Every day, we are asked by customers worldwide for a quote on 80 x 80 thermal paper rolls. It’s quite daunting to answer hundreds of inquiries as they come in. Because, in reality, they can actually refer to the 80mm x 80mm or 80mm x 80m thermal roll. The two dimensions look very similar, but they have a big difference in specifications, paper length, and, most importantly, price.
Here is the quick answer: The 80mm x 80mm thermal roll means the paper width is 80mm and the roll diameter is 80mm, but the roll length is undetermined. On the other hand, the 80mm x 80m thermal roll means the paper width is 80mm, and the length is 80 meters, but the roll diameter is not specified.
Want to see the difference in detail? Let’s unpack more of these below.
What’s an 80mm x 80 mm Thermal Paper Roll?
The 80mm x 80mm thermal roll is no doubt the bestseller and is one of the most popular POS receipt paper roll sizes. It is perfect for POS receipt printers, cash registers, kiosks, and other payment terminals in retail, restaurants, ATMs, gaming, and many other businesses. Customers in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Africa most often order this paper size.
What this refers to:
- Paper width: 80mm
- Roll diameter: 80mm
- Roll length: undetermined
We explained in previous articles about thermal paper GSM and thickness and how to calculate the paper roll length. Since the roll diameter is fixed at 80mm, a thicker (high GSM) paper results in a shorter roll length, while thinner (low GSM) paper results in a longer length. For example, if we use different GSM paper for the same 80mm x 80mm paper roll, the length can vary from 45m to 88m. In general, high GSM (thick) paper is more popular for 80mm x 80mm thermal rolls because it typically has a lower unit price, which seems appealing to customers; however, it usually has fewer meters on a roll, and customers may change rolls more frequently in everyday POS operations.
→ Check out this online tool to help you calculate the length of any rolled material
Here’s a table showing the differences for 80 mm x 80 mm thermal paper with different GSMs.
| Size | GSM | Thickness | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80mm x 80mm | 48 gsm | 54 um | 88 m | 0.338 kg |
| 80mm x 80mm | 55 gsm | 60 um | 80 m | 0.340 kg |
| 80mm x 80mm | 60 gsm | 83 um | 58 m | 0.280 kg |
| 80mm x 80mm | 70 gsm | 93 um | 50 m | 0.271 kg |
In short,
- Based on our experience, 70 gsm paper is mostly used for 80mm x 80mm thermal rolls because it has a relatively low unit price per roll, which seems attractive to end users.
- 55 gsm paper is also in high demand in some cases because of its appropriate thickness and smooth finish for some high-end customers.
- Meanwhile, 48 gsm paper is less popular because it has a very high price per roll, and 60 gsm paper is in the middle for quality and price, and it is also less popular.
What’s an 80mm x 80m Thermal Paper Roll?
As the name suggests, the 80mm x 80m thermal paper roll represents the following specifications and is most commonly ordered by customers in European and South American markets.
- Paper width: 80mm
- Roll diameter: undetermined
- Roll length: 80 meters
As the roll length is fixed at 80 meters, if we use a thicker (higher GSM) paper, the roll diameter will be bigger; if we use a thinner (lower GSM) paper, the roll diameter will be smaller.
→ Check out this online tool to help you calculate the outer diameter of paper rolls
Below is the table showing the roll diameters of 80mm x 80m thermal rolls for different GSMs:
| Size | GSM | Thickness | Diameter | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80mm x 80m | 48 gsm | 54 um | 76 mm | 0.307 kg |
| 80mm x 80m | 55 gsm | 60 um | 80 mm | 0.350 kg |
| 80mm x 80m | 60 gsm | 83 um | 93 mm | 0.383 kg |
| 80mm x 80m | 70 gsm | 93 um | 100 mm | 0.476 kg |
In general,
- 48 gsm paper is most commonly used for 80mm x 80m thermal paper rolls because it is relatively affordable and offers high quality: thin, smooth, and bright, it produces sharp black printing of text, images, and barcodes.
- In some cases, 55 gsm thermal paper is also used for 80mm x 80m thermal rolls to meet the specific requirements.
Key Differences Between 80mm x 80mm and 80mm x 80m Thermal Rolls
The table below shows the differences between these two distinctive paper roll dimensions.
| Specs | 80 x 80mm Thermal Roll | 80 x 80m Thermal Roll |
|---|---|---|
| First 80 | 80mm Width | 80mm Width |
| Second 80 | 80mm Diameter | 80 Meters Long |
| Core Size | 13 x 17mm core | 13 x 17mm core |
| Diameter | 80mm | Not determined |
| Length | Not determined | 80 meters |
| Feature | Thicker paper is preferred for this size | Thin paper is preferred for this size |
| Price | Cheaper | Expensive |
How to Ensure You Are Buying the Correct Paper Size?
We understand the measurements can look very confusing at a glance. Most buyers who inquire about this size can’t distinguish between them. Here are some of the tips to make sure you get the correct product specifications before ordering.
- Send the Paper Roll Photos to Us. You can measure the roll diameter or unfolded length and take a photo for us so we can review the details and guide you on your next steps.
- Send the Packaging Photo to Us. We can help you identify the specifications from your current packaging (cartons, boxes, or inner packaging, etc)
- Send Your Paper Roll Samples to Us. The best and most secure way is to send your physical samples so we can measure the parameters using our professional measurement tools.
Contact the Panda Paper Roll Team for the Next Step
Now that you understand the key difference between two similar paper roll dimensions. Let’s come to the final conclusion: 80mm x 80mm and 80mm x 80m thermal paper rolls are not the same — they describe two different things:
- 80mm x 80mm = 80mm (Width) x 80mm (Diameter) x Variable Length
- 80mm x 80m = 80mm (Width) x Variable Diameter x 80m (Length)
If you are unsure which thermal paper roll fits your printer, please check your printer model or contact a professional thermal paper manufacturer like Panda Paper Roll for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions About 80 x 80 Thermal Paper Rolls
1. What’s the difference between 80mm x 80mm and 80mm x 80m thermal paper rolls?
An 80mm x 80mm thermal roll stands for an 80mm-wide paper with an 80mm diameter, but the roll length isn’t specified; an 80mm x 80m thermal roll stands for an 80mm-wide paper with an 80 m length, but the roll diameter isn’t specified.
2. What does the second number in a paper roll size mean?
The second number is the roll diameter or the paper length. Suppliers often use two formats to define a POS printer roll size: width x diameter x core or width x length x core. You need to include the unit then. So it’s best to send over the photos or packaging photos to sort out the exact dimensions.
3. I ordered 80×80mm rolls, and they don’t fit my printer. Why?
Your printer has a maximum roll diameter. This means an 80 mm roll won’t fit in a smaller compartment. Also check the core size, because the industry standard core is usually 12.7mm. We also recommend that you read the printer manual or measure the compartment before you order. Better yet, send a photo of your printer manual to the seller.
4. Why does my 80mm roll run out faster than the last batch?
Your supplier changed the GSM, so the thicker paper gives you fewer meters at the same 80mm diameter. A 48 gsm roll can hold 88 m, while a 70 gsm roll holds only 50m. Always check the GSM with your supplier to compare the dimensions.
5. How many meters should I actually get in an 80×80mm roll?
There’s no right answer to this question, because different customers have different requirements: some want a lower price per roll, some want a longer length, and some want white smooth paper with no residue left in the printer after the roll is used. Consider all factors and consult the supplier before making the final decision.
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