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Paper Towel Science Experiment

Which paper towel absorbs more water? Let’s test it! This fun paper towel experiment will help determine which brand absorbs the most water. It is a hands-on science fair project idea that teaches the scientific method in action, perfect for elementary students learning about materials and their properties!

Paper Towel Science Project

In this science project, you’ll investigate how different brands of paper towels absorb water. You’ll compare multiple brands and use a simple measurement process to see which towel holds the most water. This is an excellent opportunity to explore the science behind materials and use the scientific method . Plus, it’s easy to do at home or in the classroom!

💡 What is the most absorbent paper towel brand? Is it Bounty or Sparkle or another one?

Grade Level Recommendation: 3rd to 5th grade

3 to 5 different different types of paper towels
Measuring cup or clear plastic cup
Small bowl of water
Paper and pen for recording data
Printable chart for tracking results (free download below)

Paper Towel Experiment Instructions

Step 1: Take one sheet from each roll of paper towels (make sure they are all the same size).

Step 2: Fold the first towel into a square.

Step 3: Drop the towel into a small bowl of water.

Step 4: Once saturated, hold it above the bowl until it stops dripping.

Step 5: Squeeze the towel over a measuring cup or clear plastic cup to measure the amount of water absorbed.

Step 6: Mark the water level and label it with the brand name. Repeat this process for each towel brand.

Step 7: Record the amount of water absorbed by each brand and rank them on your printable chart.

The Science Behind It

The absorbency of a paper towel is determined by its fibers and structure, which create small spaces that water can fill. This process relies on two forces: adhesion (water molecules sticking to the fibers) and cohesion (water molecules sticking to each other). As the water fills these spaces, it gets trapped, allowing the towel to absorb liquid.

This process is driven by capillary action —the movement of liquid through small spaces. Towels with more fibers or layers have a greater surface area, allowing them to absorb more water.

Thicker paper towels or those with multiple layers (like quilted patterns) generally absorb more water because they have more fibers and space to hold liquid. Some brands also add treatments to increase absorbency. This experiment helps explore how materials are designed for different purposes.

You may also notice that price doesn’t always reflect performance. Some more expensive towels may include treatments that reduce absorbency but increase wet strength, highlighting the balance between absorbency and strength in products.

Using the Scientific Method

💡 Learn how to apply the scientific method to your experiments for completing your science fair project .

Ask a Question: Which brand of paper towel absorbs the most water?

Do Background Research: Look into how paper towels are made and what makes them absorb water. Research different brands—do some advertise being more absorbent?

Choose Variables:

Dependent Variable (What you measure): The amount of water each paper towel absorbs (measured in ounces or milliliters).
Independent Variable (What you change): The brand of paper towel used in the experiment (you are testing different brands to see how they perform).
The size of each paper towel sheet (make sure all sheets are the same size).
The amount of water in the bowl.
The method of folding and immersing the paper towels.
The temperature of the water.
The time allowed for the paper towel to drip before squeezing.

Form a Hypothesis: Make a prediction based on your research. For example, you might predict that the thicker, quilted paper towel will absorb the most water.

Test the Hypothesis (Experiment): Follow the steps to test each brand and measure the amount of water absorbed.

Analyze the Data: Use the measurements from your chart to compare results. Rank the brands based on how much water they absorbed.

Draw a Conclusion: Determine which brand absorbed the most water. Was your hypothesis correct?

Get your free printable paper towel absorbency experiment worksheets!

Extension Activities

Strength Test: After the absorbency test, test the strength of the paper towels when wet by adding small weights such as pennies until they tear. Which brand holds up the best?
Environmental Impact: Research how paper towels are made, including whether they are biodegradable or made from recycled materials. Compare eco-friendly brands and their absorbency.
Cost Comparison: Look up the price of each brand tested and compare the cost to its performance. Is the most absorbent towel the most expensive?
Absorbency with Different Liquids: Try using liquids other than water, such as soapy water, to test whether paper towels absorb them differently.

Related Science Activities

Capillary Action in Plants : Place celery or white flowers in colored water and observe how the liquid travels up the stem. This demonstrates capillary action, similar to how paper towels absorb water.
Walking Water Experiment : Demonstrate the process of capillary action using paper towels.
Material Properties Test: Test the absorbency of other materials, such as cotton, sponges, or even tissue paper, and compare their effectiveness to paper towels.
Evaporation Experiment: Leave the soaked towels out and record how long it takes for each brand to dry completely. Which brand dries faster, and why?
Sugar Cube Experiment: Compare how different brands of paper towel affect how fast a sugar cube dissolves in water.
What Absorbs? : Learn more about how different materials absorb water or do not.

Helpful Science Resources

Here are a few resources that will help you introduce science more effectively to your kids or students and feel confident presenting materials. You’ll find helpful free printables throughout.