Thermal paper rolls are sold by size, and the size has to match your printer. A roll that is too wide will not fit, and one that is too big in diameter will not let the paper bay close. This guide explains how thermal roll sizes are written, which sizes suit which devices, and what to confirm before you place a bulk order.
How roll sizes are written
Thermal rolls are normally labelled as width × diameter in millimetres, for example 80 × 80 mm. The first number is the width of the paper and the second is the outside diameter of a full roll. A third measurement, the core (the inner tube), also matters, because some printers hold the roll on a spindle that only suits certain core sizes.
- Width: set by the printer. Printers sold as 58 mm normally take paper about 57 mm wide, and printers sold as 80 mm normally take paper about 79 to 80 mm wide.
- Diameter: limited by the space in the paper bay. A bigger roll holds more paper and needs changing less often, but only if it fits.
- Core: commonly around 12 mm, though some devices use larger cores. Check the printer manual.
Common thermal paper roll sizes
| Device | Typical width | Typical roll diameter |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld card terminals and mobile POS | 57 mm | About 30 to 40 mm |
| Desktop receipt printers (retail, restaurants) | 80 mm | About 60 to 80 mm |
| ATMs, kiosks and ticketing machines | Often 80 mm, varies by model | Varies, so confirm with the machine specification |
These are typical figures, not fixed standards. Always confirm against your printer’s specification.
How long is a roll?
Length is not part of the size label, because it depends on the diameter, the core and the thickness of the paper. As a rough guide, a 57 × 40 mm roll of standard-weight thermal paper holds about 15 to 20 metres, and an 80 × 80 mm roll holds about 70 to 80 metres. When you compare suppliers, ask for the length in the quotation rather than assuming it from the diameter.
Paper weight, coating and the thermal side
- Weight: most receipt rolls fall between about 48 and 65 GSM. Lighter paper gives more length per roll, while heavier paper feels sturdier and often prints a little sharper.
- Coating: thermal paper is coated so that it darkens under heat. Many buyers now specify BPA-free coating, and our guide to BPA-free thermal paper for POS, ATM and receipts explains what that means.
- Which side prints: only one side is coated, and some printers need the coated side facing out while others need it facing in. To find the coated side, scratch the paper lightly with a fingernail. The coated side leaves a dark mark.
Storing thermal rolls
Heat, sunlight, humidity and some plastics and solvents can darken or fade thermal paper. Store rolls in their wrapping, in a cool, dry, dark place, and keep them away from PVC film and adhesive labels.
What to send with a bulk enquiry
- Printer or terminal make and model
- Roll width, maximum diameter and, if known, core size
- Whether the coated side must face in or out
- Preferred paper weight, and whether you need BPA-free coating
- Quantity per carton, total quantity and destination
- Any printing on the back of the roll, such as a logo, or custom (OEM) sizes
Our thermal paper range
We supply Standard Thermal Paper and OEM Thermal Paper, including custom sizes, in bulk for wholesale and export. See all thermal paper rolls, read what thermal paper is and why it matters, or contact us with your printer details for a quote.