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Mathematics

How to perfectly wrap gifts of all shapes and sizes using maths

Reduce wastage and enjoy deeply satisfying neat folds by applying a little geometry to your gift-wrapping, says Katie Steckles

By Katie Steckles

29 November 2023

For Maker 2nd Dec

Katie Steckles

WRAPPING gifts in paper involves converting a 2D shape into a 3D one, which presents plenty of geometrical challenges. Mathematics can help with this, in particular by making sure that you are using just the right amount of paper, with no wastage.

When you are dealing with a box-shaped gift, you might already wrap the paper around it to make a rectangular tube, then fold in the ends. With a little measuring, though, you can figure out precisely how much paper you will need to wrap a gift using this method, keeping the ends nice and neat.

For example,…

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