A Garland Length Calculator helps you determine the precise length of garland required for any decorating project. By using this tool, you avoid the common problem of purchasing too much or too little material. This ensures you have the right amount of garland to perfectly adorn your staircase, mantel, doorway, or Christmas tree without waste or extra trips to the store. This calculator simplifies your planning process and helps you achieve a professional and well-proportioned decorative look.
formula
You can use several specific formulas to calculate the ideal garland length for various applications around your home. Each formula is tailored to a different decorating scenario to provide an accurate measurement.
Swag or Drape Effect
This formula is for creating a swag or drape effect.
Garland Length = Length of Banister/Mantel * 1.5
Variables:
Length of Banister/Mantel: The total horizontal length you want to cover.
Staircase Garland (Wrapping)
This formula is for wrapping garland around the handrail of a staircase.
Garland Length = Staircase Handrail Length * 2
Variables:
Staircase Handrail Length: The diagonal length of the handrail from the top post to the bottom post.
Christmas Tree Garland
This formula provides a general guideline for decorating a Christmas tree.
Garland Length = Height of Tree in Feet * 9
Variables:
Height of Tree in Feet: The total height of the Christmas tree.
Standard Doorframe Garland
This formula is for a standard rectangular doorway, covering the two sides and the top.
Garland Length = (Door Height * 2) + Door Width
Variables:
Door Height: The height of the doorframe.
Door Width: The width of the doorframe.
Arched Doorway Garland
This formula accounts for the curve of an arched doorway.
Garland Length = (Height to Arch * 2) + (Width * 1.5)
Variables:
Height to Arch: The height from the floor to where the arch begins.
Width: The width of the doorway at its base.
Table Runner Garland
For garland that stays entirely on the tabletop:
Garland Length = Table Length - 1 foot
Variables:
Table Length: The total length of the table.
For garland that drapes off the ends of the table:
Garland Length = Table Length + (Desired Drape Length * 2)
Variables:
Table Length: The total length of the table.
Desired Drape Length: The length you want the garland to hang down on each side.
Garland Length Quick Reference Guide
This table offers general estimates for common decorating needs, which helps you quickly find the length you need without performing calculations.
| Decoration Area | Dimensions | Recommended Garland Length |
| Christmas Tree | 6 ft Height | 54 ft |
| Christmas Tree | 8 ft Height | 72 ft |
| Christmas Tree | 10 ft Height | 90 ft |
| Staircase Banister (Wrap) | 10 ft Handrail | 20 ft |
| Staircase Banister (Swag) | 12 ft Length | 18 ft |
| Standard Doorframe | 7 ft Height, 3 ft Width | 17 ft |
| Fireplace Mantel (Swag) | 5 ft Width | 7.5 ft |
| Dining Table (Draping) | 6 ft Table, 1 ft Drape | 8 ft |
Example
Imagine you want to decorate your Christmas tree with garland.
First, you need to measure the height of your tree. For this example, let's assume the tree is 7 feet tall.
Next, you use the formula for Christmas tree garland:
Garland Length = Height of Tree in Feet * 9
Now, you put your measurement into the formula:
Garland Length = 7 feet * 9
Finally, you perform the calculation:
Garland Length = 63 feet
Therefore, you will need 63 feet of garland to properly decorate a 7-foot-tall Christmas tree.
Most Common FAQs
The fullness or thickness of a garland does not change the required length. However, it does impact the visual outcome. A thicker garland provides a more lush appearance and may require fewer additional ornaments to look complete. In contrast, a thinner garland might need more lights or decorations to achieve a similar sense of fullness. You should select the garland thickness based on the aesthetic you wish to create.
You can hang garland without damaging surfaces by using temporary and non-invasive methods. For walls and mantels, removable adhesive hooks are an excellent choice because they do not leave marks or strip paint. To secure garland to a banister, consider using soft floral wire, decorative ribbon, or specialized garland ties that will not scratch the finish. These options provide a secure hold without causing permanent harm.