Shipping Label Sizes: 4x6 (100x150mm) and Other Courier Labels

The standard shipping label is 4x6 inches, which is about 102x152mm and often called 100x150mm. Most courier and marketplace systems can print a 4x6 label, and it fits on any parcel bigger than a jiffy bag. It prints on a 4-inch direct thermal label printer, such as most Zebra desktop models, a Brother QL-1100 or a DYMO LabelWriter 4XL. For letters and small parcels, a smaller 54x101mm or 62x100mm label is often enough.

Here is how to pick the right size, the right roll for your printer, and a few tips that stop labels peeling off in transit.

In this guide

• What size is a standard shipping label?
• Which labels fit my printer?
• Can I use a smaller shipping label?
• Why use coloured shipping labels?
• How do I stop shipping labels peeling off?
• FAQ

What size is a standard shipping label?

Name you will see	Actual size	Notes
4x6 inch	101.6 x 152.4mm	The courier standard
100x150mm	about 102x152mm	Same label, rounded
A6	105x148mm	Similar, used when printing from A4 layouts

In practice, 4x6, 100x150mm and 102x152mm all mean the same label. If your courier platform offers a "thermal" or "label printer" option, it is almost always this size.

Which labels fit my printer?

Printer	4x6 label to buy	Price ex VAT
Zebra desktop (4-inch models)	102x152mm, 500 per roll	€9.99 per roll
Zebra, removable adhesive	102x152mm, 300 per roll	€8.50 per roll
Brother QL-1100 / QL-1110	DK-11241, 102x152mm	€9.99 per roll
Brother QL-1100 / QL-1110	DK-11247, 103x164mm	€11.99 per roll
DYMO LabelWriter 4XL	S0904980, 104x159mm	€8.25 per roll

Standard Brother QL printers and standard DYMO LabelWriters are too narrow for 4x6. They take smaller parcel labels instead, covered below.

Can I use a smaller shipping label?

Yes, if your courier or platform lets you choose a smaller format. Smaller labels suit letters, jiffy bags and light parcels.

• Standard Brother QL: DK-11202, 62x100mm, or DK-22205 continuous 62mm cut to length.
• Standard DYMO LabelWriter: 99014, 54x101mm.
• Seiko SLP printers: 101x54mm shipping labels.

Check your courier's label layout first. If a barcode is shrunk to fit a small label, it may not scan at the depot.

Why use coloured shipping labels?

Coloured 4x6 labels make it easy to sort parcels at a glance in a busy dispatch area. Common systems:

• One colour per courier, so the right bags go to the right van.
• Red for next-day or priority orders.
• A separate colour for returns or replacements.

How do I stop shipping labels peeling off?

• Stick them on a flat, clean, dry surface. Not across a seam or over tape.
• Avoid dusty or recycled boxes with a powdery surface, where adhesive struggles.
• Press the whole label down firmly, especially the corners.
• Keep them out of heat and sun before use. Direct thermal labels react to heat. See direct thermal vs thermal transfer labels.
• Use removable labels only for reusable totes and crates, not for courier parcels.

For every Zebra size we stock, see our Zebra label sizes guide. Choosing a printer? See how to choose a label printer.

Frequently asked questions

What size is a standard shipping label?

4x6 inches, which is 101.6x152.4mm. It is often described as 100x150mm or 102x152mm.

Is 100x150mm the same as 4x6?

Yes, near enough. 100x150mm is a rounded description of the 4x6 inch label.

What printer do I need for 4x6 labels?

A 4-inch direct thermal label printer, such as most Zebra desktop models, the Brother QL-1100 or QL-1110, or the DYMO LabelWriter 4XL.

Can I print 4x6 labels on a Brother QL-800?

No. The QL-800 takes rolls up to 62mm wide. Use 62x100mm DK-11202 labels, or a wide-format QL-1100.

Do shipping labels need ink?

Not if they are direct thermal labels printed on a thermal label printer. The printer uses heat, so there is no ink or ribbon.