Toilet papers are essential commodities that surprisingly run out very quickly. In the early stages of the pandemic, some reports showed that panic buying caused severe toilet paper shortages. Now, how quickly can an individual finish one toilet roll?
A toilet paper sheet is usually 4” long by 4” wide. To find the total length of the roll, multiply the sheet length by the number of sheets. So, if you have a 1,000-sheet roll, that would add up to 4,000” long. You can usually find the exact size and number on the packaging.
The dimensions of the sheet contribute to the length of the roll. However, the size has not always been that way. In the past, sheets were longer and wider. This article will discuss the measurements of some brands of toilet paper rolls.
What Is the Length of My Toilet Paper Roll?
There is no general answer to how long a roll of toilet paper is. Instead, I made a list of standard toilet paper brands in the US (all available on Amazon.com) and their corresponding lengths below:
| Brand Name | Sheet Size (L x W) | Sheets/Roll | Total Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Essential | 4.1 x 4.0 in | 550 | 2,255 in |
| Cottonelle Professional | 3.82 x 4.0 in | 170 | 649.4 in |
| Charmin Ultra Gentle | 3.92 x 3.95 in | 286 | 1,121.12 in |
| Presto! by Amazon | 4.0 x 4.0 in | 308 | 1,232 in |
| Angel Soft with Fresh Linen Scent | 3.8 x 4.0 in | 214 | 813.2 in |
| Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong | 4.0 x 4.0 in | 340 | 1,360 in |
| White Cloud | 3.9 x 4.0 in | 300 | 1,170 in |
| Seventh Generation Recycled | 4.0 x 4.0 in | 240 | 960 in |
| BrillaBoo Pure Bamboo | 3.93 x 4.33 in | 360 | 1,414.8 in |
| Caboo Bamboo Bath Tissue | 4.0 x 4.0 in | 300 | 1,200 in |
If your brand of toilet paper is not on the list, you may check the packaging at home. Note, however, that recently, some brands do not indicate sheet size on their packaging anymore. They do show, however, the number of sheets and plies.
If that is the case for your product, you may measure the length of each sheet with a ruler. Each sheet ends with a perforated line. After you get the measurement, multiply it with the number of sheets indicated on the packaging.
Why Toilet Paper Rolls Have Shrunk Over Time
If you have noticed your toilet paper rolls shrinking in size, you are not alone. Many toilet paper brands have reduced the dimensions of their sheets without changing the price.
The reason is simple. It is to cut costs and maximize profits. In the past, sheets came in squares of 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches. However, over the years, several brands reduced this size by half an inch or even more.
These may seem like subtle changes, and not many consumers pay much attention to these details. But it’s pretty normal if you notice that you are consuming tissue paper a little more quickly than before. It’s important to consider value for money, after all.
The panic buying brought about by the pandemic in early 2020 caused problems to the toilet paper supply chain. To deal with the drop in sales several months after the hoarding, many companies have devised creative ways to gain more profits.
At first glance, you may think that your toilet roll is as thick as before. But if you look closely, the diameter of the cardboard tube has gotten bigger. Increasing the cardboard size is just another way manufacturing companies try to make subtle changes to their products.
Is a Longer Toilet Paper Roll Always Better?
No. Not always. Length is not the only factor most people consider when choosing their toilet paper. In the market, you will find different types of consumers:
- Budget-conscious
- Hygiene-conscious
- Eco-friendly
Below is a list of things various types of consumers consider besides toilet paper roll length.
Number of Plies or Thickness
Some brands offer more sheets, but they come in a single ply. Take Scott 1000 Bath Tissue on Amazon, for example. It has 1,000 one-ply sheets. If you feel comfortable with that, then these longer rolls are good for you. Some people, however, prefer thicker sheets.
Thicker sheets don’t break easily. The roll may be shorter, but you wouldn’t need a lot of sheets for single use. Therefore, thicker rolls may last just as long as the thinner, longer ones.
Material
Most tissue papers are made from 100% virgin pulp, which means the products come from pure wood pulp or cotton. They are soft and gentle for people with sensitive skin. You will often see this information on their packaging.
Recently, however, there has been a growing trend of toilet paper made of pure bamboo. These products claim to be tree-free and eco-friendly. They also claim not to clog toilets as they disintegrate more quickly.
Check out the Betterway Bamboo Toilet Paper from Amazon. The company makes toilet paper out of pure bamboo. Its packaging is not only chic but also eco-friendly. It is made of compostable paper.
- ✅ THE SOFTEST BAMBOO TP w/ 100 DAY RISK-FREE MONEY...
- ✅ 57% MORE SQUARE FEET PER ROLL - almost 2X longer...
- ✅ 3-PLY STRENGTH, 2X ABSORPTION: 3 layers of premium...
- ✅ GENTLE ON SENSITIVE SKIN: This bamboo paper is...
Scent or Color
There is a steady demand for scented toilet paper, mostly among women who don’t mind paying extra dollars for a more refreshing bathroom experience. Alcohol-based scents, however, may pose a threat to people with sensitive skin.
There is also colored toilet paper for people who are on the creative side. Check out the Renova Colored Toilet Paper if you want to brighten up your bathroom.
Final Thoughts
Toilet paper is an essential commodity that some people take for granted. In the US, however, people consider it a necessity. When food and other products run out, you can buy a different alternative. For toilet paper, however, there is no alternative.
As a result, many consumers have increasingly become conscious about the length of their toilet paper rolls, and it is not a bad thing. However, the length should not be the only concern. Quality is also crucial.
See also: Can Adults Use Baby Wipes Instead of Toilet Paper?
