Before any print shop can quote your mural, they need two numbers: your wall’s width and height in meters. Measuring takes about five minutes. Here’s how to do it right the first time.
What You’ll Need
- A tape measure (at least 5 meters long)
- A pencil and paper — or your phone’s notes app
- A helper for long walls (optional but nice)
Step 1: Measure the Width
Run the tape measure along the bottom of the wall, from one corner to the other. Write down the number in meters — for example, 4.4 m.
Measure at the bottom, not the top. Walls are often slightly out of square, and the bottom measurement is the one that matters for panel alignment.
Step 2: Measure the Height
Measure from floor to ceiling in one corner. Then do it again in the opposite corner. If the two numbers differ — say 2.68 m and 2.71 m — write down the larger one.
Step 3: Check for Obstacles
Look at the wall and note anything the design needs to work around:
- Windows and doors (measure their size and position)
- Light switches and outlets
- Aircon units, pipes, or wall-mounted TVs
You don’t need to remove these — a good print shop will plan the panels around them. But they need to know these obstacles exist before printing, not after.
Step 4: Note the Wall’s Condition
Is the surface smooth painted concrete, textured “sahara” finish, or old tile? This affects material choice and wall preparation. A quick photo of the wall helps the shop recommend the right material.
Why Shops Add 10% Allowance
Here’s something that confuses many first-time buyers: your quote will often include roughly 10% more material than your exact wall size. This isn’t padding. It’s because:
- Walls are rarely perfectly square — panels need trimming at the edges
- Patterns must overlap slightly to match across panels
- Mistakes happen, and spare material is your insurance
The allowance is confirmed after professional site measurement, so treat your own numbers as a starting estimate.
Common Measuring Mistakes
- Measuring only one point. Walls bow. Measure twice, in different spots.
- Forgetting the skirting. Measure the full wall, including behind baseboards — panels run edge to edge.
- Rounding down. Always round up to the nearest centimeter. A mural that’s 2 cm short leaves an awkward gap.
- Ignoring the ceiling slope. On stairs or attics, measure the tallest and shortest points and give both.
What Happens Next
With your width, height, and a photo of the wall, a shop can give you a real estimate. Some even have online calculators that show the breakdown instantly — area, allowance, material, and installation, line by line.
If you’re not sure whether your wall even needs a full mural, start with our wall mural vs. wall sticker comparison — sometimes a large decal does the job for less.
👉 Got your numbers? Get a free wall mural quote — enter your wall’s width and height and see the full breakdown in about two minutes. For wall mural printing in Metro Manila, site measurement is usually included before final pricing.