Emergency toilet bag calculator (people × uses per day × days)
When water or sewer lines fail after an earthquake or flood, flush toilets stop working. U.S. kit lists mention garbage bags and plastic ties for sanitation without a number; Japan's government gives one. Enter your household size and pick the days. Everything is calculated in your browser; nothing is sent anywhere.
Worked examples
| People | Days | Toilet bags (5 to 6 uses a day) | Toilet paper rolls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 15 to 18 | About 1 |
| 1 | 7 | 35 to 42 | About 2 |
| 2 | 3 | 30 to 36 | About 2 |
| 2 | 7 | 70 to 84 | About 4 |
| 3 | 3 | 45 to 54 | About 3 |
| 3 | 7 | 105 to 126 | About 6 |
| 4 | 3 | 60 to 72 | About 4 |
| 4 | 7 | 140 to 168 | About 8 |
| 5 | 3 | 75 to 90 | About 5 |
| 5 | 7 | 175 to 210 | About 10 |
Assumptions
- Toilet bags: Japan's government public relations office recommends "5 to 6 times × number of people × 7 days". Japan's Cabinet Office toilet guideline also uses an average of 5 times a day.
- Toilet paper: the same Japanese page gives an example of about 8 rolls (30 m type) for a family of 4 for the week. We scale that to 2 rolls per person per week and round up. U.S. rolls vary in length, so adjust.
- Ready.gov's basic kit includes moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation.
- Diapers and wipes for babies are separate.
Related
Everyday
Buy a few toilet bags at a time with your regular shopping, and try one on a camping trip.
When it counts
If water or sewer service stops, everyone at home can still use the toilet for days.
Sources and when we checked them
- Japan Government Public Relations Online, disaster special: prepare in advance (2026-02-09, in Japanese) (checked 2026-10-31)
- Cabinet Office (Japan), guidelines on toilets in evacuation shelters (December 2024, PDF, in Japanese) (checked 2026-10-31)
- Ready.gov, Build A Kit (checked 2026-10-31)
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