How much bunting do I need for a room?

Measure the walls you want to decorate in metres. For straight runs, add about 10% extra for tying and overlap. For a gentle draped or swag effect, add roughly 15-20% more than the wall length to allow for the dip in each loop. A deep, pronounced swag can need more.

How long is a standard bunting string?

Most UK bunting is sold in lengths of 3m, 5m, or 10m. Fabric bunting tends to come in longer lengths. Check the listing carefully as some cheaper options are shorter than expected.

How many flags are on a string of bunting?

Typical UK shop-bought bunting fits about 3 to 3.5 flags per metre — for example, cotton bunting has around 33 triangular flags on a 10m string (a 19cm flag plus a 10cm gap, about a 29cm pitch). So a 3m string holds roughly 10-12 flags. The flag count this calculator gives uses your flag pitch (flag width plus the gap between flags).

Can I make my own bunting?

Absolutely. For DIY bunting, each flag triangle typically uses a 20cm x 20cm piece of fabric, with a gap of about 10cm between flags. That gives a pitch (flag plus gap) of around 28-30cm, so a 3m string fits about 10-12 flags.

How do I hang bunting outdoors?

Use cable ties, garden twine, or adhesive hooks. For outdoor events, secure bunting firmly as wind can pull it down. Nylon or plastic bunting withstands weather better than paper or fabric.

PartyCalcs

Bunting Calculator — Metres of Bunting Needed

Work out how many metres of bunting to buy for your party venue or outdoor space.

Wall / Run Length

Length of one wall or run you want to decorate

Number of Walls / Runs

How many walls or separate runs of that length

Hanging StyleStraight adds 10%, draped/swag adds 20%, criss-cross roughly doubles the length

Price per Metre (optional)

Unit price for cost estimation

Include 10% extra

Extra for tying, overlap, and wastage

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates bunting length based on your wall measurements and hanging style.

The formula

Total bunting = wall length × number of walls × style multiplier + tying allowance + extra

Straight runs add 10% for tying and overlap. A draped or swag style adds about 20% more for the dip in each loop (a deep swag can need more). Criss-cross overhead roughly doubles the straight distance — an estimate based on running diagonals across a typical rectangular room, where two diagonals are close to twice a single wall run. A tying allowance (default 0.3m at each end) is added per run, and an optional 10% is included for wastage and trimming.

The estimated flag count divides the total length by your flag pitch — the flag width plus the gap between flags (default 28cm, which gives about 3.3 flags per metre, matching typical UK shop-bought bunting).

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Adjust quantities based on your guests and event type.