Buying toilet paper for your family can feel overwhelming with so many brands and options available. Each brand offers different sizes, ply counts, and features, making it difficult to compare costs directly.
Understanding the cost per toilet paper sheet can help you make an informed decision. Whether you're looking for the softest, strongest, or most eco-friendly option, knowing how to break down the costs will empower you to make the best choice.
Let’s walk you through how to calculate the cost per sheet of premium brands, so you can make the best decisions for your household while meeting your family's needs.
How do you determine the cost per toilet paper sheet?
The simple formula for calculating the cost per sheet is the total cost of a roll divided by the number of sheets per roll. In most cases, the price per sheet is less than pennies, so when discussing the cost of toilet paper, we use the cost per 100 sheets.
It’s important to remember not all sheets are created equal. While the cost per 100 sheets can be close from one brand to another, the surface area of sheets (width and length) can vary with brand.
What’s wrong with using price per roll?
Cost per 100 sheets helps us compare toilet paper better than price per roll.
The price per roll isn’t ideal because rolls can have different circumferences, thicknesses, and number of sheets. Similarly, different ply counts and how tightly the roll is wound affect the total number of sheets per roll.
Even though we can account for the different surface areas of squares by figuring out the price per square foot—it doesn’t address the other shortcomings of using price per roll.
What are the limitations of cost per 100 sheets?
While the cost per sheet helps us make more realistic apples-to-apples comparisons, it doesn’t speak to other key features like surface area, softness, or strength.
Charmin Ultra Gentle
With its iconic bear mascot, Charmin’s marketing is undeniably charming—but is the impact on your wallet (or the environment) as gentle as it claims?
Charmin Ultra Gentle has a unique feature: it uses soothing lotion on every sheet, targeting skin irritation and what the company refers to as “wipe burn." It's the only Charmin product that incorporates lotion, making it an intriguing choice.
I'll admit, it's easy to see why people might be curious. But is it really that soothing when it comes with a hefty price tag? Let's dig deeper and find out if this gentle touch is worth the cost.
Here are the specs:
Ply: 2-ply
Sheets per roll: 231
Number of rolls: 18
Total Cost: $19.99
Dimensions: 3.92 x 3.95 inches
So, next time you reach for Charmin, bear in mind…
Cost per 100 sheets: $0.48
Cottonelle Ultra Clean Toilet Paper
Cottonelle features unique textures and designs that set it apart, making it a popular choice for households seeking quality in their toilet paper selection.
One of its standout features is the CleaningRipples™ texture, which is designed to provide a superior clean with each use. This paper is designed so you’ll use less with each wipe.
Cottonelle markets its Ultra Clean Toilet Paper as three times thicker, three times stronger, and two times more absorbent than other leading brands.
Does that texture also ripple the price, though?
Here are the specs:
Ply: 1-ply
Sheets per roll: 284 sheets
Number of rolls: 24
Total Cost: $20.98
Dimensions: 3.82 x 4 inches
Cost per 100 sheets: $0.35
Kirkland Signature Ultra Soft Bath Tissue (Costco)
Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue stands out for its bulk value and practicality over prestige.
While it's known for its bulk offerings, the purchasing experience at Costco can sometimes be overwhelming for shoppers. Imagine navigating through the crowded aisles of Costco every time you need toilet paper—it often leads to impulse buying and a significantly higher grocery bill.
The low cost per sheet makes it an economical choice for many families, especially those with high usage. The significant savings can justify the bulk purchasing experience, as the price per sheet is substantially lower compared to other premium brands.
Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue is the budget-friendly option for those who prefer to stock up and save instead of strive for something more elegant.
Here are the specs:
Ply: 2-ply
Sheets per roll: 380 sheets
Number of rolls: 30
Total Cost: $23.49
Dimensions: 4.5 x 4 inches
Cost per 100 sheets: $0.21
Quilted Northern Ultra Plush Toilet Paper with Sweet Lilac & Vanilla Scented Tube
This toilet paper elevates your bathroom experience with a touch of luxury, the added features make it stand out from typical offerings.
Imagine replacing your usual bathroom air freshener with a lilac and vanilla-scented toilet paper tube. The scent creates a spa-like atmosphere, adding a sense of relaxation and comfort to your routine.
Its 3-ply construction and scented tube contribute to a higher price per 100 sheets compared to other brands. But I guess that comes with transforming your bathroom into a relaxing retreat.
The higher cost requires careful consideration to determine if these luxury features align with your budget.
Here are the specs:
Ply: 3-ply
Sheets per roll: 255 sheets
Number of rolls: 24
Total Cost: $25.96
Dimensions: 3.8 x 4 inches
Cost per 100 sheets: $0.42
Simple Truth® Toilet Paper 100% Recycled Double Roll (Kroger)
Simple Truth® Toilet Paper offers an eco-friendly option—it’s 100% recycled. Imagine using toilet paper that is soft on your skin and better for the environment. With each use, you contribute to a healthier planet by choosing a product made from recycled materials.
Similar to Who Gives A Crap’s recycled toilet paper—it’s hypoallergenic, so this choice is ideal for those with sensitive skin or allergies, as it avoids the use of potentially irritating dyes and fragrances.
Here are the specs:
Ply: 2-ply
Sheets per roll: 240 sheets
Number of rolls: 24
Total Cost: $12.49
Dimensions: 4 x 4 inches
And the simple truth is, it has the lowest price on this list.
Cost per 100 sheets: $0.22
Price doesn’t tell the full story
When it comes to choosing toilet paper, it's easy to get stuck on price. After all, who wants to—quite literally—flush money down the drain?
However, the saying "you get what you pay for" rings especially true for bathroom tissue. Opting for the cheapest option means sacrificing quality. When quality takes a back seat to price, it's a race to the "bottom" in more ways than one.
High-quality toilet paper not only enhances comfort but also provides secondary benefits like reducing skin irritation and improving overall hygiene. Stronger paper reduces the need for multiple sheets, and better absorbency ensures more effective use, which can ultimately lead to less waste.
Moreover, there are unrealized benefits to some premium toilet paper options to consider. Choosing non-toxic toilet paper made from recycled materials or with eco-friendly sources and processes contributes to environmental sustainability.
Choosing premium eco-friendly toilet paper reduces your exposure to toxic chemicals and improves yours and your family’s health.
Conclusion
Understanding the cost per sheet of toilet paper helps you make an informed decision amidst the overwhelming variety of brands and options.
By calculating the cost per 100 sheets, you can compare different brands more effectively than you can with the individual cost per sheet or price per roll. However, price isn’t the sole factor to consider when comparing your options.
High-quality toilet paper enhances comfort, reduces skin irritation, and improves hygiene. Additionally, eco-friendly options contribute to sustainability and health. Balancing costs with these benefits ensures you choose the best toilet paper for your family.
Who Gives A Crap offers premium bamboo and recycled toilet paper that’s free of chlorine, ink, dyes, perfumes, and is safe for septic tanks.