Find the Right Tarp Size for Any Job
Calculate tarp dimensions, estimate total weight, compare materials, and choose the right cover for roofs, equipment, trailers, trucks, and outdoor storage.
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Recommended stock size
16 ft × 20 ft
14 ft 8 in × 18 ft 4 in
14 in side coverage
16 in end coverage
Three tools for a better tarp decision
Start with dimensions, check handling weight, then convert the manufacturer specification you have.
Choose by job
The right tarp depends on what it must cover, how far it must drop, and what the wind and handling will do to it.
Read the complete sizing guide →Material comparison at a glance
Material names describe a family, not a guaranteed performance level. Compare the finished specification as well as the base material.
| Material | Typical handling | Useful trait | Common fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene (PE) | Light to moderate | Easy handling, broad general use | Temporary covers, storage, weather protection |
| Vinyl / PVC | Moderate to heavy | Abrasion resistant, flexible, often repairable | Truck, industrial, repeated handling |
| Canvas | Moderate to heavy | Breathable; water resistance varies by treatment | Equipment, jobs needing less condensation |
| Mesh | Light to moderate | Air passes through; not waterproof | Shade, landscaping, load containment where approved |
Measure the object, then add coverage
- Measure the true footprint. Use the longest and widest points, including protrusions.
- Add the drop. For a three-dimensional object, include the height on both sides.
- Add working allowance. Allow for tie-downs, overlap, hems, and imperfect positioning.
- Round up carefully. A stock size must meet both minimum dimensions, even if rotated.
Popular practical guides
Clear explanations, worked examples, and source notes—written for real buying and measuring decisions.
Tarp Sizing Guide
Measure flat covers, equipment, roofs, and irregular loads without coming up short.
Size Guides · 8 minTarpaulin GSM Guide
Compare common fabric weights and understand what GSM can—and cannot—tell you.
Materials · 7 minTarp Thickness Chart: Mil, GSM & Ounces
Use the right unit when comparing sheet thickness, fabric mass, and finished tarp specifications.
Materials · 9 minPVC vs PE Tarpaulin
A practical comparison of weight, handling, abrasion, weather exposure, and cost.
Materials · 8 minTruck Tarp Size Guide
Measure dump bodies and truck beds, choose overlap, and avoid confusing a tarp with cargo securement.
Truck Tarps · 8 min