Updated October 2026.
Quick answer: use 10mm (small) bubble wrap for small, light or delicate items such as glassware, cosmetics and electronics, and 20mm (large) bubble wrap for heavier items and for filling gaps in larger cartons. For most eCommerce packing benches, a 375mm or 500mm wide roll of 10mm bubble wrap is the most versatile choice.
10mm vs 20mm bubble wrap
| 10mm (small bubble, P10) | 20mm (large bubble, P20) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Small, light and fragile items; protecting surfaces from scratches | Heavier items; void fill; cushioning inside large cartons |
| Examples | Glassware, ceramics, cosmetics, phones, small electronics | Furniture parts, appliances, artwork frames, bulky goods |
| How it wraps | Flexible; wraps tightly around small or curved shapes | Thicker; adds more cushioning per layer |
Not sure? Start with 10mm. It suits the widest range of products, and you can add extra layers for more protection.
Which roll width should I buy?
- 250–300mm: small items such as jars, bottles and accessories. Easy to handle at a packing bench.
- 375–500mm: the all-rounder for most online stores. Our 500mm roll is also available perforated every 30cm for quick tearing.
- 750mm: larger items, boxes of stock and bulk wrapping.
- 1500mm: furniture, mattresses, artwork and moving.
Rolls come in 50m and 100m lengths. Shop the full range of bubble wrap rolls, or see wholesale bubble wrap for multi-roll packs.
How much bubble wrap do I need?
Work it out per item, then multiply by how many items you ship:
- Measure around the item (its circumference or girth).
- Multiply by the number of layers. Two layers suit most fragile items.
- Add about 5cm for overlap.
Example: a coffee mug is about 30cm around. Two layers plus overlap is 30 x 2 + 5 = 65cm per mug, so a 100m roll wraps roughly 150 mugs. Choose a roll at least as wide as the item is tall.
How to wrap items properly
- Wrap with the bubble side facing the item for the best cushioning.
- Wrap each fragile item separately so items can't knock together.
- Secure the wrap with packing tape.
- Choose a box with a little room around the item, then fill gaps with packing peanuts or packing paper.
- Add a fragile label to the outside of the box.
Bubble wrap alternatives
- Biodegradable and compostable bubble wrap: a lower-impact option for brands reducing plastic. See our biodegradable bubble wrap.
- Honeycomb paper: a plastic-free paper wrap that expands into a cushioning layer. See honeycomb paper rolls.
- Foil insulation bubble wrap: helps keep temperature-sensitive goods cool or warm in transit. See foil insulation wrap.
- Foam wrap: thin 1–4mm polyfoam sheets that protect polished surfaces from scratches.
- Bubble mailers: for small items, a padded bubble mailer combines wrap and envelope in one.
Bubble wrap FAQs
What is the difference between 10mm and 20mm bubble wrap?
The number is the bubble diameter. 10mm bubbles are smaller and more flexible for small, delicate items. 20mm bubbles are larger and give more cushioning for heavier items and void fill.
What size bubble wrap is best for shipping?
For most online orders, 10mm bubble wrap on a 375mm or 500mm wide roll covers the widest range of products.
Which side of bubble wrap goes against the item?
Place the bubble side facing the item. The bubbles then absorb knocks, and the flat side protects the bubbles from popping.
Can I buy bubble wrap in bulk?
Yes. We sell multi-roll and wholesale packs, with delivery Australia-wide or pick up from Minto, NSW and Braeside, VIC. Contact us for a bulk quote.