A wavelet inverse transform method includes a decoding object coefficient extracting step of extracting only coefficients necessary for decoding a specified area from wavelet transform coefficients, and a wavelet inverse transform step of inverse transforming coefficients extracted from the decoding object coefficient extracting step. The decoding object coefficient extracting step extracts transform coefficients not only inside the specified area but also those outside the specified area. This enables only an optional partial picture to be decoded without decoding the entire picture. A corresponding wavelet inverse transform device is also disclosed.