How much overlap should bubble wrap have?

A couple of inches is enough to tape closed. Larger items may need more so the seam doesn’t pull open.

Which way should I wrap a long item?

Round the short sides, along the long side. It uses less wrap and keeps the seam shorter.

Do I need to cover the ends completely?

For fragile items, yes. Folding the wrap over the ends is why the piece is longer than the item.

How do I measure a vase with a narrow neck?

Use its widest diameter for the wrap and stuff the neck with paper before wrapping.

Can I wrap several small items in one piece?

Only if they won’t touch each other inside it. It is usually better to wrap each and pack them snugly.

Illustration of a 14 by 10 by 8 inch box beside the 46 by 18 inch bubble wrap piece that wraps it

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How to Measure Bubble Wrap for Fragile Items

Cutting bubble wrap by eye wastes it in both directions: pieces too short to close and pieces with half a foot flapping. A tape measure and two simple rules give the right piece for any box-shaped or round item. This guide explains the rules, how layers change them, and how to handle the awkward shapes.

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Box-shaped items

Choose the direction to wrap round. Going round the two smaller sides usually uses least wrap.
Measure the distance round the item that way — twice one side plus twice the other — and add an overlap of a couple of inches.
Measure the remaining side and add the smaller of the other two. That length lets the wrap fold over both ends.
Cut a piece that size: the distance round by the length along.

A 14 × 10 × 8 in box, wrapped round its 14 and 8 in sides with a 2 in overlap, needs a piece 46 × 18 in.

Round items

Measure the widest diameter and the height. Going round takes π × the diameter, plus the overlap; along the item, the height plus the diameter, so the wrap can be gathered over each end. A 6 in vase, 12 in tall, needs a piece about 20.85 × 18 in.

More than one layer

Each extra layer adds another trip round the item; the ends don’t need much more. Wrapped twice, that 14 × 10 × 8 in box needs a piece 90 × 18 in. Cut one long piece and keep rolling rather than two separate pieces, so there is only one seam to tape.

Awkward shapes

Measure the outer box an irregular item would fit in, then wrap the parts that stick out — legs, spouts, handles — with small pieces first.
For lamps, take off the shade and bulb and wrap the base and harp separately.
For framed pictures, put cardboard corners on first; bubble wrap alone doesn’t protect corners well.
For electronics, wrap screens with a soft layer first so bubbles don’t mark them.

Measuring Bubble Wrap FAQ

How much overlap should bubble wrap have?: A couple of inches is enough to tape closed. Larger items may need more so the seam doesn’t pull open.
Which way should I wrap a long item?: Round the short sides, along the long side. It uses less wrap and keeps the seam shorter.
Do I need to cover the ends completely?: For fragile items, yes. Folding the wrap over the ends is why the piece is longer than the item.
How do I measure a vase with a narrow neck?: Use its widest diameter for the wrap and stuff the neck with paper before wrapping.
Can I wrap several small items in one piece?: Only if they won’t touch each other inside it. It is usually better to wrap each and pack them snugly.