A Guide to Rolling Paper Size - Everything You Need to Know

Today we are discussing rolling paper size. Whoever said "size doesn't matter" has never entered the world of rolling paper with its confusing numbers and undefined width. If you're a stoner, you most definitely know how much a few inches matter on your precious cigarette paper. It's precarious that such a known field has such little information about the most used smoking accessory. But then again, the stoner culture has been coming from the time when chillums and bongs were made from earth. We will have to dig out people from times unknown to play the blame game here. 

Spliff creation is an art, and you have to go through the painful task of absorbing the information to roll an impeccable cigarette. Your joint depends on how well you roll it, along with the paper's characteristic and the tobacco or herbs used. With crafty and deft fingers, a rolled piece of paper can bake or break your smoking session.

So here's a guide which will help you understand the rolling paper sizes better so that you can make an informed decision. 

But before that, let's take a step back and explore the rolling paper world.

The History Of Rolling Papers

The invention of rolling papers is clouded and buried in smoke, but the general acceptance is that it started in Spain in the 1600s. Earlier than that, people used to tear out pages from books or take newspapers to roll out their tobacco. Naturally, it was not desirable and added to the dangers of smoking.

It is known that a man named Alexandro Rizlette de Cramptone Lacroix came across returning French Soldiers carrying papers. Soon, Lacroix started manufacturing papers and exporting it to Napoleon, and the word grew. Today, we know that manufacturer as Rizla. 

The paper capital, Alcoy, is still very famous and many authentic brands still bring their paper and other accessories from the beautiful region of Spain, including the very famous, RAW. 

Once cigarette taxation jumped the ladder, these thin papers became popular in North America and Europe as people started rolling their cigarettes to avoid taxation. 

The world of rolling paper has grown ever since, and today we have more brands than we can even name. From different sizes to types, rolling papers have come to us with their true potential at bare. 

The Types of Rolling Paper

Rolling papers are not only different in sizes, but also in terms of make, material, and of course, thickness. 

It is important to shift the focus to the material also while you're looking for the perfect size, as it plays an important role in how clean your smoke is. 

From rice papers to hemp ones, we all find one perfect match for us. You can choose your material from hemp, rice straw, flax, or wood pulp with each having qualities that make them desirable.

The quality of your papers will also depend on the type of glue used, along with the bleached or unbleached nature of it. You have to be careful in selecting, as many papers are dunked in chemicals to make them lighter and slow burners. While these qualities are desirable, they considerably compromise the health factor. 

Some other health-compromising ingredients are Calcium carbonate (chalk), chlorine, and potassium nitrate which can seriously hamper your lungs and respiratory system. Make sure you know what your favourite rolling paper brand uses to make them so desirable. Stay woke, guys!

Coming to what I promised, solving the mystery of Rolling Paper Sizes. Let's put that Sherlock face and get to work. 

De-mystifying Rolling Paper Size

Classic or 1 ¼ Size Rolling Papers

It is the most popular size of rolling papers, and is also known as "regular" or "classic" and even "Spanish Size". A typical 1 ¼” measures 76-78mm in length and 45-48mm in width. 

These papers were the only size available until the 1600s and were invented in Spain, which earned them the name 'Spanish Size'. They hold about 25% more material than a single wide paper. That's how they get their name - 1 ¼. 

If you're just beginning with rolling papers, this is your ideal size since the larger width allows you to roll into a cone which is slightly easier than perfect pinners. Alternatively, you can also use the 70mm cigarette roller with these size rolling papers. The 1 ¼” size is ideal for 2-3 smokers, so you can use these when you have a tight circle of homies over. 

Single Wide Rolling Papers

Another very common type, Single wide rolling papers came into action in 1604 when Kind James Ist passed a tobacco law which demanded smaller rolling papers. This one measures at 68-70mm in length and 34-36mm in width. You can find them in your local head shop or gas stations to roll a quick doobie. 

They have a slightly smaller width than the regular smoking paper which makes them perfect for when you're having a smoking session alone. Keep in mind that their small size makes it difficult to roll them unless you're a professional.

| Read Also: Weed Measurement Guide - How many Grams in an ounce? |

1 ½ Size Rolling Papers

Though not popularly used, these rolling papers have a slightly larger width than the classic rolling paper. This allows you to roll cigarettes with a larger diameter. 

The 1 ½ Rolling Papers measures 76-78mm in length and 60-62 mm in width. You can roll a joint which is larger than a cigarette but not as huge as a blunt. It's somewhere in the middle. Once you pack this seasoned paper tightly, you can easily smoke it between 3-4 people or one ultimate stoner. 

Double Wide

You can guess where it gets its name from. Most stoners are unaware of this size, but a true connoisseur might know it very well. The reason for their unpopularity stems from the fact that they are wider than the single-wide paper which rolls a really chunky or bulky joint. It is not really practical or loved by many tokers out there. 

You can play around with it as it measures roughly 76-78mm in length and 63-88mm in width, depending upon the brand. You can roll very wide diameter smokes with this one, but if you don't roll it properly, you end up smoking more paper than your stuff. 

You can use this to practice your rolling skill and then move to the classic rolling paper to get yourself a masterpiece. 

King Size

Moving on to the most desired size in the market, here comes the King! 

Best for parties, the King Size measures 100-110mm in length and 55-60mm in width. It also comes in a Slim Variety which is narrower by +/-44mm. 

The King Size rolling papers are the second most popular size, as they are long enough to roll a good enough joint without necessitating a blunt. If you're using a machine to roll it, you would need a 110mm cigarette roller. 

Preferred by stoners, you will find this particular size with every brand with slight variation. 

Spool

If the King Size doesn't make you feel it's enough, we have another one for you. You can always purchase a larger size on a spool similar to an aluminium foil. 

I hope the next time you shop for rolling papers, you would know exactly what to ask and how to differentiate the rolling paper size. Hoping this was helpful! 

Till then, keep toking with Olivastu.