How to Choose Thermal Paper Rolls for POS and Receipt Printers

Thermal paper rolls are a small but essential part of everyday operations for restaurants, cafés, takeaway shops, supermarkets, retail stores and other businesses using POS systems or receipt printers.

Choosing thermal paper may seem simple, but using the wrong paper width or roll diameter can mean the roll does not fit your printer.

Before ordering thermal paper in bulk, it is important to check the specifications of your POS or receipt printer and understand the measurements printed on thermal paper packaging.

MRA Packaging currently offers three common thermal paper roll sizes:

• 57×38mm

• 57×57mm

• 80×80mm

This guide explains how to choose the right thermal paper roll for your POS or receipt printer.

What Is Thermal Paper?

Thermal paper is specially coated paper designed for use with compatible thermal printers.

Instead of using conventional ink or toner, a thermal printer applies heat to the paper to produce text, numbers, barcodes and other printed information.

Thermal receipt printers are commonly used in:

• Restaurants

• Cafés

• Takeaway shops

• Supermarkets

• Grocery stores

• Retail stores

• Hospitality businesses

• Commercial POS environments

Businesses that process transactions regularly can use a significant number of thermal paper rolls, making bulk supply an important part of stock management.

You can view the available options in the MRA Packaging Thermal Paper collection.

Start With Your Printer Specifications

The most important rule when choosing thermal paper is simple:

Choose the paper according to your printer, not just according to the size you prefer.

Different printers support different:

• Paper widths

• Maximum roll diameters

• Roll formats

For example, a printer designed for 57mm paper will generally not accept an 80mm-wide roll.

Similarly, two paper rolls can both be 57mm wide but have different roll diameters.

Always check your printer manual, specification label or manufacturer's documentation before purchasing thermal paper.

Understanding Thermal Paper Measurements

Thermal paper is commonly described using measurements such as:

57×38mm

57×57mm

80×80mm

The first measurement generally represents the paper width.

The second measurement generally represents the outside roll diameter.

For example:

57×38mm

Approximately:

• 57mm paper width

• 38mm roll diameter

57×57mm

Approximately:

• 57mm paper width

• 57mm roll diameter

80×80mm

Approximately:

• 80mm paper width

• 80mm roll diameter

Understanding both measurements is important because a compatible width does not automatically mean the entire roll will fit inside your printer.

Step 1: Check the Paper Width

The first thing to identify is the paper width supported by your printer.

Two common widths are:

• 57mm

• 80mm

57mm Thermal Paper

57mm paper is a narrower format commonly used with compatible compact receipt and transaction printers.

MRA Packaging supplies:

57×38mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN

and

57×57mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN

80mm Thermal Paper

80mm thermal paper provides a wider printing area and is commonly used with compatible commercial POS and receipt printers.

MRA Packaging supplies:

80×80mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN

Step 2: Check the Maximum Roll Diameter

Paper width is only one part of compatibility.

You also need to make sure the physical roll fits inside the printer.

For example:

57×38mm and 57×57mm thermal paper both use a 57mm paper width.

However, the 57×57mm roll has a larger outside diameter.

This means a compact printer that accepts 57mm-wide paper may still have insufficient space for a 57mm-diameter roll.

Check your printer's maximum supported roll diameter before choosing between these sizes.

Step 3: Check the Thermal Paper Already in Your Printer

If your printer is currently working correctly with an existing roll, checking that roll can be one of the easiest ways to determine what size you need.

Look for:

• Size printed on the packaging

• Paper width

• Roll diameter

• Printer manual

• Model specifications

If the original packaging is unavailable, you can measure the existing roll.

How to Measure a Thermal Paper Roll

You can use a ruler or measuring tape to check the approximate dimensions.

Measure the Width

Measure the paper from one side edge to the other.

A roll may measure approximately:

57mm

or

80mm

Measure the Diameter

Measure across the circular side of the complete roll.

Depending on the product, this may be approximately:

38mm

57mm

or

80mm

Then compare those measurements with your printer's supported dimensions.

Which Thermal Paper Size Should You Choose?

Here is a simple comparison.

The correct option depends on the specifications of your equipment.

Choosing 57×38mm Thermal Paper Rolls

The 57×38mm thermal paper roll is the most compact thermal paper option currently available from MRA Packaging.

It may be appropriate when your printer requires:

• 57mm paper width

• A relatively compact roll

• Approximately 38mm roll diameter

Each carton contains 50 rolls.

This format can be useful for compatible compact receipt printers and transaction printing equipment.

Shop 57×38mm Thermal Paper Rolls

Choosing 57×57mm Thermal Paper Rolls

The 57×57mm thermal paper roll has the same 57mm paper width but a larger roll diameter.

It may be suitable if your printer:

• Requires 57mm paper

• Has enough internal space for a larger roll

• Supports approximately 57mm roll diameter

Each carton contains 50 rolls.

Shop 57×57mm Thermal Paper Rolls

Choosing 80×80mm Thermal Paper Rolls

The 80×80mm thermal paper roll is the widest and largest thermal paper option currently available from MRA Packaging.

It is designed for compatible printers requiring:

• 80mm paper width

• Approximately 80mm roll diameter

The wider paper format provides additional printable width compared with 57mm paper.

Each carton contains 50 rolls.

Shop 80×80mm Thermal Paper Rolls

57mm or 80mm Thermal Paper: Which One Do You Need?

This depends entirely on your printer.

If your printer specifies 57mm paper, choose a compatible 57mm roll.

If your printer specifies 80mm paper, choose a compatible 80mm roll.

Do not assume that a narrower roll can be substituted for a wider one or vice versa.

The printer's paper guide, print mechanism and internal roll compartment are designed around specific dimensions.

What If Both 57×38mm and 57×57mm Are 57mm Wide?

This is where roll diameter becomes important.

Both products have approximately the same paper width:

57mm

But their diameter differs:

57×38mm: approximately 38mm diameter

57×57mm: approximately 57mm diameter

If your printer only has enough space for a compact roll, the larger 57×57mm option may not fit even though the paper width is correct.

Always check both measurements.

Thermal Paper for POS Systems

Point-of-sale systems are widely used in restaurants, cafés, takeaway businesses and retail stores.

A POS setup may include a receipt printer for:

• Customer receipts

• Transaction records

• Sales information

• Order information

• Other business printing requirements

Before buying POS paper rolls, check the receipt printer connected to the POS system rather than the POS software itself.

The printer determines the required paper dimensions.

Thermal Paper for Receipt Printers

Receipt printers come in different sizes and configurations.

Some use narrow 57mm paper while others use wider 80mm rolls.

When checking compatibility, look for specifications such as:

Paper width

Maximum paper diameter

Supported thermal roll dimensions

If you are unsure, checking the existing roll is often the quickest starting point.

Thermal Paper for Restaurants and Cafés

Restaurants and cafés can process a significant number of transactions every day.

Thermal paper may be used for compatible:

• POS receipt printers

• Customer receipt printers

• Order printers

• Transaction printers

Because thermal paper is consumed continuously, businesses may benefit from keeping additional rolls available rather than waiting until the final roll is installed.

Thermal Paper for Takeaway Shops

Takeaway businesses often experience concentrated periods of transactions during lunch and dinner service.

Running out of receipt paper during a busy period can disrupt normal checkout operations.

Keeping the correct thermal paper size available in bulk can help minimise unnecessary interruptions.

Thermal Paper for Retail Stores and Supermarkets

Retail stores, supermarkets and grocery businesses often operate several POS terminals.

This can increase thermal paper consumption considerably.

Businesses using multiple printers should also confirm whether every printer uses the same paper size.

Do not automatically assume every POS terminal requires identical rolls.

Common Mistakes When Buying Thermal Paper

Avoiding a few common mistakes can make purchasing easier.

Choosing Based Only on Paper Width

A 57mm roll may have different diameters.

Always check both dimensions.

Assuming Every POS Printer Uses 80mm Paper

80mm is a common commercial format, but many printers use other sizes.

Always verify the printer specification.

Ordering Without Checking the Existing Roll

If your current thermal paper fits correctly, use it as a reference before purchasing replacement cartons.

Buying a Larger Roll Because It Appears Better Value

A larger roll is only useful if your printer can physically accommodate it.

Compatibility should come first.

Forgetting to Check Every Printer

Businesses operating multiple printers may have different models.

Check each printer before standardising your thermal paper supply.

How Much Thermal Paper Should Your Business Order?

The correct quantity depends on:

• Number of POS terminals

• Number of daily transactions

• How frequently receipts are printed

• Number of printers in operation

• Available storage space

• Reordering frequency

Businesses with higher transaction volumes may benefit from keeping additional cartons available.

MRA Packaging supplies all three current thermal paper options in cartons of 50 rolls.

Why Buy Thermal Paper in Bulk?

Thermal paper is a recurring consumable for many commercial businesses.

Buying carton quantities can help with:

Stock Availability

Keep replacement rolls available when existing rolls run out.

Fewer Reorders

Bulk quantities can reduce how frequently thermal paper needs to be reordered.

Easier Inventory Management

Businesses can track carton usage and estimate future requirements.

Multiple POS Terminals

Businesses operating several compatible printers can maintain sufficient stock for all terminals.

Quick Thermal Paper Buying Checklist

Before placing your order, check:

• What paper width does the printer require?

• Is it 57mm or 80mm?

• What is the maximum roll diameter?

• What size is the thermal paper currently installed?

• How many printers use this paper size?

• How many rolls does the business normally use?

• Do different printers require different sizes?

Completing these checks can significantly reduce the risk of ordering incompatible thermal paper.

Shop Thermal Paper Rolls from MRA Packaging

MRA Packaging supplies commercial thermal paper in bulk carton quantities for Australian businesses.

57×38mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN

Compact 57mm thermal paper for compatible printers.

Shop 57×38mm Thermal Paper Rolls

57×57mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN

A larger 57mm roll for compatible printers with sufficient roll capacity.

Shop 57×57mm Thermal Paper Rolls

80×80mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN

Wider thermal paper for compatible 80mm POS and receipt printers.

Shop 80×80mm Thermal Paper Rolls

You can also browse all Thermal Paper Rolls.

For other commercial supplies, browse all MRA Packaging products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What thermal paper roll do I need for my POS printer?

Check the receipt printer specifications for the required paper width and maximum roll diameter. Common options include 57mm and 80mm thermal paper.

How do I know whether my printer takes 57mm or 80mm paper?

Check the printer manual or specifications, inspect the existing paper packaging, or measure the width of the roll currently being used.

What is the difference between 57×38mm and 57×57mm thermal paper?

Both rolls use approximately 57mm-wide paper. The difference is the roll diameter. The 57×57mm roll is physically larger and requires more space inside the printer.

Can I use 57mm thermal paper in an 80mm printer?

You should use the paper dimensions specified by the printer manufacturer. Do not assume that a different width will work correctly simply because it physically fits somewhere inside the paper compartment.

Can I use an 80mm thermal roll in a 57mm printer?

No. An 80mm-wide roll is wider than a printer designed for 57mm paper and generally will not fit.

Are all POS thermal paper rolls the same?

No. Thermal rolls can differ in width, diameter and other specifications. Always check printer compatibility before ordering.

Does MRA Packaging sell thermal paper in bulk?

Yes. MRA Packaging currently supplies 57×38mm, 57×57mm and 80×80mm thermal paper rolls in cartons of 50 rolls.

Where can I buy thermal paper rolls for my business?

You can browse MRA Packaging Thermal Paper Rolls to compare the available sizes for your POS or receipt printer.