Origami Paper Size Calculator

Starting square size from target model dimensions.

Target model height (cm)

Target model width (cm)

Complexity level (1-4)

Max layers at thickest point

Tab to move between fields

Minimum paper size (cm)

Recommended standard size (cm)

Recommended size (inches)11.8

Paper area (cm²)900

Complexity multiplier2.5

Layer penalty (%)4

Paper Area In2139.5

How to Use This Calculator

Enter the desired finished height of the origami model in centimeters.
Enter the desired finished width or wingspan of the model in centimeters.
Select the complexity level: 1 for simple models (crane, boat), 2 for intermediate, 3 for complex, 4 for super-complex.
Estimate the maximum number of overlapping paper layers at the thickest point.
Read the minimum paper size in centimeters and the nearest standard origami paper size to buy or cut.
Use the layer penalty percentage to understand how much extra paper the layering consumes.

How the result changes with Target model height (cm)

Target model height (cm)	Minimum paper size (cm)	Recommended standard size (cm)
20	52	60
70	182	185
130	338	340
180	468	470

Target model height (cm): Desired finished height of the origami model in centimeters.
Target model width (cm): Desired finished width/wingspan of the origami model in centimeters.
Complexity level (1-4): 1 = Simple (crane/boat), 2 = Intermediate (lily/frog), 3 = Complex (dragon), 4 = Super-complex (ancient dragon).
Max layers at thickest point: Number of paper layers at the thickest part of the model. Simple models ~4-8, complex ~16-60+.

Minimum paper size (cm): Calculated minimum square side length needed.
Recommended standard size (cm): Nearest standard origami paper size that meets the minimum.
Recommended size (inches): Recommended paper size converted to inches.
Paper area (cm²): Total area of the recommended square paper.
Complexity multiplier: Ratio of paper size to model size for this complexity level.
Layer penalty (%): Extra paper percentage needed due to thick layering.

Identify Input Parameters
4 parameters
Target model height (cm) = 10, Target model width (cm) = 10, Complexity level (1-4) = 1, Max layers at thickest point = 8 = 4 input(s) provided
Calculate Minimum paper size
Minimum paper size = modelMax * factor * (1 + layerPenalty)
26 = 26
Calculate Recommended standard size
30 = 30
Calculate Recommended size
Recommended size = recommendedSize / 2.54
11.8 = 11.8
Calculate Paper area
Paper area = recommendedSize * recommendedSize
900 = 900