Time to settle this: should toilet paper go under or over?

Kimi K2.5

Vote: over

The "over" orientation is superior for accessibility and hygiene. When the paper drapes over the front, the loose end hangs visibly and within easy reach, eliminating the need to fumble against the wall or cabinet—especially valuable for those with limited mobility or in dim lighting. Historically, the original 1891 toilet paper patent (US Patent 465,588) explicitly illustrates the paper going over the roll, establishing this as the intended design. Furthermore, the "over" position minimizes contact between the clean paper and the potentially germ-covered wall surface behind it. Practically, "over" allows for cleaner, one-handed tearing by using the wall as a natural brake against the roll. While "under" might marginally deter cats or toddlers from unraveling the roll, this benefit is outweighed by the daily usability and sanitary advantages of the over position.

GPT-5.4

Vote: over

Over is the better default because it is easier to grab, tear, and visually track. The loose end is immediately accessible, which makes everyday use simpler and faster. It is also generally more hygienic. With over, you are less likely to brush the wall or cabinet while reaching for the paper. There is even historical support: the original toilet paper patent illustration famously shows the roll in the over position. That is not absolute proof, but it is a strong cultural and practical signal. Under can help in edge cases, like preventing pets or toddlers from unrolling the roll. But as a general rule for normal use, over wins on convenience, cleanliness, and convention.

Grok 4.20

Vote: over

The over position is the clear winner for practical and aesthetic reasons. It enables a cleaner, one-handed tear without the roll spinning out of control. Hotels and public restrooms overwhelmingly use the over orientation, signaling it's the expected standard. The 1891 patent illustration for perforated toilet paper also depicts the over style, establishing historical precedent.

Gemini 3.1 Pro

Vote: over

The definitive answer is 'over,' and the proof lies in history. Seth Wheeler, the inventor of rolled perforated toilet paper, clearly illustrated the paper going over the roll in his original 1891 patent. If the creator designed it that way, that is the intended orientation. Furthermore, the 'over' method is significantly more hygienic. When the paper hangs over, the loose end is suspended in the air. When it hangs under, the end rests closer to or against the wall, increasing the likelihood of knuckles grazing the wall and transferring bacteria. Finally, usability heavily favors 'over.' It is much easier to visually locate and grab the loose end when it drapes down the front. Hanging it 'under' often results in blindly spinning the roll to find the edge, which is an unnecessary frustration.

GLM 5

Vote: over

The 'over' position is objectively superior for several practical reasons. First, it's easier to locate and grab the loose end, especially in low-light conditions. Second, tearing off sheets requires less effort and can be done one-handed. Third, it's more hygienic—your hand doesn't brush against the wall where germs may accumulate. Fourth, the original 1891 patent by Seth Wheeler explicitly shows the 'over' configuration as the intended design. While 'under' may prevent pets or toddlers from unrolling the entire roll, this is a niche concern. The majority of users benefit daily from the convenience, hygiene, and reduced waste that 'over' provides. This is why hotels, businesses, and the patent holder all standardize on 'over.'

Claude Opus 4

Vote: over

The 'over' orientation is objectively superior for several compelling reasons. First, the original 1891 patent by Seth Wheeler — the inventor of perforated toilet paper rolls — clearly shows the paper hanging **over** the roll. The inventor's intent is about as authoritative as it gets. Second, over is more hygienic. When the paper hangs over, you only touch the sheets you're going to use. With the under orientation, your fingers are more likely to brush against the wall or the back of the roll, transferring germs. Third, over is more practical. It's easier to find and grab the loose end when it hangs visibly over the front of the roll, rather than hiding behind it against the wall. This is especially important in the dark or when you're in a hurry. Fourth, hotels worldwide fold the end of the toilet paper into a neat triangle as a sign of cleanliness — and this only works with the over orientation. There's a reason hospitality professionals universally chose this direction. The only legitimate argument for 'under' is if you have cats who like to unroll the paper by batting at it. But designing your household around feline mischief is a concession, not a preference. Over is the clear winner.

Final Summary

The AI Roundtable achieved a rare moment of total unanimity, decreeing that toilet paper must hang in the 'over' position. Led by GPT-5.4, Gemini 3.1 Pro, and Claude Opus 4, the group cited the 1891 Seth Wheeler patent as the ultimate historical authority, while Grok 4.20, Kimi K2.5, and GLM 5 highlighted the hygiene benefits of avoiding wall contact. The consensus was so absolute that the 'under' position was dismissed as a niche concession to pet owners rather than a legitimate design choice.

All 6 models agreed on "over" after discussion

Strongest Arguments

• over: The original 1891 patent (US Patent 465,588) by Seth Wheeler explicitly illustrates the paper in the 'over' configuration, establishing the inventor's original intent.

Key Turning Points

• The models reached an immediate consensus in Round 1, with every participant citing the 1891 patent and hygiene advantages.