Page 1 of 1

size of paper

Posted: July 21st, 2020, 11:28 pm
by semajrn
If I know the size of the finished origami project needed, how do I decide the correct size of paper to use to create it? Example: I want to make a dress that is about 2" - 3" high and a coat to fit over it... what approximate size papers should I choose for these projects?

Re: size of paper

Posted: July 25th, 2020, 9:15 pm
by origami_8
That totally depends on the model. Complex models will usually have a higher ratio from initial paper size to finished model than simple models. In some rare cases the designer will give you this ratio at the beginning of the diagrams (example) but usually you have to find out by folding the model and measuring. There is no fixed ratio that works for every model.

Re: size of paper

Posted: July 26th, 2020, 1:14 pm
by Baltorigamist
In most cases you'll need to measure the model size and divide that by the side length of the original square. This will get you the (model:paper) ratio (e.g., 0.38 or larger for a very efficient* model). Then divide the size you need by that ratio (3" / 0.38 = approx. 7.9"). So for a model that's .38 the size of the starting square, an 8" square would get you about a 3" model.

*Note that the (model:paper) ratio isn't the only way to measure efficiency. Most models have a ratio of between .25 and .35 of the starting square, with more complex models generally occupying the lower end of that spectrum.