🛠️ Free Tool

Tarpaulin Size Calculator

Enter your dimensions and application — get the recommended tarp size, fabric weight (GSM), roll dimensions, and estimated weight. Built for buyers and fleet operators sourcing from China.

📐 Calculate Your Tarp Size

📊 Recommended Tarp Size

680 × 480 cm
Recommended Tarp Size
32.6 m²
Total Coverage Area
650-850 g/m²
Recommended GSM
21.2 kg
Estimated Tarp Weight
150 × 500 cm
Roll Width Available
+40 cm/side
Overhang Applied
Need a custom size? Get a quote →  ·  Standard tarp sizes: see chart below

GSM Guide: Which Fabric Weight Do You Need?

GSM (grams per square meter) determines the durability, weight, and lifespan of your tarpaulin. Here's our recommendation matrix based on actual factory data:

GSM RangeBest ForExpected LifeKey Features
440-500 g/m²Temporary covers, light protection, short-term events, shade sails1-3 yearsLightweight, flexible, easy to fold
550-750 g/m²General construction, truck covers, pool covers, agriculture, marquees3-5 yearsGood balance of weight and durability
800-1050 g/m²Heavy industrial, mining, dump truck covers, container liners, long-term outdoor5-8 yearsMaximum abrasion resistance, heavy-duty reinforcements

Custom formulations up to 1350 g/m² available for specialized applications. Seamless widths up to 5.0m (6.0m for 440g flex banner grade).

📏 Standard Tarp Size Chart

These are common industry sizes we stock. Custom sizes available at no extra tooling cost.

Size (ft)Size (m)Recommended GSMTypical UseEst. Weight
6 × 81.8 × 2.4440-550Small equipment, camping~2.4 kg
8 × 102.4 × 3.0440-550Boat cover, small machinery~4.0 kg
10 × 123.0 × 3.7550-650Construction materials, pool~7.2 kg
12 × 163.7 × 4.9550-750Scaffold cover, truck (small)~13.6 kg
16 × 204.9 × 6.1650-850Flatbed truck (standard)~25.1 kg
20 × 306.1 × 9.1650-850Flatbed truck (large), industrial~47.0 kg
24 × 367.3 × 11.0750-1050Heavy industrial, mining~70.0 kg
30 × 409.1 × 12.2750-1050Extra-large, construction site~97.0 kg
8 × 402.4 × 12.2650-850Container cover (20ft)~24.0 kg
8 × 202.4 × 6.1550-750Small container, curtain sider~11.0 kg

How to Measure for a Tarpaulin

Getting the right tarp size is straightforward. Follow these four steps:

1 Measure the area — Measure the length, width, and height (if covering a 3D object like a truck load) of the area you need to cover.
2 Add overhang — Add 30-60 cm to each side for proper coverage and tie-down points. For flatbed trucks: add 60 cm to each end (120 cm total to length) and 80 cm to each side (160 cm total to width) over the bed dimensions.
3 Select GSM by application — Lighter loads = lower GSM. Heavy/daily use = higher GSM. Use the calculator above for automatic recommendations.
4 Choose reinforcements — Eyelets every 50-100 cm for standard use. Keder rail for track-mounted systems. Webbing loops for high-stress points. Rope hem for traditional tie-down.

Measuring for Flatbed Truck Covers

For flatbed trailers, measure the deck length and width (inside the rub rails). Then add 60 cm to the length and 80 cm to the width. The overhang allows the cover to drape over the load and reach the tie-down points on the sides of the trailer.

Pro tip: If your truck has a Keder rail system, measure the rail-to-rail width (the actual track distance), not the bed width. The fabric needs to match the exact rail spacing.

Measuring for Container Covers

For 20ft and 40ft open-top containers: measure the container opening (standardized: 20ft = 5.9m × 2.35m, 40ft = 12.0m × 2.35m). Add 30-50 cm overhang on each side. Container covers typically use Keder rail fastening and 750-950 g/m² fabric.

Don't have precise measurements? Send us a photo with a tape measure visible and we'll suggest the optimal dimensions. Contact our team →

Need a Custom Tarp for Your Fleet or Project?

We manufacture custom-size PVC tarpaulins at factory-direct pricing. Send us your dimensions, quantity, and requirements — we'll quote within 24 hours.

Request a Quote →