Origami Paper Size Calculator
Find the right starting paper size for any origami model.
Enter finished model size and fold complexity to get the recommended square dimensions.
Origami Paper Sizing
The starting paper size depends on the finished model size you want and the fold complexity.
Rule-of-thumb multipliers by complexity:
| Complexity | Folds | Multiplier | Example (10 cm target) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple (10-15 folds) | Crane, boat, box | 3-4x | 35-40 cm paper |
| Medium (20-35 folds) | Frog, lily, fish | 4-6x | 50-60 cm paper |
| Complex (40-60 folds) | Modular, animals | 6-9x | 70-90 cm paper |
| Extreme (60+ folds) | Insects, faces | 9-15x | 100-150 cm paper |
Standard origami paper sizes:
| Size | Dimensions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Mini | 7.5 x 7.5 cm | Dollar-bill folds, decorations |
| Small | 15 x 15 cm | Cranes, simple flowers, boxes |
| Medium | 20 x 20 cm | Frogs, modular units, lotus |
| Large | 30 x 30 cm | Complex animals, display pieces |
| XL | 40 x 40 cm | Expert-level, many-fold models |
Paper type matters: Thin paper (kami) handles deep folds without bulking up. Thick paper tears at tight creases and adds unwanted bulk. Foil-backed paper holds crisp angles but cracks on soft curves. Washi paper is forgiving and traditional — ideal for beginners.
Classic model paper sizes:
| Model | Starting Paper | Finished Size |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional crane | 15 x 15 cm | ~7 cm wingspan |
| Jumping frog | 15 x 15 cm | ~5 cm long |
| Modular star (12 units) | 10 x 10 cm each | 15 cm diameter |
| Dragon | 35 x 35 cm | ~15 cm long |
| Koi fish | 25 x 25 cm | ~10 cm long |
Beginner tip — size up: When learning a new model, use paper 20-30% larger than recommended. Bigger paper makes each fold easier to see and execute. After mastering the folds, switch to proper-size paper for display.