What Are the Circumference and Diameter Size of a Toilet Paper Roll Tube?

In the tissue paper industry, the cardboard core (tube) inside a toilet paper roll may seem like a small detail, but for manufacturers, converters, and distributors, it is a critical specification. The diameter and circumference of the tube directly affect product compatibility with dispensers, converting machinery, and consumer preferences in different markets.

1. Standard Diameter of Toilet Paper Roll Tubes

The diameter of a toilet paper tube (the inner hole size) varies depending on the type of roll:

• Household Toilet Paper (Retail Use)
  • Diameter: 38–40 mm (1.5–1.6 inches)
  • Circumference: approx. 12.6 cm (5 inches)
  • This is the global standard size, widely used in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Mini Rolls (Hotels, Airlines, Compact Dispensers)
  • Diameter: 28–32 mm (1.1–1.25 inches)
  • Circumference: approx. 9–10 cm (3.5–4 inches)
  • Chosen when space-saving packaging is required.
• Jumbo Toilet Rolls (Public Restrooms, Institutions)
  • Diameter: 50 mm, 60 mm, or 76 mm (2–3 inches)
  • Circumference: up to 23.9 cm (9.4 inches) for 76 mm
  • The 76 mm (3-inch core) is the international standard for commercial jumbo rolls.

2. Circumference Calculation

Circumference = Diameter × π (≈ 3.1416).

3. Regional Preferences in Toilet Paper Core Sizes

Toilet paper usage habits vary across regions, which affects preferred tube sizes:

• North America (USA, Canada)
  • Household rolls: 40 mm core standard.
  • Commercial buildings: 76 mm jumbo rolls are the most common.
• Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain)
  • Similar to North America, but commercial markets also use 50 mm and 60 mm jumbo cores, depending on dispenser type.
  • In retail, private label supermarkets often request 38–40 mm cores.
• Middle East & Africa
  • High demand for jumbo rolls in public restrooms with 76 mm cores.
  • Household rolls are usually 40 mm, but some distributors prefer a slightly stronger cardboard core to withstand transport.
• Asia (China, India, Southeast Asia)
  • Household rolls: 38 mm or 40 mm cores dominate.
  • In hotels and commercial projects, jumbo rolls with 76 mm are the norm.
  • In Japan and Korea, there is also demand for small diameter rolls (28–32 mm) for compact bathroom designs.
• South America (Brazil, Chile, Argentina)
  • Household rolls: 38–40 mm cores are standard.
  • Jumbo rolls: 60 mm and 76 mm both exist, depending on the brand and institutional supply requirements.

4. Why Choosing the Right Tube Size Matters

1. Machine Compatibility – Converting lines and slitting machines require precise core sizes.
2. Dispenser Fit – Public facilities only accept rolls that match their installed dispensers.
3. Logistics & Strength – Export packaging may need thicker or stronger cores to avoid deformation.
4. Market Acceptance – Retail consumers are accustomed to certain standards; a non-standard core may reduce competitiveness.

5. Recommendations for Custom Orders

If you are planning to customize toilet paper rolls for different regions:

• Export to the US/EU retail market → choose 40 mm cores for household rolls.
• Export to hotels, airports, or institutions worldwide → choose 76 mm jumbo cores.
• Export to Asia with compact bathrooms → consider 28–32 mm mini cores.
• Export to Africa & Middle East → reinforce 40 mm household cores and use 76 mm jumbo cores for commercial rolls.

6. Conclusion

The diameter and circumference of a toilet paper roll tube may look like a minor detail, but for professional buyers, importers, and distributors, it is a critical specification that affects machinery, market acceptance, and customer satisfaction.

By choosing the right core size for your target region, you can ensure smooth dispenser compatibility, optimize supply chains, and meet end-user expectations.