Tarpaulin Size Guide UK: How to Measure & Choose the Right Size
Buying the wrong size tarpaulin is one of the most common mistakes we see. Too small and your cover leaves gaps; too large and excess material catches wind, tears at eyelets, and becomes a liability. This guide from Tarpaulins UK — the UK's leading specialist with over 60 years' experience — explains exactly how to measure and choose the right tarpaulin sheet every time.
Standard Tarpaulin Sizes Available in the UK
At Tarpaulins UK we stock tarpaulin sheets from 1m × 1m up to 15m × 20m across our PE, PVC, and canvas ranges. Common standard sizes include:
- 2m × 3m — small garden, trailer cover, motorbike
- 3m × 4m — family saloon car, small trailer, garden furniture set
- 4m × 6m — van, estate car, large outdoor furniture
- 6m × 8m — lorry load, scaffold bay, agricultural bay cover
- 8m × 10m — large scaffold section, agricultural machinery, field bays
- 10m × 12m — construction site sections, large equipment storage
Can't find your size? We supply tarpaulins UK custom-cut to your specification — call 01744 520 110 for bespoke sizing and trade pricing.
The Golden Rule: Always Add Overhang
Never size your tarpaulin sheet to exactly match what you're covering. You need overhang on all sides to ensure water runs clear of the covered object and the cover stays secure under wind. Our recommended overhang guide:
- Light duty covering (garden furniture, logs): 30cm overhang on each side
- Vehicles and caravans: 50cm overhang on each side
- Construction and agricultural use: 60–100cm overhang on each side
- Scaffold sheeting: Size to fit bay dimensions with 20cm tie-off overlap
How to Measure for a Tarpaulin
Follow these four steps to get the right tarpaulin size:
- Measure length and width at the widest points of what you're covering.
- Measure height if the cover needs to drape down the sides — add twice the height to both length and width measurements.
- Add overhang using the guide above.
- Round up to the nearest standard size — or contact us for a bespoke cut tarpaulin sheet.
Example: Covering a 5m × 3m trailer with 50cm overhang = buy a 6m × 4m tarpaulin. Simple.
Vehicle Tarpaulin Sizes
Quick reference for common vehicle covers using our tarpaulins UK standard sizes:
- Motorbike: 2m × 2.4m or 2.4m × 3m
- Small car (hatchback): 3m × 4m or 3.7m × 4.3m
- Estate / large saloon: 4m × 5m
- Van: 4m × 6m or 5m × 6m
- Caravan (up to 6m): 5m × 8m with skirt
- Boat (trailer): Match beam + 1m × length + 1m
Agricultural Tarpaulin Sizes
For bale, grain, and machinery covers, British farmers typically use:
- Round bale covers: 3m × 4m or 4m × 5m heavy duty tarpaulin
- Square bale stacks: Measure stack footprint + 1m overhang all sides
- Grain and silage: Width of clamp × length + 1.5m each end
- Tractor: 6m × 8m or 8m × 10m depending on equipment
Tarpaulin Size Chart
| Use Case | Recommended Size | GSM |
|---|---|---|
| Motorbike cover | 2m × 2.4m | 120–140gsm |
| Small car | 3m × 4m | 140gsm |
| Van / Transit | 4m × 6m | 140–170gsm |
| Caravan | 5m × 8m | 170gsm |
| Scaffold bay | Measure to fit | 250–270gsm |
| Agricultural bales | 4m × 5m or 6m × 8m | 200–250gsm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most popular tarpaulin size in the UK?
A: The 3m × 4m and 4m × 6m tarpaulin sheet sizes are by far the most popular for home and trade use. They cover most cars, trailers, and garden furniture sets with appropriate overhang.
Q: Can I get a tarpaulin cut to size?
A: Yes. Tarpaulins UK can supply bespoke sizes cut from bulk rolls. Call 01744 520 110 for trade and bespoke orders.
Q: What size tarpaulin for a flat roof?
A: Measure the roof area, add 1.5m overhang on each side (to weight or tie down at fascia level). A 6m × 4m flat roof needs at least a 9m × 7m tarpaulin sheet.
Shop Tarpaulins by Size
All our tarpaulins UK are available in multiple sizes with fast express delivery: