Das Filter Blog
Rolling Paper Sizes Explained (and the Tip Size That Fits Each One)
Quick answer: The main rolling paper sizes are single wide (short and narrow, for small rolls), 1 1/4 (the everyday size), king size slim (long but narrow), and king size (long and wide, for big rolls). Pair each with a tip that fits its width: 6mm for single wide, 7mm or 8mm for 1 1/4 and king size slim, and 8mm or 12mm for king size. Paper dimensions vary a little by brand, so treat these as starting points.
Most paper size guides stop at the paper. The paper is only half the roll, though. The tip you put in it and the machine you roll it in both need to match. This guide covers all three.
Why do paper sizes have such weird names?
Blame history. "Single wide" was the original standard. "1 1/4" and "1 1/2" were named relative to it, meaning roughly a quarter or half again as big. "King size" came later for long papers, and "slim" versions were added to keep the length while trimming the width. The names stuck even though exact measurements now vary from brand to brand.
What are the main rolling paper sizes?
Sizes vary by brand, so these lengths are approximate.
| Paper size | Approx. length | Width | Roll it makes | Das tip that fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single wide | ~70mm | Narrowest | Small, quick, slim | Slim Jim, 6mm |
| 1 1/4 | ~78mm | Medium | The everyday single roll | Midway, 7mm or Big Boy, 8mm |
| King size slim | ~110mm | Medium-narrow | Long and slim | Midway (7mm) or Big Boy (8mm) |
| King size | ~110mm | Widest | Long and full, for sharing | Big Boy (8mm) or 12mm |
You'll also see 1 1/2, double wide, and very long specialty papers. They're less common, and the same logic applies: the wider the paper, the wider the tip it can wrap.
Single wide papers: what are they for?
Single wides are short and narrow. They roll a small, quick, tidy roll, and they're common in Europe and with people who like to keep it minimal.
Tip: 6mm. Narrow paper doesn't have much wrap to spare, so a slim tip leaves enough overlap for the gum to seal flat. Our Slim Jim (6mm x 28mm) is made for this.
1 1/4 papers: the everyday size
If you only buy one size, it's probably 1 1/4. It's forgiving to roll, it makes a comfortable single roll, and pretty much every shop carries it.
Tip: 7mm for a slim, even roll, or 8mm for a fuller roll with a sturdier base. The Midway (7mm x 28mm) is the easy default. Step up to the Big Boy (8mm x 37mm) if your rolls tend to come out loose near the tip.
Machine: the 1 and 1/4 Rolling Machine ($9).
King size slim: long but not fat
King size slim papers are king-size long but narrower than standard king size. You get a long roll with a slim profile. They're popular with people who want more length without a heavier roll.
Tip: 7mm or 8mm. The Big Boy's extra length (37mm) looks right on a long paper.
King size papers: for big rolls
King size is long and wide. It's the size for big rolls, sharing, and cones.
Tip: 8mm for a standard king size roll, or 12mm for a big one. King size is where our 12mm wide tips really shine, because there's enough paper to wrap a wide tip with a clean overlap. Read more in 12mm filter tips.
Machine: the King size Rolling Machine ($9).
How do you pick the right paper size?
Ask yourself three questions:
- How much do you usually roll? Small, go single wide. Everyday, go 1 1/4. Big or sharing, go king size.
- Do you like a slim or full roll? For long but slim, king size slim is the sweet spot.
- Do you use a machine? Buy papers that match the machine's size.
When in doubt, start with 1 1/4 and a 7mm tip. You'll figure out fast whether you want to go smaller or bigger.
How do paper size and tip size work together?
Paper width is how much wrap you have. Tip diameter is how much of that wrap the tip uses.
- Tip too wide for the paper: the gum line won't reach, or the seam over the tip wrinkles and splits.
- Tip too narrow for the paper: the roll pinches right above the tip and the tip can slide around.
The fix is almost always switching sizes, not rolling tighter or looser to compensate. Our filter tip size guide goes deeper on each tip and the signs you picked wrong.
Do rolling machines have sizes too?
Yes. A rolling machine is built for a paper length, so a 1 1/4 machine and a king size machine aren't interchangeable. The tip also has to fit in the machine's barrel along with your material. A 7mm or 8mm tip is a good starting point in a 1 1/4 machine, and the king size machine has more room. Walkthrough here: how to use a rolling machine.
What about pre-rolled cones?
Cones use the same size names (1 1/4, king size, and so on), but they flare from narrow to wide. If you'd rather skip rolling, banana leaf cones are another option. Our Nanner Barrels are 1g banana leaf cones. See banana leaf cones vs paper cones for how they compare.
How can I try a few sizes?
Want to test combos? The DAS SAMPLER ($42) includes three 20-count tip packs, two rolling booklets and three Nanner Barrels. The Higher Values Package ($38) pairs Big Boy and Slim Jim tips with rolling booklets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common rolling paper size?
1 1/4 is the everyday size most people start with. It rolls a comfortable single roll and fits a 7mm or 8mm tip.
What's the difference between 1 1/4 and king size papers?
King size papers are much longer than 1 1/4, and standard king size is wider too. That means a bigger roll, more material and room for a wider tip like 8mm or 12mm.
What does king size slim mean?
King size slim papers are king size length but narrower than standard king size. You get a long roll with a slimmer profile, and a 7mm or 8mm tip fits well.
What tip size goes with single wide papers?
A 6mm tip. Single wide papers are narrow, so a slim tip leaves enough overlap for the gum line to seal flat.
Do rolling machines come in different sizes?
Yes. A machine is sized to a paper length, so a 1 1/4 machine takes 1 1/4 papers and a king size machine takes king size papers. Das sells both.
Shop Das tips and rolling machines. Products are for adults 21+.
