WRAPS: Calculating Square Footage for a Trailer Wrap
Purpose
To accurately calculate the total square footage of material needed for wrapping a trailer, ensuring precise quoting and production planning.
Tools Needed
Vector design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator)
Vehicle scaled template (properly measured)
Guides and rectangle shape tools
Calculator or spreadsheet
Knowledge of your working scale (e.g., 1/10th scale)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Set Up for Measurements
Open your scaled vehicle file.
Make a new layer labeled “Measurements.”
Ensure the artwork file is scaled correctly based on real measurements taken from the trailer.
2. Panel the Vehicle Layout
Start paneling the layout using 52" wide panels, as that’s the max width most wide-format printers can handle.
If you’re working in 1/10th scale, make each panel 5.2 units wide.
Use a bright color for the panel overlays to make them easily visible.
🧠 Don’t worry about being perfect—this is about creating a realistic estimation.
3. Apply Panels to All Sides
Begin from one side and apply overlapping 52" panels across the trailer’s surface.
Use a 1” overlap
Repeat this layout on the opposite side—they’re usually identical unless one side has a door.
4. Check Special Sections
Evaluate front and rear panels separately. Watch for any sections that:
Exceed 52" wide (e.g., if something is 56", split into two panels)
Require seams or overlap
Use smaller leftover panels for odd shapes or areas like bumpers, saving material and cost.
5. Account for Overlaps & Gaps
Add gaps between panels where necessary for labels, seams, or bleed.
Group all panels once you're done to see the full wrap area.
6. Calculate Total Material Length
Create one rectangle that surrounds all the panels.
Check its total length in inches. In this example:
810 inches
📏 Since this is 1/10th scale, 810 inches = 81.0. The decimal moves over one to the left.
7. Convert to Square Footage
Step 1: Convert inches to feet
810 ÷ 12 = 67.5 feetStep 2: Multiply by panel width (in feet)
67.5’ × 4.5’ (for 52" rolls) = 303.75 sq ft
✅ Final Square Footage: Approx. 303 sq ft of material required.
Summary
Using panel overlays and scaled measurements ensures you price your wrap jobs accurately, accounting for actual usage, waste, and install efficiency. This method avoids overcharging or underestimating material.