It’s the final stretch of your shopping run, and the list is nearly completed. Then, you reach the toilet paper aisle.
Time to tackle the eternal question: how much toilet paper does your family really need?
With kids, unexpected guests and life's general chaos, nailing down the perfect large quantity of TP sometimes feels like solving for X (that’s an algebra joke). Don’t worry, we’re here to simplify this equation.
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. The number varies depending on the person, their diet and activity levels.
All those visits to the loo use up large toilet paper quantities. 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.
Now account for non-bathroom uses – stuff like blowing your nose, doing your makeup, wiping up spills or discovering your pet has found a new source of entertainment.
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?
Children might have less surface area to cover, but they sure make quick work of a toilet roll.
Kids use larger quantities of 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 crumple wads as big as footballs. Usually, they’re expecting a mess far worse than the one they’ve already made.
Plus, they often enjoy the process of unravelling TP. They’re not worried about trees or budgets — it’s all in good fun.
Do women use more toilet paper than men?
Yes, women tend to use more TP than men. Many men reserve it for #2s, but women typically use it every time. Plus, pregnancy and daily hygiene ramp up their usage even further.
Here's the twist: despite their greater loo roll consumption, women embrace a more sustainable lifestyle 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. And what about the makeup of your household — are there more people with periods? If the answer is yes, you’ll want to add an extra roll or two.
Special occasions can really put a dent in the paper supply. From playdates to house parties, family houses tend to use more.
On the flip side, when your family is busy camping or travelling, you should notice a dip in household TP use. Remember, every family is different. No need to overthink it — just be sure to keep a steady supply with an online subscription, and you’ll be good to go.
How much extra toilet paper should a family have on hand?
Between school functions, practices, and everything else on the schedule, busy families barely get a moment to breathe. The last thing you need when life gets full is an empty toilet paper roll. Keeping extra toilet paper handy ensures you’re ready for anything — even unexpected bathroom breaks.
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 month (eight per week), an additional 32 rolls on standby provides a comfortable buffer for emergencies and busy periods. This is especially true during flu season — when the whole family gets sick, everyone wants toilet paper nearby.
Conclusion: Never run out of toilet paper again!
The average 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 are known for being a bit generous with the TP roll, and women may naturally use a little more, too. Add in surprise guests, playdates, or the occasional house party, and your stock disappears faster than expected.
To avoid those emergency TP shopping trips in your pyjamas, consider keeping an extra month's supply on hand. This ensures you are always prepared for unexpected shortages, guests or delays in restocking.
Want to make your life easier? Have toilet paper delivered to your doorstep with a Who Gives A Crap subscription. Bulk shipping options let you stock up and save, so you're always prepared. And don’t worry about where to store those extra rolls — we’ve got plenty of ideas!
Shop with Who Gives A Crap to stay stress-free and never run out of premium toilet paper again!