So, you've just hit the store. One toddler is riding in the cart, another is zooming up and down the aisle and your partner is on the other side of the supermarket, fiercely debating the merits of lemon-scented cleaner.
And you?
You're standing in the toilet paper aisle, eyes squinting in concentration, trying to answer the ultimate question…
How much toilet paper does your family really need?
With kids, unexpected guests and life's general chaos, nailing down the perfect stockpile seems more like an algebra equation than a simple store run.
Release your grip on the handlebars — we’re about to unravel this mystery before your cart runs away without you!
How much toilet paper does one person use?
The typical person makes 6-7 trips to the bathroom every day, and that’s just for a #1. But of course, the number varies depending on the person, their diet and activity.
All those visits to the loo can use up toilet paper quicker than you think. If the average trip to the bathroom uses around seven sheets, that means some people may need roughly 49 sheets per day. That’s more than 25% of a standard roll just in one day.
And that’s not accounting for non-bathroom uses, like blowing your nose, doing your makeup, wiping up spills and squashing scary spiders!
Fun fact: While the amount of toilet paper every person uses varies, Statista estimates each person will consume roughly 13.5 pounds (6.1 kg) of toilet paper in 2024. That's a lot of toilet paper!
Do children use more or less toilet paper than adults?
Somehow, even though children have less surface area to cover, every time you go into their bathroom it’s on the last square.
Kids use more toilet paper for a variety of reasons - but mostly because they’re working on their technique. Some kids pull, unroll and wrap it around their hands like a mummy. Others grab wads as big as footballs. Usually, they’re anticipating a bigger mess than they have on their hands.
Plus, they often enjoy the process of unravelling TP. It's a fun activity, they're not thinking about saving trees or money!
Do women use more toilet paper than men?
Well actually, yes. Women tend to use more TP than men, even though they're not on a mission to strip the forests bare.
Though some men reserve it for #2s, women typically need it for every bathroom trip. Pregnancy and daily hygiene can ramp up their usage even more.
Here's the twist: despite their greater loo roll consumption, women rock the green lifestyle more than men. Studies show that women use fewer disposable items and tend to care more about the environment.
So, while they might use more toilet paper, it's not because they don't love the trees. It's a balancing act between bathroom needs and environmental deeds.
How much toilet paper does a family use in a month?
If each person uses about two rolls of toilet paper a week, then a family of four goes through roughly 32 rolls per month. But take this figure with a grain of salt, because many different factors influence how much TP actually gets used in a household…
Age is the first big differentiator for consumption, as little ones and older folks might use a bit more or less depending on their needs. Then there's your family's makeup. Are there more people with periods? You might want to add an extra roll or two if the answer is yes.
Special occasions can really put a dent in the paper supply. From playdates to house parties, family houses tend to use more.
On the flipside, when your family is busy camping or travelling, you should notice a dip in household TP use. Remember, every family is different. It’s not rocket science — you just need to make sure you have enough extra.
How much extra toilet paper should a family have on hand?
Families face hectic weeks filled with activities and commitments. Keeping extra toilet paper handy means you won't have to worry about running out during busy times like recitals, practices or long work days.
When it’s flu season and the whole family gets sick, everyone in the house needs more paper on hand — especially if they’re staying home from work and school.
A practical rule is to keep an extra month of toilet paper to ensure you’re always prepared. If your family uses 32 rolls per per month (eight per week), an additional 32 rolls on standby provides a comfortable buffer for emergencies and busy periods.
Conclusion: Never run out of toilet paper again!
On average, each person uses about two rolls per week, which means a family of four typically goes through 32 rolls per month.
But that's just the starting point. Little ones often use more while they’re learning, and women generally lean a little heavier on the TP use as well. And life’s little surprises — like unexpected guests, playdates, or house parties — can quickly deplete your stock.
To avoid those emergency TP shopping trips in your pajamas, consider keeping an extra month's supply on hand. This ensures you are always prepared for unexpected shortages, guests, or delays in restocking.
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Shop with Who Gives A Crap to stay stress-free and never run out of premium toilet paper again!