Hand Towel Sizing and Dispenser Compatibility Guide
A clear guide to folded towel formats, dispenser fit and choosing the right option for your washroom.
All six formats drawn to the same scale (1 cm = 12 px).
The right towel starts with the dispenser
Hand towels come in several folded formats, and similar names do not always mean the same size. Check the folded dimensions and dispenser compatibility before ordering.
What this guide covers
Six common formats, their key differences, typical applications and practical selection advice.
At a glance
Folded sizes and the dispenser each format is designed for.
| Format | Folded size | Quick guide |
|---|---|---|
| Compact | 5.5 cm wide × 19 cm long | Small footprint; dedicated compact dispensers. |
| Ultraslim / Ultrafold / Optimum | 6–6.5 cm wide × 24 cm long | More towels per refill than Slimfold; often fits both Ultraslim and Slimfold dispensers. |
| Slimfold / Slimline / Multifold / Z-Fold | 7.5 cm wide × 23–24 cm long | Larger folded format; Slimfold-designated dispensers. |
| Midi Fold | 10.5 cm wide × 23.5 cm long | Premium two-panel format; common in recessed stainless-steel units. |
| V-Fold | 10.5 cm wide × 20.5 cm long | Premium two-panel format; bottom- or top-dispensing depending on unit. |
| Half Slimfold | 7.5 cm wide × 11.5 cm long | Half-length Slimfold format; check dispenser specification. |
The Three Common Formats
These formats are often confused because they are all designed for folded, interlocked dispensing. Their folded width and dispenser fit are the key differences.
Compact
Best for: space-restricted washrooms and compact service areas.
The smallest folded footprint of the three common formats. It fits dedicated Compact dispensers only. Despite its compact folded size, the towel opens out to a generous length for hand coverage.
Typical environments: office complexes, food vendors and food trucks.
Ultraslim / Ultrafold / Optimum
A tightly folded, space-efficient option. This fold generally allows more towels to be loaded into a dispenser than standard Slimfold. When unfolded, it is shorter than Slimfold and provides less paper coverage per sheet.
Compatibility: Ultraslim often fits Slimfold dispensers as well as Ultraslim dispensers. Check the specific dispenser model before ordering.
Slimfold / Slimline / Multifold / Z-Fold
The widest folded format of the three compact options. It fits Slimfold-designated dispensers only. Its larger folded size means fewer towels fit in the dispenser compared with Ultraslim.
Typical use: lower-traffic washrooms where a larger towel and often more premium paper are preferred.
Premium and Specialty Formats
V-Fold and Midi Fold are larger-format towels with a different feel and presentation. Both are folded once into two panels and remain interlocked for single-sheet dispensing.
V-Fold
A two-panel, single-fold towel often made from premium European paper. Designed for high-end washrooms where softness, presentation and a generous hand-drying experience matter. The larger sheet can often dry hands in one pull.
Dispensing: depending on the dispenser, towels can be pulled from the bottom in the traditional way or from the top like a tissue box.
Midi Fold
Shares the premium two-panel construction and linen-like feel of V-Fold, with a longer folded length. Often selected for luxury hotels, high-end restaurants and premium facilities.
Common application: recessed stainless-steel dispensers, including units frequently seen in airports. Top- or bottom-dispensing depends on dispenser design.
Half Slimfold
A shorter Slimfold-style format. Confirm the dispenser is designed to accept Half Slimfold before ordering.
A note on premium positioning
V-Fold and Midi Fold are often selected for five- and six-star facilities, luxury accommodation and high-end dining. Their larger folded footprint prioritises the guest experience over maximising the number of sheets stored in a dispenser.
How to Choose the Right Format
Start with the dispenser, then consider traffic, available space and the drying experience you want to provide.
| Your priority | Format to consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small dispenser footprint | Compact | Designed for dedicated Compact dispensers and restricted spaces. |
| More towels per refill | Ultraslim | Tighter folded format generally allows more towels than Slimfold, and it often fits Slimfold dispensers too. |
| Larger compact-format towel | Slimfold | Wider folded format and longer towel than Ultraslim. |
| Premium, linen-like experience | V-Fold or Midi Fold | Large two-panel towels for premium washrooms and hospitality. |
| Recessed stainless-steel dispenser | Often Midi Fold | A common format in recessed stainless-steel airport-style units; verify model. |
You’re not locked in with Stella
Some paper suppliers use captive dispensing systems. These systems are designed around proprietary paper formats, which can limit customers to buying consumables from the same supplier.
Stella offers another option. Through our own manufacturing facility, we have developed alternative paper products designed to fit selected proprietary systems, helping customers keep their existing dispensers while choosing an alternative paper supplier.
Keep your dispensers. Choose your paper supplier.
Important: always check the folded dimensions and the dispenser manufacturer’s model specifications before ordering. Similar product names can refer to different formats, and compatibility can vary between dispenser models.