Origami Paper Size Calculator
Estimate the starting paper size needed to fold an origami model of a specific finished size.
Adjust for model complexity and folding style.
Why Paper Size Matters
The finished size of an origami model depends on how much paper gets folded inside the model, not just the starting square. A traditional crane loses most of its paper to the folded body and tail. A complex insect model by an advanced designer may use nearly all the paper in thin legs, antennae, and body segments, finishing much smaller relative to the starting sheet.
Typical Size Ratios
Simple traditional models (cranes, boats, frogs): finished height or wingspan is roughly 1/3 to 1/4 of the starting paper diagonal.
Three-dimensional models (boxes, cups, stars): finished dimension is roughly 1/3 to 1/2 of the starting paper.
Modular origami (individual units): each module finishes at roughly 1/2 the paper size; the assembled ball or star is much larger depending on unit count.
Complex technical models (insects, crustaceans): finished model can be as small as 1/6 to 1/8 of the starting paper dimension, since complex models pack a lot of paper into small detailed sections.
Working Backwards
If you want a finished crane with a 10 cm wingspan, and cranes finish at roughly 1/3 of paper size, you need starting paper of 10 x 3 = 30 cm (a standard 30cm sheet).
For a complex stag beetle with a 6 cm body plus antennae, requiring 1/7 ratio: starting paper = 6 x 7 = 42 cm. Most advanced designers work with 35 to 50 cm sheets for complex insects.
Paper Weight and Type
Very large paper (above 40 cm) benefits from thinner stock. Tant paper (kami) at 70 gsm is the standard for most folding. Washi or mulberry paper handles moisture better for wet-folding 3D shapes.