What Are The Different Rolling Paper Sizes?
A clear UK guide to rolling paper sizes, what each size offers and how to pick the right size for your rolling style.
Rolling papers come in five main sizes from compact Single Wide to extra long Connoisseur.
The main UK sizes are Single Wide (70mm), 1 1/4 (78mm), 1 1/2 (84mm), King Size (110mm) and King Size Slim (110mm slim profile). Each suits different amounts of tobacco and rolling preferences. 1 1/4 is the most popular UK size for everyday rolling. King Size suits longer cigarettes for sharing or extended sessions.
Rolling paper size affects how much tobacco fits, how long the cigarette lasts and how easy the paper is to roll. The size you pick should match your rolling experience and how you actually smoke. Most UK rollers settle on one size for everyday use after experimenting with two or three options.
The five main UK rolling paper sizes
These sizes cover almost every UK rolling paper available. The grid below covers each.
Single Wide (70mm)
Compact size for smaller rolls. Less tobacco, shorter cigarettes. Easier to handle for beginners.
✓ Compact1 1/4 (78mm)
The UK favourite. Slightly larger than Single Wide. Standard everyday size for most rollers.
✓ Most popular1 1/2 (84mm)
Halfway between standard and king size. Less common but offers a useful middle ground.
✓ Middle groundKing Size (110mm)
Long papers for bigger rolls. More tobacco, longer cigarettes. Popular for sharing.
✓ LongComparing UK paper sizes
The table below covers the typical UK characteristics of each size.
| Size | Typical use case |
|---|---|
| Single Wide (70mm) | Smaller rolls, beginners, lower tobacco use |
| 1 1/4 (78mm) | Standard everyday cigarettes, the UK default |
| 1 1/2 (84mm) | Slightly bigger than standard, less common in UK shops |
| King Size (110mm) | Longer rolls, sharing, extended sessions |
| King Size Slim (110mm slim) | Long but thinner profile, popular with experienced rollers |
| Connoisseur (140mm+) | Specialist size for very long rolls, group sharing |
Why size matters more than you think
Size affects more than paper length. Smaller papers are more forgiving for beginners because the rolling motion covers less distance. King Size requires more even tobacco distribution along the longer length, which is harder to get right. King Size Slim adds a tighter rolling profile that needs precise hand technique. Most UK shops recommend new rollers start with 1 1/4 because it balances forgiveness with usable cigarette length.
The size names like 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 are inches based historical names that have stuck despite the move to metric. 1 1/4 papers are roughly 1.25 inches wide which converts to about 78mm. The naming convention is universal across UK and international rolling paper brands. King Size came later as paper sizes grew in the 1970s. Connoisseur sizes emerged in the 1990s for premium markets.
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Shop NowHow to pick the right size
The checklist below covers what UK shop staff most often recommend.
Size selection checklist
Use four or more of these to pick the right size.
- Pick 1 1/4 for everyday standard rolling
- Try Single Wide if you find 1 1/4 too big to handle
- Try King Size for longer rolls and bigger tobacco capacity
- Avoid King Size Slim until your technique is consistent
- Match size to occasion, smaller for personal, bigger for sharing
- Buy small packs first when trying a new size
How size affects tobacco usage
Single Wide papers typically take 0.3 to 0.4 grams of tobacco per cigarette. 1 1/4 papers take around 0.5 grams which is the UK standard reference. King Size papers take 0.7 to 1 gram per cigarette. The difference adds up over a typical UK rolling tobacco pouch. A 50g pouch makes around 165 Single Wide cigarettes, 100 standard 1 1/4 cigarettes or 60 King Size cigarettes. Picking your size affects how long your tobacco lasts.
Once you know what size suits you, the right brand at the right size matters. The full Vaprr rolling papers collection stocks every common UK rolling paper size from compact Single Wide to extra long Connoisseur papers.
King Size is one of the most popular alternatives to standard, which our our guide on king size vs 1 1/4 rolling papers explores, plus our article on what are rolling papers covers paper thickness which combines with size to affect roll quality.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most popular UK rolling paper size?
1 1/4 size around 78mm. The UK everyday standard for most rollers.
How long is a king size paper?
Around 110mm or roughly 4.3 inches. Significantly longer than standard.
Are bigger papers harder to roll?
Yes typically. King Size needs more even tobacco distribution and consistent hand technique.
Which size uses the least tobacco?
Single Wide at around 0.3 to 0.4 grams per cigarette.
Can I cut a king size paper down?
Yes but the gum strip position may not align correctly after cutting.
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