How to Use the Origami Paper Size Calculator
In origami, more folding steps means the finished model ends up much smaller than the original sheet. Every fold tucks edges and margins inward, consuming paper along the way. Enter your target finished size and the number of folding steps planned for the model, and this calculator returns the minimum square starting paper size you'll need.
As folding steps increase, the starting paper typically needs to be roughly 2 to 8 times the target size. Simple models (4-5 steps) usually work with paper 3-4 times the target size, while complex models (10+ steps) may need paper 6 times larger or more.
The expected layer count shown alongside assumes paper thickness roughly doubles with each folding step. Once layers exceed 64, the paper gets thick enough that folds become stiff and corners may not align precisely — consider thinner paper or fewer folding steps in that case. Actual paper needs vary by model and folding technique, so treat this as a helpful reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each fold uses up edges and margins that get tucked inward, so to keep the same finished size, the starting paper has to grow proportionally with the number of folding steps.
Once the layer count passes 64, the paper gets thick enough that folds become stiff and corners may not align precisely. In that case, use thinner paper or reduce the number of folding steps.