Popular Thermal Label Sizes – Complete Guide
Label size directly affects logistics costs, print quality and compatibility with courier and marketplace systems. This guide presents the most popular thermal label sizes with practical applications.
The 5 Most Popular Thermal Label Sizes
Shipping Label
The most popular size for courier, e-commerce and InPost, DHL, DPD, UPS, FedEx shipments. Fits marketplace integrations (Allegro, eBay, Amazon, BaseLinker).
Printer: Zebra ZD220, ZD420, GK420d, GC420d.
Long Shipping Label
Longer variant for international shipments requiring additional info (CN22, CN23 customs, barcodes, return address). Used by GLS, DPD EU.
Printer: same as 100×150.
Mini Shipping / Product
Compact label for small parcels (jewelry, cosmetics, small electronics). Also used on store shelves and for price labeling.
Printer: portable – Zebra ZQ320, Brother PT-P710BT.
Product Label
Small item labeling in retail, product codes, prices. Often used with code scanners (EAN-13, Code 128).
Printer: Zebra GK420t, TSC TE200.
Address / Courier Small
Small courier labels (return packages, samples). Also for marking samples in laboratories.
Printer: any desktop with 4-inch printhead.
Warehouse / Pricing
Warehouse location labels, bin labels, fast price changes in retail.
Printer: Zebra GX430t, Brother TD-4550.
Full Thermal Label Size Chart (Industry Standards)
| Size (mm) | Typical application | Labels per roll |
|---|---|---|
| 100×150 | Courier (InPost, DHL, DPD), marketplaces | 500–1000 |
| 100×170 | EU international shipments, customs documents | 450–900 |
| 148×210 (A5) | A5 labels, SSCC palette labels | 250–500 |
| 102×152 | Export labels (US/UK) | 500–1000 |
| 80×50 | Small shipments, sample labeling | 1500–2000 |
| 58×40 | Mini courier, retail pricing | 1800–2500 |
| 50×25 | Product labeling, price labels | 3000–5000 |
| 40×25 | Barcode labels, small products | 4000–6000 |
| 32×25 | Round labels for cosmetics, jewelry | 5000–7000 |
| 30×20 | Price labels, small packaging | 6000–8000 |
How to Choose the Right Size?
1. Check Your Printer
Every thermal printer has a maximum print width (most common: 4", i.e. 104 mm). Labels wider than 104 mm will not print. Narrow desktop printers (2") support only up to 58 mm.
2. Match to Carrier Requirements
Each carrier has specific format requirements:
- InPost Paczkomaty: 100×150 mm (accepts 100×140 mm as minimum)
- DHL Express: 100×150 mm or 100×200 mm
- DPD: 100×150 mm
- GLS: 100×150 or 100×170 mm
- UPS: 4×6 inches = 102×152 mm
- Allegro Smart: 100×150 mm
3. Consider Information Density
The more text/barcodes/graphics, the larger the label needed. QR codes require a minimum of 15×15 mm to be reliably scanned.
4. Calculate Cost Per Label
Smaller labels come with more per roll, which reduces roll change frequency and the per-label price. For volume above 10,000 units/month it pays to order custom-cut sizes.
Tip: Custom Size
If standard sizes don’t fit your application, we cut labels to any custom size at no extra charge. Minimum order: 10,000 units.
Roll Core and Outside Diameter
In addition to label dimensions, you also need to match the roll to your printer:
- Core diameter: 25 mm (1") – desktop, 40 mm (1.5") – industrial, 76 mm (3") – large industrial
- Maximum roll outside diameter: 127 mm (5") for desktop printers; 203 mm (8") for industrial ones
Looking for a specific size?
We produce over 120 standard thermal label sizes as well as custom cuts for any application. Fast delivery, free samples.
Request a Quote +48 503 179 658See Also
- Thermal Labels – complete product line
- Shipping Labels – labels for couriers and marketplaces
- 100x150 Shipping Labels – quality comparison
- Thermal vs Thermal Transfer – which technology to pick