What Are the Dimensions of a Tarpaulin?

Tarpaulins—often simply called tarps—are one of the most versatile and widely used covering materials in the world. From construction sites and transport trucks to camping, agriculture, and industrial storage, tarpaulins serve as protective shields against water, dust, and UV rays. One of the key factors buyers consider when purchasing a tarp is its dimensions, as choosing the right size determines how well it performs in a specific application.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore standard tarpaulin sizes, custom options, measurement methods, applications by dimension, materials, and buying tips. Whether you are a wholesaler, importer, or construction contractor, this article will help you fully understand the specifications and sizing standards of tarpaulins in global markets.

Understanding Tarpaulin Dimensions

The dimension of a tarpaulin refers to its length and width, usually measured in feet, meters, or centimeters. For example, a tarpaulin might be labeled as 12ft × 16ft or 4m × 6m.

However, it’s important to note that tarpaulin sizes are often described as “cut size” or “finished size”:

Cut Size: The original dimension of the fabric before hemming and heat sealing. The finished product is usually smaller by 3–5%.
Finished Size: The actual size after hemming, eyelet installation, and edge folding.

When importing tarpaulins, always confirm whether the supplier lists cut size or finished size, as this can affect coverage and fitting.

Common Tarpaulin Sizes in the Global Market

Tarpaulin sizes vary according to region, application, and material type. Below are some of the most commonly used standard sizes in feet and meters.

🔹 Small Tarpaulin Sizes (for household or personal use)

Size (Feet)	Size (Meters)	Typical Use
6ft × 8ft	1.8m × 2.4m	Small outdoor items, camping gear cover
8ft × 10ft	2.4m × 3.0m	Temporary rain shelter, garden tools
10ft × 12ft	3.0m × 3.6m	Small vehicle or motorbike cover
12ft × 16ft	3.6m × 4.8m	Tent flooring, compact storage areas

🔹 Medium Tarpaulin Sizes (for industrial and agricultural use)

Size (Feet)	Size (Meters)	Typical Use
16ft × 20ft	4.8m × 6.0m	Covering construction materials
20ft × 30ft	6.0m × 9.0m	Agricultural machinery, hay stacks
24ft × 36ft	7.3m × 11m	Truck and lorry covers
30ft × 40ft	9.0m × 12m	Warehouse temporary roofing

🔹 Large Tarpaulin Sizes (for transport, warehouses, or shelters)

Size (Feet)	Size (Meters)	Typical Use
40ft × 60ft	12m × 18m	Covering large construction equipment
50ft × 80ft	15m × 24m	Industrial shelters, large boats
60ft × 100ft	18m × 30m	Cargo yard covering, temporary tents
100ft × 150ft	30m × 45m	Event halls, refugee camps, or field shelters

Most manufacturers, especially in China, India, and Southeast Asia, can provide custom sizes based on project requirements. Custom tarps can reach up to 100 meters long for large-scale logistics and storage.

Factors Affecting Tarpaulin Size Selection

Selecting the right size depends on several key factors:

3.1. Application Area

Measure the total area you need to cover and add extra margins (10–15%) for tie-downs or overlaps. For example, to cover a 5m × 10m truck, you might choose a 6m × 12m tarp to ensure full coverage.

3.2. Material Shrinkage

Some fabrics, especially cotton canvas tarps, may shrink slightly after exposure to water or heat. Synthetic materials like PE and PVC usually maintain their dimensions better.

3.3. Grommet Spacing and Edge Reinforcement

Tarpaulins are reinforced at the edges with grommets (eyelets) for ropes or hooks. The spacing between grommets (typically every 1–1.5 meters) can affect how well the tarp fits when secured.

3.4. Thickness and Weight

Thicker materials (e.g., 200gsm, 300gsm, 600gsm) may be heavier and require smaller sizes for easier handling, while lighter tarps can be produced in larger dimensions for bulk coverage.

Tarpaulin Size Classification by Material Type

Different materials influence not only the durability but also the maximum available width and roll length of tarpaulins.

4.1. PE (Polyethylene) Tarpaulin

Common roll width: 1.8m to 4m
Jointed by heat-sealing for larger sizes
Lightweight and cost-effective
Common sizes: 3m × 4m, 4m × 6m, 6m × 8m, 8m × 10m, 10m × 20m

4.2. PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Tarpaulin

Available in widths up to 3.2m to 5m
Extremely durable, waterproof, and UV-resistant
Ideal for truck covers, tents, and industrial storage
Common sizes: 6m × 10m, 8m × 12m, 10m × 20m, 15m × 25m

4.3. Canvas Tarpaulin

Usually cotton or polyester-cotton blend
Custom-made for specific uses like painting or industrial cover
Sizes vary widely depending on use case (2m × 3m to 20m × 20m)

4.4. Mesh Tarpaulin

Permeable design, suitable for shading or fencing
Common sizes: 3m × 5m, 4m × 10m, 6m × 12m

How to Measure a Tarpaulin Properly

To ensure accuracy before purchasing or ordering a custom size:

Measure the area to be covered (length × width).

Add extra margins of 15–20 cm per side for tie-downs.

Consider the slope or height if covering irregular shapes.

Confirm whether you need flat or fitted tarpaulin designs.

Ask the supplier whether dimensions refer to cut or finished size.

Example:
If you want to cover a 3m × 5m storage pile:

Choose at least 3.5m × 5.5m tarp to allow overlap and secure binding.

Custom Tarpaulin Dimensions for Industrial Projects

For large-scale projects or international buyers, manufacturers often offer customization services that include:

Custom length and width up to 100m × 50m
Special shapes (circular, conical, or fitted covers)
Printing or logo branding
Customized grommet spacing or rope edges
Different GSM levels (80gsm–900gsm)

In the B2B export market, many Chinese factories supply PE, PVC, and canvas tarpaulins for OEM/ODM projects, enabling distributors to create products tailored to their target customers.

Applications Based on Tarpaulin Dimensions

Application	Recommended Size	Material Type
Motorcycle or bicycle cover	6ft × 8ft (1.8m × 2.4m)	PE, PVC
Pickup truck bed cover	10ft × 12ft (3m × 3.6m)	PVC
Cargo truck cover	16ft × 20ft (4.8m × 6m)	Heavy-duty PVC
Agriculture hay cover	20ft × 30ft (6m × 9m)	PE, canvas
Temporary roof cover	30ft × 40ft (9m × 12m)	PE/PVC
Construction site shelter	50ft × 80ft (15m × 24m)	Reinforced PVC
Warehouse or industrial tent	100ft × 150ft (30m × 45m)	PVC coated polyester

International Tarpaulin Size Standards

Although there is no universal sizing standard, most suppliers align with regional market preferences:

United States: Sizes typically listed in feet (e.g., 12′ × 16′, 20′ × 30′)
Europe: Uses meters (e.g., 4m × 6m, 8m × 10m)
Asia-Pacific: Both units are accepted; custom orders common
Tolerance: ±3% variation is generally acceptable for finished tarps

Example of Tarpaulin Weight and Size Correlation

GSM	Approx. Weight (per m²)	Suitable Maximum Size	Common Applications
80–120gsm	Lightweight	Up to 8m × 10m	Short-term use, garden covers
150–250gsm	Medium-duty	Up to 10m × 20m	Construction, small trucks
300–500gsm	Heavy-duty	Up to 15m × 30m	Industrial, agriculture
600–900gsm	Super heavy-duty	Up to 30m × 50m	Trucks, warehouses, tents

Tips for Importers and Distributors

If you are sourcing tarpaulins from China or other manufacturing hubs, consider these practical tips:

Confirm finished size and unit of measurement before placing an order.

Ask for a tolerance range—normally ±3% of declared size.

Request sample pieces to check edge sealing and grommet reinforcement.

Choose appropriate GSM according to local climate and customer needs.

Discuss packaging size for container optimization (e.g., 500pcs/40HQ).

Offer multiple standard sizes to appeal to retail and wholesale clients.

Ask for custom printing for branding or retail resale.

Tarpaulin Sizing Trends in 2025

In recent years, demand for custom-sized and high-durability tarpaulins has risen across construction, logistics, and agriculture sectors. Some notable trends include:

Growing preference for extra-large tarps (above 50ft × 100ft) for warehouse roofing and event halls.
Increase in modular tarpaulin systems, where smaller sheets can be joined using Velcro or zippers.
Exporters from China now offer laser cutting and seamless welding for precise size control.
Use of eco-friendly PE and recyclable PVC materials to meet EU and U.S. sustainability standards.

Why Size Matters in Tarpaulin Performance

Choosing the correct tarpaulin size ensures:

Full coverage without stretching or tearing.
Better load protection in transport.
Improved waterproof and windproof performance.
Longer service life, as properly fitted tarps experience less mechanical stress.

An oversized tarp can flap and tear, while an undersized one may not provide complete protection—so accurate measurement is essential.

Conclusion

Tarpaulin dimensions play a crucial role in determining their suitability, performance, and durability across various industries. From small personal covers to massive industrial shelters, understanding standard and custom tarpaulin sizes helps ensure you get the best value and performance for your needs.

To summarize:

Common small sizes: 6ft × 8ft, 8ft × 10ft, 10ft × 12ft
Medium industrial sizes: 16ft × 20ft, 20ft × 30ft, 24ft × 36ft
Large commercial sizes: 50ft × 80ft, 60ft × 100ft, 100ft × 150ft
Custom sizes can reach up to 100m × 50m in heavy-duty PVC materials

When sourcing from China’s professional tarpaulin factories, you can expect precise dimension control, OEM customization, and competitive export prices—ideal for B2B distributors, construction suppliers, and logistics companies worldwide.

If you are looking for a reliable tarpaulin manufacturer and exporter in China, our factory offers: