narrow specialty widths, including jeweler's rolls.

Rolls can also be sheeted — cut down into flat sheets — for stores that wrap on a tabletop instead of pulling from a roll. Need a width or sheet size the stock table doesn't show? Call 800-624-6244 and we will cut it to your program.

Designs & Finishes

Stock gift wrap comes in families that cover the retail calendar:

• All-occasion — florals, botanicals, fruit prints, and plaids that work year-round.
• Christmas & holiday — the deepest seasonal selection, from traditional to whimsical.
• Solids — matte and gloss finishes for a clean, modern look that pairs with any ribbon.
• Metallics — gold and silver with real shelf presence.
• Double-sided — two coordinated designs on one roll; flip it for a second look without stocking a second roll.
• Natural kraft — the minimal, eco-styled staple that takes any ribbon color.

A few specialty patterns require a serrated cutter to cut cleanly — noted on each product page.

Paper Weight — Why Some Wrap Feels Heavier

Gift wrap is printed on paper from roughly 35 to 60 pounds basis weight. Lighter papers (35 to 40 lb) cost less but can show through when wrapped over colorful product or dark boxes. Heavier papers (50 to 60 lb) are more opaque, feel more substantial in the hand, and fold with crisper corners. If your products are dark or brightly colored, heavier paper protects the presentation.

Wrap Stations, Racks & Cutters

Shop Supplies & Equipment

Choosing Gift Wrap for Your Store

Two rolls cover most stores to start: one all-occasion design and one seasonal, in the width that matches your typical box. Add widths as your product mix demands.

Wrapping paper is half of the presentation — the tissue inside the box or bag is the other half. Standard tissue sheet sizes and pack counts are in the tissue quick reference on our Retail Packaging Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gift Wrap Sizes

What widths does wrapping paper come in?
Retail wrapping paper runs from the 7 3/8 inch jeweler's roll up to 36 inches for toys and oversized boxes. The retail standard is 24 inches, which handles apparel-size boxes; giftware stores usually step up to 30 inches.

How long is a ream of wrapping paper?
A full ream is 833 feet, a half ream is 417 feet, and a quarter ream is 208 feet. Short countertop rolls of about 100 feet are called cutter boxes. Most retail stores stock half-ream rolls.

What size gift wrap roll should a boutique order?
The standard boutique roll is 24 inches wide by 417 feet long — wide enough for apparel boxes, long enough to last a season of gift wrapping without the bulk of a full ream.

What is double-sided gift wrap?
Double-sided wrap has two coordinated designs printed on one roll — one on each face. Flip the paper for a second look without stocking a second roll, or use the reverse for contrast bands and ribbon-free finishing.

How do stores cut and dispense gift wrap?
Low-volume counters use a single-roll cutter mounted on, under, or behind the counter. Full wrap stations use vertical carousel racks that hold four or five rolls so customers can choose a design.

Can wrapping paper rolls be cut to custom widths?
Yes. Any roll — any width, any ream length — can be slit to a custom width, with each piece finished on plastic core ends. Rolls can also be sheeted into flat sheets for tabletop wrapping.

How many gifts will a roll of wrapping paper wrap?
Plan on about 170 standard shirt boxes from a 24 inch by 417 foot half-ream roll. To estimate any box, measure around it the short way (twice the width plus twice the depth), add 3 inches for overlap, and divide the result into the roll length, then take 10 percent off for waste.

Make It Yours — Custom Printing

The wrap on your counter can carry your brand. Stock gift wrap takes hot stamping and ink printing, and fully custom wrap goes further — your colors and designs, printed as your own exclusive paper.

Explore More Wholesale Packaging