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How many folded paper towels does a company need with 100 employees? A company with 100 employees uses an average of between 126 and 189 packs of folded paper towels per month, depending on how often employees use the restrooms and the number of working days in the month. The calculation uses packs of folded paper towels containing 200 sheets as a fixed unit and estimated daily consumption per employee, allowing a company with 100 employees to plan its purchasing more accurately than relying on rough estimates.
The standard for workplace restrooms, including the requirement to provide hand hygiene supplies, is defined at the European Union level through Directive 89/654/EEC, an overview of which is available at oshwciki.eu.
Paper towel consumption also depends on the company’s industry, the number of users, and the towel format. To learn about all the types of paper towels you can use in professional settings, read our blog: Paper towels in commercial facilities: Everything you need to know about types, savings, and hygiene.
Why does a company’s industry affect paper towel consumption, not just the number of employees?
The number of employees alone does not determine consumption because 100 employees in an office-based company mainly use paper towels after washing their hands, while 100 employees in a restaurant also use paper towels in the kitchen, for serving, and for cleaning during shifts. Therefore, the calculation in this article applies exclusively to companies with office-based operations, while hospitality facilities require a separate calculation with a higher consumption range.
What assumption is used to calculate monthly consumption?
This calculation uses an estimated consumption of 12 to 18 sheets per employee per day because no precise, institutionally verified data on paper towel consumption per employee exists. This is a working assumption for planning, not a measured value, and each company should adjust it based on its own monitoring of actual consumption during the first few months of use.
How many folded paper towels does one employee use on average during a working day?
According to the estimated planning model, one employee uses between 12 and 18 sheets per day, based on 3 to 4 visits to the restroom or kitchenette and 3 to 5 sheets per use. This is a rough estimate for purchasing purposes, not measured statistics, because actual consumption depends on employee habits, team size, and the number of restrooms available in the company.
How many packs of 200 sheets does a company with 100 employees use per day?
If 100 employees use an average of 15 sheets per person per day, total daily consumption amounts to around 1,500 sheets, or approximately 7.5 packs of 200 sheets each. In practice, companies distribute this quantity across several restrooms and dispensers, so refill frequency depends on their location and the number of users.
How many packs per month does a company with 100 employees need?
A company with 100 employees needs approximately 126 to 189 packs of folded paper towels per month if each pack contains 200 sheets. The calculation uses 21 working days and an estimated consumption of 12 to 18 sheets per employee per day. Companies should adjust the actual quantity according to average employee attendance and consumption.
Table: Monthly folded paper towel consumption calculation for 100 employees
| Item | Lower estimate | Average estimate | Higher estimate |
| Number of employees | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| Sheets per employee per day | 12 | 15 | 18 |
| Total sheets per day | 1,200 | 1,500 | 1,800 |
| Number of working days per month | 21 | 21 | 21 |
| Total sheets per month | 25,200 | 31,500 | 37,800 |
| Sheets per pack | 200 | 200 | 200 |
| Packs needed per month | 126 | 158 | 189 |
How do seasonal fluctuations affect consumption?
Sick leave, annual leave, and working from home can noticeably reduce actual consumption compared with the planned maximum, while periods of higher employee attendance can bring consumption closer to the upper end of the calculated range. Companies should therefore plan quantities according to the average number of employees present, with an appropriate reserve.
How many folded paper towels does a company need – Practical experience
- Problem: A company with around 100 employees ordered folded paper towels based on a rough estimate without tracking actual monthly consumption. As a result, some dispensers ran out before the next delivery, while unnecessary stock accumulated in other areas of the facility.
- Solution: We created an initial calculation based on the number of employees, 21 working days, and packs containing 200 sheets. We set approximately 158 packs of folded paper towels per month as the starting quantity. The company used folded paper towels in suitable Large dispensers, and we then monitored monthly consumption to adjust future deliveries to the office’s actual needs.
- Result: We aligned monthly purchasing with actual consumption, reduced the risk of empty dispensers and unnecessary stock accumulation. The client received a more predictable ordering plan, while employees responsible for purchasing gained a clear basis for planning future deliveries.
How many folded paper towels does a company need with 100 employees? – FAQ
Does the calculation change if the company operates in shifts?
Shift work does not necessarily increase total daily consumption if the same number of employees come to work, but it changes how consumption is distributed throughout the day. Therefore, some dispensers may require a different refill schedule, especially between shifts.
Should visitors be included in the calculation, not just employees?
Yes, if the company receives clients, their number should be added to the basic calculation because every additional person who uses the restroom increases total monthly pack consumption.
How can I tell whether 126 or 189 packs is a more realistic estimate for my company?
The most reliable method is to track actual consumption during the first two to three months and then adjust the monthly order based on measured data rather than the initial estimate.
Is it better to order smaller quantities more frequently or larger quantities at once?
Ordering larger quantities at once reduces the risk of shortages but requires more storage space and upfront capital. For companies with a stable number of employees, a contract-based supply model with fixed monthly deliveries often proves to be the most cost-effective solution because it eliminates both shortages and unnecessary stock.
You do not need more paper towels. You need the right quantity. In the right format. At the right time. When purchasing is precisely tailored to your facility, you no longer need to think about stock levels.
About the author:
Milja Tonić – SEO Content Strategist & Copywriter
Milja Tonić is an SEO Content Strategist and Copywriter at LUU, specializing in creating professional content on professional hygiene, paper products, dispensers, and facility management.
The professional articles on this blog result from detailed research, an analytical approach, and editorial work by the author.
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