scrapbooking calculator
Plan a perfectly balanced scrapbook page in minutes. This calculator finds the optimal photo grid and print sizes for your album page, generates a precise cut list for mats and backgrounds, estimates waste, and totals material cost — with accessible, mobile-first UX for hobbyists and professionals.
Calculator Inputs
Switching units converts all fields safely.
Results
Grid
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Max Print Size
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Waste
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Total Cost
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Cut List & Materials
| Item | Qty | Width | Height | From Sheet |
|---|
Assumes ~2 mm kerf/trim allowance.
Layout Notes
Authoritative Data Source & Methodology
- ISO 216:2007 — A-series paper sizes (A4, A5, etc.). ISO, and summary overview. “Tutti i calcoli si basano rigorosamente sulle formule e sui dati forniti da questa fonte.” :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- ANSI/ASME Y14.1 — US inch-based paper sizes (Letter, Tabloid). Reference. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Common photo print sizes — Industry references for 4×6, 5×7, 8×10, etc. Adobe, FrameDestination. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Scrapbook page formats — Common 12×12 in, 8.5×11 in, 6×6 in. 12x12 Cardstock, Hobbycraft. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
The Formula Explained
Let page width/height be \(W,H\). Safe content rectangle subtracts margins \(m\) (all sides) and bleed \(b\):
\[ W_s = W - 2(m+b), \quad H_s = H - 2(m+b) \]With gutters \(g_x, g_y\), rows \(r\), cols \(c\), aspect \(a = \frac{w}{h}\) (if fitting by aspect):
\[ w_{\max} = \min\!\left(\frac{W_s - (c-1)g_x}{c},\; a\cdot\frac{H_s - (r-1)g_y}{r}\right), \quad h_{\max} = \frac{w_{\max}}{a} \]For fixed print size \((w_p,h_p)\), grid feasibility requires:
\[ c\,w_p + (c-1)g_x \le W_s,\quad r\,h_p + (r-1)g_y \le H_s \]Mat border \(b_m\) grows each print to:
\[ w_m = w_p + 2b_m,\quad h_m = h_p + 2b_m \]Waste percent uses page safe area \(A_s=W_sH_s\) vs. used area \(A_u = n\,w_m h_m\):
\[ \text{Waste} = \max\!\left(0,\;1 - \frac{A_u}{A_s}\right)\times 100\% \]Glossary of Variables
- W,H: Page width/height.
- m: Safe margin; b: bleed.
- gx, gy: Horizontal/vertical gutter.
- n: Number of photos; r,c: chosen rows/cols (with \(rc \ge n\)).
- a: Photo aspect ratio width:height (e.g., 3:2).
- wp, hp: Final print width/height per photo.
- bm: Mat border thickness.
- Waste %: Unused safe area after placing photos & mats.
How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example
Come Funziona: Un Esempio Passo-Passo
- Page: 12×12 in, margin 0.5 in, bleed 0.
- Photos: 4 photos, aspect 3:2, gutters 0.25 in.
- Auto grid: picks 2×2. Calculates \(W_s=11\), \(H_s=11\).
- Max print: fits both axes → about 5.0×3.33 in each.
- Mats: 0.125 in border → 5.25×3.58 in trims.
- Cut list & cost: shows exact pieces from 12×12 sheets plus adhesive length and total cost.
FAQ
Can I force a specific grid (like 3×2)?
Yes. Enter preferred rows/columns. If not feasible, the calculator warns and falls back to the nearest feasible grid.
How is waste % computed?
It compares the safe area (after margins/bleed) to the total matted photo area placed.
What if I use fixed print sizes?
Switch to “Use Fixed Print Size” and enter the exact print dimensions; the tool checks feasibility and shows the largest feasible grid.
Does it support A-series and US sizes?
Yes, presets include A4/A5 and Letter. Data is based on ISO 216 and ANSI/ASME Y14.1 references.
Can I use different gutters horizontally/vertically?
Yes. Use Gutter X and Gutter Y for asymmetric spacing (useful for titles or journaling areas).
Is the cut list precise for real cutting?
It adds ~2 mm kerf allowance globally; adjust if your trimmer requires more.
How are costs calculated?
Costs = sheets needed × cost per sheet + estimated adhesive (perimeter of mats and photos) × cost per meter.
Competitor Gap Analysis (UX & Feature Depth)
- Craftybase Craft Calculator focuses on pricing (materials, labor, markup) — no layout engine, grid fitting, or cut list. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- CraftCalculators offers pricing/production tools and spreadsheets — not scrapbook-specific page layout math. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Crafting with Donna curates calculators/tutorials but lacks dynamic page layout with waste & cost integration. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Canva/Mixbook/YouTube provide inspiration & editors, but not an engineering-grade calculator with cut lists, mats and unit conversions. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Our edge: professional formulae with unit conversion, grid optimizer, precise cut list, waste %, cost roll-up, accessible inline validation, and authoritative references.
Strumento sviluppato da Ugo Candido. Contenuti verificati da CalcDomain Editorial Board.
Ultima revisione per l'accuratezza in data: