Knowing the correct paper roll size is the first step in selecting and using paper roll in your printer. If you know the model of your receipt printer, you can Google the receipt printer model, and you can usually get exactly what products (paper rolls, printer ribbons, cleaning supplies, etc.) are compatible. If you don’t have immediate access to that information – here is a helpful guide to show you what to measure and how to measure them.

There are four key measurements to any paper roll (see definitions below):

1. Paper Roll Width

Roll Width

The width of the paper roll is the first number in the specification. It is the most important measurement because the paper won’t fit into the printer if this is wrong. The width is measured across the face of the roll from side to side. If you are taking the measurement directly from a printed receipt, be careful not to measure just the width of the printed text: you must measure across the entire paper, from edge to edge. Measure in millimeters as accurately as possible, as minor differences in size can be vital!

In the United States, thermal paper roll widths are expressed in inches. Popular paper roll widths include 2 1/4, 3 1/8 inches. In other countries, the most popular paper roll widths are 57mm and 80mm. Generally, almost all credit card terminals take a 57mm width roll, and the receipt printers take an 80mm width roll.

2. Paper Roll Diameter

Roll Diameter

To measure the diameter, you must measure across the end of the roll, going directly through the center spindle hole (the core). The best way to do this is to stand the roll on its end on a flat surface so that it cannot roll.

The diameter of rolls can vary from anything as small as 30mm to over 250mm – the bigger the diameter, the more paper that is wound on the roll. When measuring the diameter of your roll, keep in mind that it is important never to purchase a roll with a diameter bigger than the recommended size by the receipt printer, as it may not fit in the machine.

3. Paper Roll Length

Thermal roll length

The roll length is simply a measure of how much paper is wound onto the roll. This is not a critical measurement when you order the paper rolls, but of course, a long paper roll will last longer and you won’t need to replace it as frequently. For example, for 80mm x 80mm thermal paper roll, its length can vary from 50m to 90m. If you want to know how to obtain the length of a paper roll, read this useful article.

In the United States, the length of a thermal roll is expressed in feet. Thermal paper rolls are commonly sold in lengths of 50, 80, 185, 220, 230, and 273 feet.

4. Core Size

Rolls Core

The core size refers to the diameter of the tube onto which the paper is rolled.

Core I.D. (Inside Diameter) – The size of the center hole in the core. It is important because certain machines use a type of pin holder or spindle to support the roll, and the core I.D. must match the size of these pins or spindles to function properly. The general core I.D. is 12.7mm (7/16″).

Core O.D. (Outside Diameter) – The size of the entire core, hole, and all. It is less important than the core I.D. but plays a role in the diameter/footage of the roll.

Please note that with today’s new printers and EFTPOS terminals, you can just put the paper rolls into the printers without the spindles going through the roll. So the core size is becoming less important.

However, you still need to pay attention to the core sizes in most cases because some paper suppliers are using bigger core sizes to reduce the paper length, which will make it not cost-effective. Coreless paper rolls are also available nowadays.

Conclusion

So, in conclusion, we usually describe the complete paper roll size by:

or

Standard Paper Roll Sizes:

There are a few exceptions, but most terminals will take some standard paper sizes, as listed below.

  • Mobile/small credit card terminals (Verifone, etc.): 57mm x 50mm, 57mm x 40mm, 57mm x 38mm
  • Thermal receipt printers (Epson, Star, etc.): 80mm x 80mm, 80mm x 70mm, 80mm x 60mm

If you’re not sure about selecting a paper roll product, having these measurements will help you decide what is best suited to match your needs. If you find that you need a non-standard paper roll size, or have any other questions, get in touch with us via email: [email protected], and we’ll be happy to sort it out for you.

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About the Author: Frank Ouyang

Frank Ouyang is the sales manager at Panda Paper Roll Company - a leading factory of thermal paper rolls, label rolls, and other print-related products in China. With extensive experience in the industry, Frank is an expert in thermal paper knowledge and enjoys sharing his insights and expertise with clients, helping them achieve their goals and maximize their success.
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xan347
xan347
1 month ago

hello. i would like to learn the prices of the papers. for the maunfactoring. Silver Engineering Azerbaijan

Phyllis J Muscolino
Phyllis J Muscolino
4 months ago

I have a Phomemo M20 which takes 55 mm roles. By mistake I ordered some 57mm rolls. What machine/printer takes this size?

Elshaday
Elshaday
7 months ago

I was using 80*80 but 80*60 is cheaper and can i use an 80*60 instead of 80*80?

Jose
Jose
10 months ago

How much is thermal rolls of 57x35x13 I need many of them

Colourfast89@gmail.com
10 months ago

Hi needing a price on thermal rolls 57×57

Bill
Bill
1 year ago

I have 2 1/4 x 50 credit card rolls, do they make an adapter to handle bigger rolls

Prosper
Prosper
1 year ago

Please what do you mean by paper A , paper B, paper C , paper D and paper E.

Mukesh
Mukesh
2 years ago

Hello can you share the quotes for letter size thermal paper

Solomon
Solomon
2 years ago

I have an order to supply 1500 rolls. The specs;
External thermal width: 60mm with tolerance of =+/-0.5mm

Inner core diameter: 12mm

Maximum external roll: 100mm
Paper weight 58 to 70g/m

I would like to know if width 57mm can fit in place of 60mm which I am not getting. If you have you send an invoice or advice.
Thanks

Samer Seryani
Samer Seryani
3 years ago

Hello, I’ve been tasked on finding prices for 80mm x 70mm thermal receipt paper for my boss. I am hoping you can help

Muhammad Ahsan
Muhammad Ahsan
3 years ago

Kindly share the rates

Eslam
Eslam
3 years ago

You said that the paper roll size is described using PAPER ROLL SIZE = WIDTH X DIAMETER X CORE
or
PAPER ROLL SIZE = WIDTH X LENGTH X CORE, then you referred to standard paper rolls for Thermal receipt printers (Epson, Star, etc): 80mm x 80mm, 80mm x 70mm, 80mm x 60mm. Where is the third parameter. They’re just two?!

  • I have a problem finding paper roll with 25mm core. Can I just remove the tube from the roll and use it without it after expanding it’s diameter?
Mary Flor
Mary Flor
3 years ago

is it okay to insert 55m thermal paper in a thermal printer requires 58mm?

wipula
wipula
3 years ago

dear,you have this thermal paper roll 59 mm 48 mm core 12 mm ,

Gurmeet Singh
Gurmeet Singh
3 years ago

Thx for sharing amazing report

Spikes Capital Pty Ltd
Spikes Capital Pty Ltd
3 years ago

Good day. My client has tasked me to supply them with thermal paper measuring;
57 * 40 * 13
76 * 76
80 * 83
Kindly let me know if you have and the prices

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