Thermal paper rolls are an essential consumable for many Australian businesses that use receipt printers, POS systems and transaction printers every day.
Restaurants, cafés, takeaway shops, supermarkets, grocery stores, retail businesses and hospitality venues can go through large quantities of receipt paper, making it important to choose the correct thermal paper roll size for your equipment.
Three common options available from MRA Packaging are:
-
57×38mm Thermal Paper Rolls
-
57×57mm Thermal Paper Rolls
-
80×80mm Thermal Paper Rolls
But what is the difference between these sizes, and which one should your business choose?
This guide explains the main differences and what to consider before ordering thermal paper rolls in bulk.
What Is Thermal Paper?
Thermal paper is specially manufactured paper designed for compatible thermal printers.
Unlike conventional printers that may require ink or toner, thermal printers use heat to produce the printed information on the thermal paper surface.
This makes thermal paper commonly used for:
-
Customer receipts
-
POS transactions
-
Retail sales
-
Restaurant and café receipts
-
Takeaway orders
-
Supermarket transactions
-
Hospitality operations
-
General commercial receipt printing
Businesses that use compatible thermal printers regularly need to keep an adequate supply of paper rolls available.
MRA Packaging supplies thermal paper rolls in bulk cartons for Australian businesses.
Understanding Thermal Paper Roll Sizes
Thermal paper roll sizes are usually represented using measurements such as:
57×38mm
or
80×80mm
The first measurement generally refers to the paper width, while the second refers to the approximate roll diameter.
For example:
57×38mm means approximately:
-
57mm paper width
-
38mm roll diameter
Meanwhile:
80×80mm means approximately:
-
80mm paper width
-
80mm roll diameter
These differences are important because not every thermal printer accepts every roll size.
Always check your printer specifications or measure your existing roll before ordering replacement thermal paper.
Thermal Paper Size Comparison
MRA Packaging currently supplies three thermal paper roll sizes.
| Thermal Paper Size | Carton Quantity | General Use |
|---|---|---|
| 57×38mm | 50 rolls | Compact receipt printing |
| 57×57mm | 50 rolls | 57mm printers requiring a larger roll |
| 80×80mm | 50 rolls | Wider commercial POS and receipt printing |
The correct option depends primarily on the dimensions supported by your thermal printer.
57×38mm Thermal Paper Rolls
The 57×38mm Thermal Paper Rolls are the most compact thermal paper option currently available from MRA Packaging.
Each carton contains 50 rolls, making this a practical bulk option for businesses that regularly use compatible compact thermal receipt printers.
This size may be suitable for commercial environments where a 57mm paper width and compact roll diameter are required.
Common business environments include:
-
Cafés
-
Restaurants
-
Takeaway shops
-
Retail businesses
-
Hospitality venues
-
Offices
-
Grocery businesses
Before ordering, check that your printer supports a 57mm-wide roll with the appropriate roll diameter.
View 57×38mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN
57×57mm Thermal Paper Rolls
The 57×57mm Thermal Paper Rolls use the same 57mm paper width but have a larger roll diameter than the 57×38mm option.
Each carton contains 50 rolls.
The larger roll format may be suitable for compatible printers that can accommodate a larger roll while still requiring 57mm-wide thermal paper.
This can make the 57×57mm size useful for businesses that want a 57mm format but require a larger roll than the more compact 57×38mm option.
View 57×57mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN
80×80mm Thermal Paper Rolls
The 80×80mm Thermal Paper Rolls are the largest thermal paper option currently available from MRA Packaging.
Each carton contains 50 rolls.
With an 80mm width and larger roll diameter, this size is commonly associated with larger compatible receipt and POS printers used in commercial environments.
The larger print width can provide more space for receipt information compared with narrower 57mm paper.
Businesses that may use compatible 80mm thermal printers include:
-
Restaurants
-
Cafés
-
Supermarkets
-
Grocery stores
-
Retail businesses
-
Takeaway shops
-
Hospitality venues
-
Other high-volume commercial operations
View 80×80mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN
57×38mm vs 57×57mm Thermal Paper
The main difference between these two options is the roll diameter.
Both use a 57mm paper width, but:
57×38mm
-
Smaller roll diameter
-
More compact
-
Suitable for compatible printers with limited roll space
57×57mm
-
Larger roll diameter
-
Still uses 57mm-wide paper
-
Requires a printer that can accommodate the larger roll
A printer that accepts 57mm-wide paper does not automatically mean that every 57mm roll diameter will fit.
Always confirm both the paper width and maximum roll diameter supported by the printer.
57mm vs 80mm Thermal Paper
The biggest difference between 57mm and 80mm thermal paper is the paper width.
57mm Thermal Paper
57mm thermal paper provides a narrower printing area.
It is commonly used with compact compatible receipt printers and other smaller transaction-printing devices.
MRA Packaging offers two 57mm formats:
80mm Thermal Paper
80mm thermal paper provides a wider printing area and is widely used with compatible commercial POS and receipt printers.
Businesses requiring an 80mm format can view the:
Which Thermal Paper Roll Size Do I Need?
The best thermal paper size is determined by your printer rather than simply choosing the largest or smallest roll.
Before placing an order, check these three things.
1. Check the Paper Width
Determine whether your printer requires:
-
57mm paper
-
80mm paper
-
Another size
The width is one of the most important compatibility measurements.
2. Check the Maximum Roll Diameter
Two rolls may have the same width but different diameters.
For example, 57×38mm and 57×57mm rolls are both 57mm wide, but the larger 57mm diameter roll requires more internal printer space.
3. Check Your Existing Roll
If you already have a roll that fits the printer correctly, check the packaging or measure the existing roll.
This can be one of the easiest ways to identify the correct replacement size.
How to Measure a Thermal Paper Roll
If the original packaging is no longer available, you can measure the roll manually.
Measure the Width
Measure directly across the paper from one side to the other.
Common sizes in the MRA Packaging range are:
-
57mm
-
80mm
Measure the Roll Diameter
Measure across the complete circular roll from one outside edge to the other.
For example:
-
approximately 38mm
-
approximately 57mm
-
approximately 80mm
Both measurements are important when checking compatibility.
Thermal Paper for Restaurants and Cafés
Restaurants and cafés often process a large number of transactions throughout the day.
Thermal paper may be used for:
-
Customer receipts
-
POS transactions
-
Order printing
-
Payment-related printing
-
Other compatible receipt systems
For businesses using thermal printers every day, buying thermal paper in carton quantities can help maintain stock levels and reduce frequent reordering.
Thermal Paper for Takeaway Businesses
Takeaway shops often rely heavily on POS and receipt systems, particularly during busy service periods.
Running out of thermal paper at the wrong time can interrupt normal checkout and transaction workflows.
Keeping cartons of compatible thermal paper available can help businesses maintain a reliable supply.
Thermal Paper for Retail and Supermarkets
Retail stores, supermarkets and grocery businesses can process hundreds or even thousands of transactions depending on their size.
These businesses commonly require reliable stocks of receipt paper for compatible POS systems.
The 80×80mm thermal paper roll can be a relevant option for businesses using compatible wider-format receipt printers, while smaller 57mm formats may be appropriate for other compatible systems.
Why Buy Thermal Paper Rolls in Bulk?
Thermal paper is a recurring business consumable.
Purchasing thermal paper by the carton can provide several practical advantages.
Maintain Reliable Stock
Keeping additional rolls available can reduce the risk of running out during busy trading periods.
Reduce Frequent Ordering
Businesses with high transaction volumes may find bulk cartons more convenient than purchasing small quantities repeatedly.
Easier Inventory Planning
Knowing how many rolls are available can help businesses estimate future requirements and schedule orders more effectively.
Suitable for Commercial Operations
MRA Packaging supplies all three thermal paper sizes in cartons of 50 rolls, making them practical for businesses with regular thermal paper requirements.
Thermal Paper Rolls Available from MRA Packaging
MRA Packaging currently offers three thermal paper sizes for Australian businesses:
57×38mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN
Compact 57mm thermal paper rolls for compatible receipt printers.
Shop 57×38mm Thermal Paper Rolls
57×57mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN
Larger-diameter 57mm rolls for compatible thermal printers.
Shop 57×57mm Thermal Paper Rolls
80×80mm Thermal Paper Rolls – 50 Rolls/CTN
Wider thermal paper rolls for compatible POS and commercial receipt printers.
Shop 80×80mm Thermal Paper Rolls
You can also browse the complete Thermal Paper collection or view all MRA Packaging products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thermal paper sizes does MRA Packaging sell?
MRA Packaging currently supplies 57×38mm, 57×57mm and 80×80mm thermal paper rolls. Each product is supplied in cartons containing 50 rolls.
What is the difference between 57×38mm and 57×57mm thermal paper?
Both options use a 57mm paper width. The main difference is the roll diameter. The 57×57mm roll is larger than the 57×38mm roll and therefore requires a printer with sufficient space for the larger roll.
What is the difference between 57mm and 80mm thermal paper?
The primary difference is the paper width. A 57mm roll is narrower, while an 80mm roll provides a wider printing area. The correct width depends on the specifications of your thermal printer.
Can I use an 80mm roll in a 57mm printer?
No. A printer designed for 57mm paper generally cannot accommodate an 80mm-wide roll. Always follow your printer manufacturer's supported paper dimensions.
How do I know what thermal paper size my printer needs?
Check the printer manual, manufacturer specifications or the dimensions of the thermal paper currently installed. Make sure you check both the paper width and the supported roll diameter.
Can businesses buy thermal paper rolls in bulk?
Yes. MRA Packaging supplies its 57×38mm, 57×57mm and 80×80mm thermal paper products in cartons containing 50 rolls.
Where can I buy wholesale thermal paper rolls in Australia?
MRA Packaging supplies thermal paper and other commercial packaging products for Australian businesses. Browse the Thermal Paper collection to compare available sizes and current product availability.