Barcode Labels: Sizes, Printers and Which Label to Use
The DiscountTillRolls.ie TeamThe right barcode label depends on your printer first, then on the size of the product. On Zebra printers, 38x25mm and 51x25mm are the common small product labels, with 102x50mm for cartons. DYMO users usually pick the 99015 at 54x70mm, and Brother QL users often choose the DK-11240 at 102x51mm. Whatever the size, leave white space around the barcode and print it dark and sharp so it scans first time.
A barcode that won't scan is worse than no barcode, because now someone is typing numbers at a queue of customers.
In this guide
- Common barcode label sizes
- Which printer are you using?
- How to make barcodes scan well
- Direct thermal or thermal transfer?
- FAQ
Common barcode label sizes
| Label | Printer | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 38x25mm | Zebra desktop | Small retail items, jewellery tags, spare parts |
| 51x25mm | Zebra desktop | Everyday product labels with a price |
| 76x25mm | Zebra desktop | Long product names, bin and shelf locations |
| 102x50mm | Zebra desktop | Cartons, pallets and stock boxes |
| DYMO 99015, 54x70mm | DYMO LabelWriter | Product and shelf labels from an office PC |
| Brother DK-11240, 102x51mm | Brother QL wide format | Box and stock labels |
Direct thermal labels for barcodes on small items.
Which printer are you using?
- Zebra desktop printers take rolls in lots of sizes. Our Zebra label sizes guide lists them all.
- DYMO LabelWriters take DYMO style rolls. See the DYMO label sizes guide.
- Brother QL printers take DK rolls. See the Brother DK labels guide.
320 labels per roll for DYMO LabelWriter printers.
How to make barcodes scan well
- Leave a quiet zone. Keep clear white space either side of the bars. Text too close to the barcode confuses scanners.
- Don't squash it. Shrinking a barcode to fit a tiny label makes the bars too thin. Go up a label size instead.
- Print dark. Faint print is the most common scanning problem. Check the print darkness setting and clean the print head.
- Test before you label everything. Print one, scan it, then print the batch.
Direct thermal or thermal transfer?
Direct thermal labels need no ribbon and are ideal for barcodes that only need to last months, like stock and shipping. For labels that must survive years, heat or sunlight, thermal transfer with a ribbon lasts longer. Our direct thermal vs thermal transfer guide explains the difference.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common barcode label size?
For small retail items, 38x25mm and 51x25mm are very common on Zebra printers. DYMO users often use 54x70mm.
Why won't my barcode scan?
Usually faint print, a barcode printed too small, or text too close to the bars.
Can I print barcodes on a DYMO LabelWriter?
Yes. DYMO software can create barcodes, and the 99015 label is a popular size for them.
Do barcode labels fade?
Direct thermal labels can fade over time, especially in heat or sun. For long life, use thermal transfer labels.
Barcodes that scan first time.
Zebra, DYMO and Brother compatible labels, dispatched from Dublin 12.
Shop labels →Free delivery on label orders over €50 ex VAT (€5 below that). Order before 1pm for same-day dispatch.