How to Calculate Yield for a Roll of Paper

You can calculate the yield of a roll of paper with mathematics.

You can calculate how much paper is on a roll by using mathematics. You may need to know the weight of the paper before making calculations. You can also calculate the linear footage or yardage of a paper roll with some measurements, although some of the measurements will involve very small numbers. These formulas will work no matter the size of the roll.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Calculator

Instructions

By Paper Weight

1. Put the roll of paper on a scale, if possible, to determine its overall weight. Very large rolls can be over 1,000 pounds. In that case, you will have to get the weight from the paper manufacturer packaging.

2. Find the area of basic size. This number varies depending on the grade of paper you are using. Basic size is the size of a sheet of paper at which its basis weight is determined. Bond paper has a basic size of 17 inches by 22 inches, or 374 square inches. See Resources for a table on the basic sizes for paper types.

3. Multiply the overall weight of the roll by the area of basic size. Multiply that number by 500. This is number X.

4. Find the thickness, or weight, of the paper. The weight of the paper is indicated on the packaging in pounds. Ordinary copy paper is usually 20 pounds. The weight of the paper differs from overall weight by indicating the thickness, or weight of one sheet. Overall weight is the actual weight of the entire roll of paper.

5. Measure the width of the roll in inches.

6. Multiply the paper weight by the roll width. Multiply the result by 12. This is number Y.

7. Divide number X by number Y and you will have the approximate linear footage in your roll of paper. Divide that number by 36 to determine how many yards of paper are on the roll.

By Measurements

1. Measure the diameter of the roll, using inches. Square that number. This is number D.

2. Measure the diameter of the hollow core, using inches. Square that number. This is number C.

3. Subtract C from D. Multiply the result by 3.14. This is number X.

4. Measure the thickness of the paper in inches. This will be very small number, such as .003 inches. Multiply this number by 48. This is number Y.

5. Divide X by Y to get the approximate number of feet left on a roll of paper, fabric or film.

References

• EG Paper: Calculate Linear Footage in a Roll of Paper
• Beacon Graphics: Roll Length Calculator

Resources

• Domtar: Determine the Linear Footage in a Roll of Paper