I think that this is one product 99.9999% of shopper buy at some point each week/month. Of course there are alternatives (corn cob anyone?) But I think that most of us prefer the convenience of toilet paper.
The problem comes in when we have regular rolls, double rolls, mega rolls, single ply, 2 ply and cashmere (just kidding about the last one- maybe- who knows what they will come out with next!)
The problem comes in when we need to know “Is this a good price?“. There are two ways to make that determination: per sq foot and per single roll.
To find the price per square foot:
Total price ÷ Square Feet = Price per sq. foot
Example: $8 for 125.2 sq feet
8 ÷ 125.2 = .064 or about 6¢ a square foot
To find the price per single roll:
Single Roll = 1
Large Roll= 1.5
Double Roll =2
Giant Roll= 2.5
Mega Roll =3
Take the price ÷ Rolls in package ÷ Equiv. of Single Rolls= Price per single roll
Example: $8 for 12 double rolls
8 ÷ 12 ÷ 2= 33¢ a single roll
Neither method is perfect but getting a general idea is important. It’s not possible to compare the price of a single roll with the price of a mega roll. You need to find the “common denominator” and that is a single roll. Even between brands the sizes of each roll will vary but these are a good guide!
So what is a good price for toilet paper?
My personal stock up price is based on single rolls. I’ve found that is easier to calculate in my brain (i.e. smaller numbers) than the square feet version.
Single Roll Stock up Price: 20¢ each or less
Per sq. foot 1.3¢ or less
Regardless of which method you use, be consistent and you will see a reduction in your spending! You can see my full Stock up Price list here.
I read somewhere an easy way to determine a good price. Look at the total square feet that are in a package. For example, the one in my closet is 321 sq ft. A good stock up price would be around $3.21 for this package. You just move the decimal over two places. So if a package has 450 sq ft, $4.50 would be a good price. Normally I can’t get that good of a price, but I try to get close. So if a package has 300 sq ft and the price is $7, I know that isn’t a good price. This way you don’t have to worry about how many rolls, whether they are double or whatever. I hope this makes sense. It makes it easy for me.
Yes, this is how I calculate stock up price on TP, too. It is an easy way to do it, and I can keep straight what the roll sizes are anyway. The problem with this way is that sitting at home, I don’t know if the HT evic we got this week is a good deal because I don’t know the sq. ft. I guess I just have to check when I go to the store this week! Only drawback to this method!
Well I only purchase Scott tissue because it is wrapped tighter and has more per roll then any other I have found and it does not mess up my septic system. Also I can normally find it for 12 rolls for $4.99 and I generally have a $1 coupon which if Rite Aid or Harris Teeter has it I can get double coupon or double rewards…
I dont understand Stock up price. How do you know when it is a stock up price? Does it say it on the tag price? Sorry maybe a silly question.
It’s the price at which you are willing to buy to add to your stockpile. It’s different for everyone, and it isn’t usually a set price, but is close to the lowest price you’ve seen the item. For example, I have TP in my stockpile, so I won’t need any for several weeks. But if I were to see TP on sale and I had a coupon to bring that that price to 1 cent per square foot, I would buy a couple of packages to add to my stockpile, even though I’m not out of TP. Things don’t often hit the lowest price you’ve ever seen, so you purchase when it is close to your stockpile price. For example, if the TP was 1.1 cent per sq foot, buy it. Sometimes I have even see TP at less than a penny per Sqfoot, so being below my stockpile price, I bought a few packages.
a stock up price is when the final price- after coupons, etc it won’t be on the tag price- you need to calculate it and see if it matches your “stock up price” which is the price you want to pay no more than
I want to try Scott more if it’s better for septic. It was always my favorite because it lasts, plus we have a toddler that likes to use way to much and I think it takes longer to unravel.