Why is toilet tissue perforated in 4 inch increments?

Not everyone always uses TP for the “intended use” every time. If I need a square to clean my ear, or to stick on a shaving nick, or three squares to blow my nose, then that’s what I take.

What’s “impractical” about having unused perforations? It’s not like they cost extra.

Only one square is necessary to blot lipstick.

I use 1 square when I wipe my glasses or clean my nose or clear out eye boogers. I think the 4 inch square is very practical and has many uses.

The 4-inch spacing of perforations only limits the smallest possible, square-shaped piece. Longer pieces can be chosen to any desired length, cut to within 4 inches. If the perforations were spaced farther apart, you’d have to use longer pieces than necessary.

You’d get poop on your hand it it was only 3”.

About the size of the original toilet paper [possibly still used in England] that was cut into 4-inch pieces and came in interleaved packages that were inserted into paper holders, either metal like napkin holders, or for home use, ceramic and recessed into the wall.

The paper, first developed by Gayetty in 1857 in the US was the first commercial TP in the world Other manufacturers followed suit. It had a slicker surface than modern TP and each sheet pulled pulled the leading edge of the next sheet out.Was predominant type of TP until mid 1920s. By mid-20th century this TP was more for commercial than home use and rare by the 1960s. See a French version here

I suppose if you want 12”, you can use paper towels, though I don’t know if they are disolvable in the sewage system.
Personally, I use the Kleenex Cottonelle pre-moistened sheets. You only need one, and they are flushable. Oddly, they are about the 4” size regular TP is.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD), it was recorded in 1393 that 720,000 sheets of toilet paper (two by three feet in size) were produced for the general use of the Imperial court at the capital of Nanjing.—from Wikipedia.

Can you imagine wielding a 2×3 foot piece of TP?

My booboo above—Well Gayetty must have been first in US.
I remember this damn paper!
My grandfather used to bring it home from his woolen mill to use in the house.

It entirely depends on which brand you purchase. Some of the brands have gotten smart, and come in narrower sizes.

I had a childhood friend who made up rules about TP distribution for playdates at her house. Basically, you got one square. You could sometimes talk her into two if you had gone #2. But she was in there with you policing it, so don’t you dare try tearing off more!

I have a blog contact who teaches English classes in China. Her landlady passes out 5 tissue squares on each visit to the rest room.