Short answer: add up the length of every edge that will show, add a little extra for trimming, then divide by the roll length. A shop rule of thumb is to allow about 2 inches per edge for overhang plus roughly 10% for test pieces and mistakes. Our rolls are 300 ft long, so most cabinet and furniture jobs need one roll per color and width, and larger jobs need one roll for every 300 ft of finished edge.
Key takeaways
- Only count the edges that will be seen. Back edges and edges hidden against a wall usually stay raw.
- Measure in inches, add the trimming allowance, then convert to feet by dividing by 12.
- Count each color and each width on its own, because each one is a separate roll.
- Divide the total feet by 300 and round up to get the number of rolls.
- Pick a width a little wider than the panel, such as 15/16" for a 3/4" board.
Which edges do you need to count?
Go through the cut list part by part and mark the edges that will show once the piece is built. Here is where most shops band:
| Part | Edges usually banded | Length to count |
|---|---|---|
| Door or drawer front | All four edges | 2 × (width + height) |
| Cabinet side (gable) | Front edge, plus the bottom if it shows | Height, or height + depth |
| Fixed or adjustable shelf | Front edge | Shelf width |
| Cabinet top or bottom | Front edge | Cabinet width minus the two sides |
| Open shelving or furniture panel | Every edge that is visible | Sum of the visible edges |
| Tabletop or desk | All four edges | 2 × (length + depth) |
If you are not sure whether an edge will show, band it. A raw edge on plywood or particleboard looks unfinished and lets moisture in. Our guide to edge banding plywood and melamine shows the full process.
How do you calculate edge banding length step by step?
- List every part. Write down each part with its size and how many you need.
- Add the visible edges of one part. Use the table above, in inches.
- Add the trimming allowance. Add about 2 inches for each banded edge, so the band can run past both ends and be trimmed flush.
- Multiply by the quantity. Do this for every part, then add the parts together.
- Convert to feet and add a safety margin. Divide by 12, then add about 10% for test pieces and the odd mistake.
- Divide by the roll length. Divide by 300 ft and round up. Repeat for each color and width.
What does a worked example look like?
Say you are making ten doors, each 15" wide and 30" tall, all in one color:
- One door has 2 × (15 + 30) = 90 inches of edge.
- Trimming allowance: 4 edges × 2 inches = 8 inches, so 98 inches per door.
- Ten doors: 980 inches, which is about 82 ft.
- Add 10%: about 90 ft.
- 90 ft divided by 300 ft is 0.3, which rounds up to one roll.
The same roll would still have plenty left for matching shelf fronts or gables in that color, so it is worth adding those parts to the same count before you order.
How many rolls do you need for your total length?
Once you have the total in feet, including the allowance, this quick table gives the roll count for 300 ft rolls:
| Total edge length (with allowance) | 300 ft rolls to order |
|---|---|
| Up to 300 ft | 1 |
| 301 to 600 ft | 2 |
| 601 to 900 ft | 3 |
| 901 to 1,200 ft | 4 |
| Each extra 300 ft | 1 more roll |
If you work in metric, 300 ft is about 91 m. Divide your total in meters by 91 and round up.
How do you choose the right width and roll?
Length is only half the order. Before you buy, check these points:
- Width: choose a band a little wider than the panel so it can be trimmed flush. For a 3/4" panel, 15/16" is the usual choice; thicker panels need a wider band such as 1-5/8". See how to choose edge banding width.
- Thickness: thin bands suit shelves and cabinet interiors, while doors and high-wear edges often get a thicker band. Our 1mm edge banding guide explains when to use it.
- Color and finish: each decor is its own roll. Browse solid color edge banding, wood grain edge banding or white edge banding.
- Real wood veneer: our real wood veneer edge banding is 0.5 mm thick in 23, 32 and 44 mm widths and 300 ft long, with glue on the back so it can be applied with an iron.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra edge banding should I buy?
Allow about 2 inches per edge for trimming and around 10% on top for test pieces. If your total lands close to a full roll, order the next roll up rather than running short mid-job.
How long is a roll of your edge banding?
Our rolls are 300 ft long. The sizes for each color are listed in the product options on its page.
Do I need to band the back edges of cabinet parts?
Usually not. Back edges that sit against a wall or a back panel stay hidden, so most shops leave them raw. Band any edge that will be seen or handled.
Can I use one roll for several projects?
Yes. As long as the color, width and thickness are the same, one roll can cover several small jobs. Store it flat and away from heat so it stays easy to apply.
Not sure which color to order?
Order free samples and check them against your panels before you buy the full rolls.
