Length of Spiral Christmas Garland

The Length of a Spiral Christmas Garland calculator computes the length of a Christmas Garland or Christmas Lights needed to wind around an object (e.g. railing).  This is based on the length covered, spacing between spirals and the diameter of the spirals.

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (H) Length of Object (e.g., length of rail being wound in garland)
• (P) Distance between Spirals
• (D) Diameter of Spirals

Length of Garland (L): The calculator returns the length of the garland in feet.  However this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.  

Christmas Decorating

Decorating for Christmas is fun and makes your home feel extra special.  A garland of evergreen wrapped around a staircase banister or guardrail is a nice touch and a great place to hang Christmas ornaments.  BUT, how long of a garland do you need to wrap your railing?  It's just some useful math.  This calculator will tell you how long your garland needs to be.

Thanks to Kelly and Sean McDonagh for recommending this calculator and providing the photo from their house! Sean also pointed out that this also works for Christmas lights!!!

The Math / Science

A spiral is a helix.  The Christmas garland wrapped around a pole or circular rail forms a helix.  

The formula for the length of a helix is:

      `L = H/P * sqrt( (pi*D)^2 + P^2)`

where:

• L = Length of Helix
• H = Height of Helix
• P = Pitch of Helix
• D = Diameter of Helix

Note: The number of turns (n) is equal to (H/P)

Christmas Calculator

• Christmas Tree Lights Calc: Estimates the number of lights needed for a Christmas tree based on the tree's size and your desired spacing (density).
• Height of a Christmas Tree Topper: Computes the appropriate height of the ornament or angel to go on top of a Christmas Tree based on the height of the tree.
• Length of Christmas Tree Garland: Estimates the length of garland to be strung on a Christmas tree based on its height.
• Length of a Spiral Christmas Garland: Estimates the length of a Christmas Garland or Christmas Lights needed to wind around an object (e.g. railing) based on the length covered, spacing between spirals and the diameter of the spirals.
• Fabric for Circular Christmas Tree Skirt: Computes the appropriate diameter of a skirt for your Christmas tree given the tree's diameter at the bottom and also tells you the amount of fabric needed to make it.
• Fabric for Octagon Christmas Tree Skirt:  Computes the appropriate diameter of a skirt for your Christmas tree given the tree's diameter at the bottom and also tells you the amount of fabric needed to make it.
• Number of Christmas Tree Baubles: Estimates the number of ornaments needed for a Christmas tree based on the size of the tree.
• [[Day until Christmas (12/25/2025), 266 days]]!