Hand towels, including paper towels, come in various sizes depending on their fold type and roll format like standard, C-fold, and multifold.
Choosing the right size of hand towels for your dispenser ensures efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and proper hygiene.
So, if you’re looking for a guide, this article explores the six most common hand towel dimensions to help you pick the right fit.
1. Standard Hand Towel Size (Individual Towels)
For folded paper towels, the standard hand towel size is approximately:
- Unfolded: 9.2–10.25 inches long × 9–10 inches wide
- Folded: 3–3.5 inches long × 9–10 inches wide
These are commonly used in C-fold and multifold towel dispensers in restrooms, offices, and commercial settings.
2. C-Fold Paper Towels
C-fold towels are not interlocked, meaning they stack loosely in the dispenser. Their typical dimensions are:
- Unfolded: 10.125 inches long × 13.15 inches wide
- Folded: 3.75 inches long × 10.125 inches wide
Best for:
✔ High-traffic restrooms
✔ General-purpose drying
✔ Spaces that require a larger towel per use
3. Multifold Paper Towels
Multifold towels are Z- or M-shaped and interlock, dispensing one at a time to reduce waste. Their average size is:
- Unfolded: 9.2 inches long × 9.4 inches wide
- Folded: 3.2 inches long × 9.4 inches wide
Best for:
✔ Cost-effective hand-drying
✔ Compact dispensers
✔ Reducing towel waste
4. Paper Towel Roll Dimensions
Paper towel rolls are commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, and industrial settings. When selecting a roll, consider:
- How long is a paper towel roll? Typically 40–85 feet long for household rolls and 300–800 feet for commercial rolls.
- How wide is a paper towel roll? Usually 7–8 inches wide, depending on the brand.
Best for:
✔ High-capacity dispensers
✔ Touchless roll dispensers
✔ Heavy-duty use
5. Center-Pull Hand Towels
Center-pull towels dispense one sheet at a time and are ideal for touch-free use. Their dimensions are:
- Towel width: 7–9 inches
- Roll length: 300–600 feet
Best for:
✔ Reducing cross-contamination
✔ Kitchens, medical offices, and high-traffic areas
6. Compact or Mini Hand Towels
Compact hand towels are available for small dispensers. These are usually:
- Unfolded: 7.5–8 inches long × 9–10 inches wide
- Folded: 3–4 inches long × 7.5–8 inches wide
Best for:
✔ Tight spaces or small restrooms
✔ Reducing paper waste
✔ Personal or low-traffic use
How to Choose the Right Size for Your Dispenser
When selecting folded paper towels or paper towel roll dimensions, consider:
✔ Dispenser compatibility – Check your dispenser’s size specifications.
✔ Traffic volume – High-traffic areas benefit from large rolls or interlocking multifold towels.
✔ Hygiene needs – Touchless dispensers work best with center-pull or automatic roll towels.
✔ Cost-effectiveness – Multifold towels and long-roll formats reduce waste and refill frequency.
Hand Towel Sizes: Conclusion
The 6 main sizes of hand towels include standard hand towels, C-fold towels, multifold towels, paper towel rolls, center-pull towels, and compact hand towels.
Choosing the right size depends on your dispenser type, usage needs, and efficiency goals.
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