Short answer: if the receipt comes out of your debit or credit card machine, you almost certainly need 2-1/4" (57 mm) paper. If it comes out of a separate receipt printer beside your till or POS screen, you most likely need 3-1/8" (80 mm). Confirm with your model number before you order.
2-1/4" (57 mm) receipt paper
This is the narrow roll used by most debit and credit card machines in Canada, both countertop terminals with a built-in printer and handheld or wireless terminals used at the table, curbside or on delivery. Some compact cash registers and mobile printers use it too.
The standard length is 50 feet, because many terminals have small paper compartments. VANTROO stocks 2-1/4" x 50' debit machine paper rolls from a 5 pack up to cases of 3,000.
3-1/8" (80 mm) receipt paper
This is the wider roll for countertop POS receipt printers, POS stations and most cash register printers, plus thermal kitchen printers that take 80 mm paper. Wider paper gives more room for itemised receipts, logos and order tickets.
VANTROO stocks 3-1/8" cash register paper rolls in two lengths: 230', which holds more paper, and 200'.
Side-by-side comparison
| 2-1/4" (57 mm) | 3-1/8" (80 mm) | |
|---|---|---|
| Common devices | Debit and credit card terminals, handheld POS, compact registers | Countertop receipt printers, POS stations, cash register printers, thermal kitchen printers |
| VANTROO lengths | 50' (plus 63', 150', 200' when in stock) | 230' and 200' |
| Core (VANTROO) | 1/2" inner / 3/4" outer | 7/16" inner / 7/8" outer |
| Popular packs | 50 rolls, 100 rolls | 20 rolls, 50 rolls |
How to check which size you have
- Find the model number on the label under or behind the device and look it up in the receipt paper size chart or the compatibility finder.
- Measure the paper width. About 57 mm is 2-1/4"; about 80 mm is 3-1/8".
- Check the maximum roll diameter in the manual, especially before switching to a longer roll.
- Scratch test: thermal paper turns dark when scratched with a fingernail. If yours does not, your printer uses bond paper and a ribbon.
Using a Moneris or bank-supplied terminal? The model name on the device label, not the processor's logo, tells you the paper size. Our Moneris receipt paper page explains how to check.
Businesses that need both
Many restaurants, cafés and retailers use both sizes: 2-1/4" in the card terminals and 3-1/8" in the front-counter printer. Keep a carton of each so a busy shift never stops for paper. Our best-selling rolls for restaurants and retail has the most common packs of both.
FAQ
Is credit card machine paper different from debit machine paper?
No. The same 2-1/4" thermal roll prints both debit and credit card receipts.
Can I cut or trim a 3-1/8" roll to fit a 2-1/4" terminal?
No. Buy the width your device lists.
Are VANTROO rolls BPA free?
Yes. All VANTROO thermal receipt rolls are BPA free and 55 GSM. See BPA-free thermal paper vs BPA.
More detail on lengths, diameters and cores: Thermal receipt paper roll sizes: complete Canadian buying guide.
