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Life · The roll question · Take No. 018

Toilet paper: over or under?

The most trivial argument in any home, and the one that has ended the most friendships. Here's the thing: the inventor already settled it.

The case for each side, then the verdict. Then the floor is yours.
The case for

Over the top

The sheet hangs on the outside, toward you

  • 1891Seth Wheeler's patent drawing for the perforated roll shows the paper going over. The inventor picked a side.
  • 1Hand needed. The loose end is visible and reachable, which is the only job the roll has.
  • 70%Of people hang it over, in every survey that's ever asked. This isn't close.
vs
The case for

Under, against the wall

The sheet hangs on the inside

  • 0Toilet rolls unspooled onto the floor by a cat, a dog or a two-year-old. The under side's whole argument, and it's a good one.
  • 1Cleaner look. The loose end hides against the wall. Some people genuinely care.
  • RVStandard in campers and boats, where a bumpy ride turns an over-roll into a pile.

Cast your take

——
The verdict

It's Over. The patent, the majority and your hand all agree.

Under has one real argument: pets and toddlers. If you have either, we won't come to your house and flip it.

For everyone else, the loose end should hang where you can see it and reach it, the inventor drew it that way in 1891, and seven in ten people agree. Over. Next.

Disagree? That's what the buttons are for.

Next on the docket

Life · No. 017

Cats or dogs?

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Window or aisle?

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Life · No. 020

Morning person or night owl?

MorningNight owl