Toilet paper is an indispensable commodity in any household. When you purchase toilet paper, it is not unusual to ask yourself how soft and robust its sheets are. Another important question you might ask yourself is, how long is a toilet paper square? 

Different toilet paper brands have varying sizes. Over the last couple of years, many toilet paper brands have been incrementally shrinking the length of their toilet paper squares. The trend is attributable to the desire of companies to minimize costs and optimize profits. 

How Long is a Toilet Paper Square? 

It is no secret that toilet paper brands have changed the size of toilet paper squares over the years. Notably, the average dimensions of a toilet paper square used to be 4.5 inches by 4.5 inches. Currently, the squares of most toilet paper brands measure 4 inches by 4 inches.

However, some toilet paper brands have rectangular toilet paper sheets that are 4.5 inches long and 4 inches wide. The changes in the dimensions size of toilet paper squares have also affected the toilet paper roll size. Notably, the rolls made by different toilet paper brands have relatively fewer squares.

How to Calculate the Length of a Toilet Paper Square? 

Some toilet brands do not indicate the length of their toilet paper square on toilet paper wrappings. However, that does not mean you cannot determine how long a brand’s toilet paper sheets are. You can establish this metric by dividing the length of the toilet paper roll by the number of sheets. 

A toilet paper roll length ranges anywhere between 1200 inches and 2255 inches, depending on the brand. Meanwhile, the number of sheets in a roll ranges from 300 to 600. Different toilet paper brands’ specific length of sheets caters to diverse customer segments, including eco-friendly, budget-conscious, and hygiene-conscious customers. 

So, if a toilet paper has a length of 1200 inches with 300 sheets, the length on one sheet would be 4 inches (1200 divided by 300).

Why Has The Length of Toilet Paper Squares Shrunk Over Years? 

Different toilet paper companies cite varying reasons why they have shrunk the size of their squares over the years. Some brands cite more robust fabrics as the primary reason for reduced square sizes. Notably, the changes have not been necessarily consistent with the wants of many consumers. 

However, most toilet brands have minimized the length of toilet paper squares without altering the price. The strategy allows them to cut expenses and optimize profits. A 0.5-inch reduction in length is quite subtle, and many customers may not realize it. However, you may find yourself consuming toilet paper faster than before. 

Final Thoughts

The tissue paper square length has undergone subtle changes over the years. But on average, a toilet paper sheet measures 4 inches in length and 4 inches in width. Even though you might not notice the change in length at first, the alterations affect your pocket in the long run. Some toilet paper brands do not indicate the length of toilet paper sheets, making it difficult for you to know. So, you should pay attention to the length of toilet paper sheets and the total number of sheets when purchasing a roll.