C Fold Hand Towels: Sizes and Dispensers

C fold, Z fold, multifold. If you order hand towels for offices, schools or restaurants, the fold type matters more than it sounds. It decides which dispenser you can use, how much storage space you need, and how many towels people take. 

Here is what a C fold towel is, where it works best, and how it compares. 

What are C fold hand towels?

C fold hand towels are disposable paper towels folded into a C shape so they stack neatly inside compatible dispensers. They are commonly used in busy washrooms because they are easy to store, refill and dispense.

Each sheet measures 250mm x 217mm, big enough to dry your hands with one towel. Choose blue 1-ply towels in cases of 2,600 sheets, or white 2-ply towels in cases of 2,430.

Where C fold towels work best

C fold paper towels suit busy spaces like public toilets, offices, restaurants, schools and hospitals. They're durable enough for heavy use, so they hold up when the washroom is at its busiest.

In a wall-mounted dispenser by the sink, people can grab one straight after washing. There's no searching for a towel and no drips across the floor.

They're a good fit if you manage several washrooms too. Cases stack neatly in a store cupboard, so you can keep spares on hand and refill quickly.

Why C fold hand towels use a C-shaped fold

The C shape stacks neatly and compactly, so you make the most of the space inside your dispenser. A typical C fold dispenser holds 200 to 400 towels, so you can go longer between refills.

The fold also helps towels come out one at a time. You waste fewer, refill less often and spend less over time.

How C fold towels work in a dispenser

Different paper towel dispensers are designed for different towel formats. C folds go into dispensers designed for them, usually mounted on the washroom wall near the sink. Pull a towel and one comes out at a time, cleanly, without tearing.

C fold vs Z fold vs Single fold

When comparing C fold vs Z fold hand towels, the biggest difference is how they dispense. The three main fold types behave differently in the dispenser, and that is usually what decides which one suits you.

	C fold	Z fold	Single fold
Also known as	C fold	Interfold, multifold	Single fold
How it dispenses	Pulled by hand from a flat stack	Interlocked, one pulls the next	Pulled by hand
Sheet size	250mm x 217mm	240mm x 230mm	222mm x 246mm
Sheets per case	Blue: 2600 White: 2880	Blue: 3000 White: 2970	Blue: 5004 White: 3000
Thickness / absorbency	Higher	Standard	Standard
Ply	1 ply and 2 ply options	1 ply and 2 ply options	1 ply and 2 ply options
Dispenser space	Compact, stacks flat	Compact	Bulkier
Best for	Busy washrooms	Hygiene-critical settings	Quieter washrooms

In short: Choose C fold for busy washrooms that need a durable towel. Choose Z fold if you want hands off the stack, as each towel pulls the next into place. Choose single fold for quieter spaces with room for a larger dispenser.

C fold towel sizes and case quantities

C fold hand towels are available in blue and white options, with the same sheet size across both ranges. The table below compares the key specifications, including dimensions, case quantities and ply options.

C fold hand towels	Blue	White
Sheet Size	250mm x 217mm	250mm x 217mm
Sleeves per case	2600	2880
Ply	1 ply and 2 ply options	1 ply and 2 ply options

Both options provide the same sheet size, so your choice may come down to preferred colour, ply and usage requirements.

The benefits of C fold paper towels in the washroom

C fold towels are more absorbent than Z fold or single fold, so people reach for fewer. You refill less often and throw away less.

They look good too. A neat, flat stack keeps your washroom tidy, with no loose towels spilling onto the counter. The compact dispenser fits busy washrooms where space is tight. As part of a wider washroom hygiene strategy, choosing the right hand towels and dispensers can help create a cleaner, more professional washroom environment.

Each case holds 2,600 blue or 2,880 white sheets, so you can stock up and keep every washroom supplied. Each sheet measures 250mm x 217mm.

Whether you run an office, a restaurant, a school or a public building, the fold you choose shapes your costs, your waste and how your washroom looks.

C fold towels are a popular choice for good reason. They're dependable and good value. Each towel comes out folded and opens with a quick shake, ready to dry your hands. C folds keep hand drying simple.

Which paper towel fold is best for your washroom?

It can be hard to decide what towel to choose. So, this decision should be based on the size of your washroom and the amount of footfall it gets on a daily basis.

Is your washroom busy?

Choose C fold. It's durable, absorbent and stacks neatly in a compact dispenser.

C folds suit offices, restaurants, schools and public buildings, anywhere with a steady stream of people. Their absorbency means people reach for fewer, so you refill less often. A case of blue 1-ply C folds holds 2,600 sheets, so a busy washroom stays stocked for longer.

Want people to touch only the towel they take?

Choose Z fold. Each towel pulls the next into place, so hands stay off the rest of the stack.

Z fold suits hygiene-sensitive spaces like kitchens, food preparation areas, clinics and care settings. Z fold dispensers typically hold 300 to 600 towels, so you can stretch the time between refills. Choose blue 1-ply cases of 3,000 sheets, or white 2-ply cases of 2,970.

Quieter space with room to spare?

Choose single fold. It's a simple option where dispenser space isn't tight.

Single fold works well in smaller offices, staff rooms and low-traffic washrooms. Cases hold up to 5,004 sheets, in blue, white or green. Pair your towels with the phs Interleaf Paper Dispenser. It's part of the phs ReVive range and made from 99% recycled plastic.

Still not sure what paper towel to choose?

Think about what matters most in your washroom.

If you want fewer refills, choose C fold. If you want people to touch less, choose Z fold. If you have the space and keep things simple, choose single fold. Browse the full range of hand towels and dispensers from phs, choose the quantity you need and have it delivered.

How many towels do you need?

Capacity depends on the dispenser and the towel format. C fold dispensers typically hold 200 to 400 towels. Z fold dispensers can hold 300 to 600.

Pick the dispenser that fits your washroom space and how many people use it each day. Then choose the towel colour that suits your washroom.

phs Interleaf Paper Dispenser

Keep your busy washroom stocked and hygienic with the phs Interleaf Paper Dispenser. It's part of the phs ReVive range of recycled washroom products, so it's a good fit if sustainability matters to you.

The dispenser is made from 99% recycled ABS plastic. It's durable enough for heavy use, and its antimicrobial coating is designed to help reduce germs on its surface.

Order your hand towels from phs 

Whichever fold you choose, you can order it from phs. Browse the full range of hand towels and matching dispensers, choose the quantity you need, and have it delivered to your door.

Choose from C fold, Z fold and single fold paper towels, all in blue or white. Towels come by the case, so you can stock up and keep every washroom supplied. Looking for something specific? 2-ply C fold cases hold 2,430 sheets, and single fold interleaf cases hold 3,000.

Pair your towels with the right dispenser from a wide range of styles. Lost a key? Replacement dispenser keys are in stock too.

Create an account to order quickly via the phs Shop and track your deliveries.