The Great Toilet Paper Debate: Team Over or Team Under?
Welcome to one of the most contentious household debates in America—no, not about politics or the best pizza toppings, but rather the eternal question that has divided families, roommates, and even couples: Should toilet paper be hung over or under?
For many, this is more than just a minor detail. It's a symbol of personal preference, hygiene, and even control. In my home, I’m a proud member of Team Over. My husband, on the other hand, is firmly on Team I Don’t Care. This leads to situations where the roll ends up hanging in the “wrong” way, sometimes even sitting on top of the toilet like it’s some kind of sacred offering. I quietly fix it, and we remain happily married. (I swear he’s only a psychopath in this one area.)
This debate isn’t unique to my household. It has sparked countless arguments, fueled petty revenge between roommates, and even influenced the dynamics of relationships. With so much at stake, it's time to explore the psychology, history, and practicality behind this seemingly trivial choice.
Why Does It Matter?
At first glance, the orientation of toilet paper might seem like a silly topic. But for many people, it's a significant issue. According to Dr. Charles Sweet, a psychiatrist and medical advisor at Linear Health, the strong emotional reactions people have to this issue are rooted in deeper psychological factors.
“When someone changes the roll to the ‘wrong’ way, it can feel like a tiny violation of personal values or space,” says Dr. Sweet. “These little domestic rituals can become battlegrounds for bigger, unspoken tensions. Couples may bicker and blame it on the toilet paper, but really, there’s a deeper need for respect and listening.”
So, what are the arguments for each side?
The Case for "Over"
If you're Team Over, you're not alone. Many experts agree that the over position is the better choice for several reasons:
- Hygiene: Hanging the toilet paper over the roll means less chance of your hand touching the wall, which could spread germs. Rick Berres, a bathroom renovation expert, notes that this method is more hygienic.
- Efficiency: From an etiquette perspective, the over method is cleaner, easier to grab, and more guest-friendly. Lisa Mirza Grotts, an etiquette expert, explains that hotels and high-end venues often use this layout as a sign of attentiveness.
- Ease of Use: For people with reduced dexterity or those navigating low-light situations, the over position makes it easier to find and tear off the paper.
- Historical Precedent: The original patent for the perforated toilet paper roll, created by Seth Wheeler in 1891, clearly shows the roll dispensing over the top. Unless you're intentionally defying inventors, this seems like a strong argument for Team Over.
The Case for "Under"
On the other side, Team Under has its own set of reasons, though they’re often more about personal preference or rebellion.
- Aesthetic Choice: Some people claim that the under position looks better, though this is subjective.
- Passive-Aggressive Behavior: Others hang it under just to annoy their partner or roommate.
- Laziness or Indifference: According to Rick Berres, many people don’t actually care which way the roll is hung. He estimates that most people simply do whatever is easiest without thinking much about it.
The History Behind the Debate
To understand why this debate persists, it helps to look back at the history of toilet paper itself. While the concept dates back to sixth-century China, mass production in the U.S. didn’t begin until the late 1800s. Before that, people used whatever was handy—corn cobs, moss, even Sears catalogs.
In 1891, Seth Wheeler patented the perforated toilet paper roll, and his patent sketch clearly showed the roll dispensing over the top. This historical precedent gives Team Over a strong foundation.
Even today, the debate continues. A poll by Mr. Rooter Plumbing found that 73% of people prefer the over position, while 10% prefer under. The rest either don’t care or are too busy dealing with the chaos of daily life to take a side.
Over or Under: Which Is Best?
After considering all the arguments, the evidence points to one clear winner: Team Over.
- More Hygienic: The over position minimizes hand-to-wall contact, reducing the risk of spreading germs.
- More Convenient: Most people find it easier to locate, grab, and tear the paper when it’s hanging over.
- Original Patent: The design of the first toilet paper roll was meant to dispense over the top.
- Fewer Conflicts: Choosing over reduces the likelihood of passive-aggressive roommate standoffs or endless arguments.
Dr. Sweet sums it up: “It’s really not about the toilet paper—it’s about control, habit, and the psychology of order. But if we’re going by efficiency and manufacturer intent, ‘over’ wins.”
Final Thoughts
So, whether you're a proud member of Team Over or still undecided, one thing is clear: This debate is more than just about toilet paper. It's a reflection of how small, everyday choices can reveal a lot about our personalities, habits, and relationships. And while the answer may seem obvious, the conversation it sparks is anything but.
About the Experts
- Charles Sweet, MD, MPH – Psychiatrist and medical advisor at Linear Health
- Lisa Mirza Grotts – Etiquette expert and founder of Golden Rules Gal
- Rick Berres – Bathroom renovation expert and owner of Honey-Doers
Why Trust Us?
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Sources
- Mr. Rooter Plumbing: “The Ultimate Toilet Paper Survey”
- Charles Sweet, MD, MPH – psychiatrist and medical advisor at Linear Health; email interview, May 5, 2025
- Lisa Mirza Grotts – etiquette expert and founder of Golden Rules Gal; phone interview, May 5, 2025
- Rick Berres – bathroom renovation expert and owner of Honey-Doers; email interview, May 8, 2025