How to Measure a Wall for a Mural Quote | Wall Screen Printing

Before we can quote a wall printing project, we need to know what we’re working with. Wall dimensions are the foundation of every estimate — they determine ink coverage, print time, design layout, and total cost. Rough guesses lead to rough quotes. Accurate measurements lead to accurate pricing and a smoother project from start to finish. Here’s how to measure your wall properly.

What You’ll Need

A tape measure (25-foot minimum), a pencil, a notepad or phone for notes, and a camera. If the wall is taller than you can comfortably reach, bring a step stool or ladder. A laser distance measurer is helpful for large walls but not required. The entire process takes 10–15 minutes per wall.

Measuring Width

Measure the full width of the wall from corner to corner at three points: near the floor, at mid-height, and near the ceiling. Walls aren’t always perfectly square, especially in older buildings. If the three measurements differ, note all three — we’ll use the largest dimension to ensure full coverage. Measure in inches for precision, then convert to feet and inches (e.g., 147 inches = 12 feet 3 inches).

Measuring Height

Measure from the floor to the ceiling at both the left and right edges of the wall. Again, note both measurements if they differ. If the mural won’t extend to the full ceiling height — for example, if it stops at a chair rail or below a soffit — measure to the intended top edge of the print area instead. Document where that boundary is relative to a fixed reference point (e.g., “72 inches from the floor”).

Documenting Obstacles

This is the step most people skip, and it’s the one that matters most for accurate quoting. Note the location and dimensions of every obstacle on the wall: electrical outlets, light switches, thermostats, fire alarm pulls, sconces, HVAC vents, junction boxes, and any built-in shelving or cabinetry. For each obstacle, measure its distance from the nearest corner (horizontal) and from the floor (vertical). Our printers can print around these elements, but we need to know where they are to plan the design layout.

Photographing the Wall

Take at least three photos: a straight-on shot of the full wall from as far back as possible, a close-up showing the wall texture, and a wider shot showing the wall in context with the surrounding room. If the wall has obstacles, take a photo of each one with a tape measure visible for scale. Good photos help us assess surface condition, lighting, and access requirements before the site visit.

Irregular Walls

If the wall has angles, curves, alcoves, or columns, sketch a rough floor plan showing the wall’s shape and label each dimension. For curved walls, measure the chord length (straight line from end to end) and the depth of the curve at its midpoint. For walls with columns or recesses, measure each flat section independently and note the depth of any offsets. These details ensure the design wraps correctly around architectural features.

What to Include in Your Quote Request

When you submit a quote request, include the following: wall width and height (in inches or feet/inches), a list of obstacles with their positions, photos of the wall (straight-on, texture close-up, and context), the wall surface type (drywall, concrete, brick, stucco, etc.), and a description of the design you have in mind. If you have artwork ready, attach it — even a rough concept helps us estimate design time and complexity.

We’ll Verify On-Site

Your measurements get us to an accurate ballpark quote. Before finalizing the project, we conduct an on-site assessment to verify dimensions, evaluate surface condition, check printer access and clearance, and confirm lighting. This visit is included in every project and ensures there are no surprises on print day. If you’re in our service area across Southern California, we can typically schedule the site visit within a few business days of your initial inquiry.

Start With What You Have

Don’t let measurement anxiety delay your project. Even approximate dimensions and a few phone photos are enough to start the conversation. Request a quote with whatever information you have, and we’ll guide you through anything else we need. The goal is to get you an accurate price as quickly as possible so you can make a confident decision about your wall mural or feature wall project.