Modular Unit Count Calculator

Unit count for modular origami from model type.

Model type (1-7)

Paper size per unit (cm)

Extra for practice (%)

Custom unit count

Tab to move between fields

Units needed

Total sheets (with extra)

Extra units1

Approx. model diameter (cm)3.8

Suggested colors5

Units per color1.2

Estimated time (min)18

Estimated time (hours)0.3

How to Use This Calculator

Select the model type (1–6) for common polyhedra such as Sonobe cube, octahedron, icosahedron, or kusudama — or choose 7 for a custom unit count.
Enter the side length of each square unit in centimeters (e.g., 7.5 cm is a common unit size).
Set the extra percentage for practice and mistakes — 10% is a good default for intermediate folders.
If using type 7, enter your custom total unit count in the custom field.
Read the total units needed and the total sheets to prepare including the practice allowance.
Use the suggested colors and units per color outputs to plan a visually balanced color scheme.

What each input means

Model type (1-7): 1=Cube(6), 2=Octahedron(12), 3=Icosahedron(30), 4=Buckyball(90), 5=Stellated(30), 6=Kusudama(30), 7=Custom.
Paper size per unit (cm): Side length of each square sheet used for one module.
Extra for practice (%): Percentage of extra units to fold for mistakes and practice.
Custom unit count: Only used when model type is 7 (Custom). Enter your desired total unit count.

Units needed: Total modular units required for the chosen polyhedron.
Total sheets (with extra): Paper sheets to prepare including practice allowance.
Extra units: Additional units for practice and mistakes.
Approx. model diameter (cm): Estimated finished model diameter based on unit paper size.
Suggested colors: Number of colors for even distribution across units.
Units per color: How many units to fold in each color.
Estimated time (min): Approximate folding time at 3-5 minutes per unit.
Estimated time (hours): Folding time in hours.

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Model type (1-7) = 1, Paper size per unit (cm) = 7.5, Extra for practice (%) = 10, Custom unit count = 20 = 4 input(s) provided
Calculate Units needed
Units needed = model.units
6 = 6
Calculate Total sheets
Total sheets = baseUnits + extraUnits
7 = 7
Calculate Extra units
Extra units
1 = 1
Calculate Approx. model diameter
Approx. model diameter = edgeLength * diamFactor
3.8 = 3.8