Thermal Paper 3 1/8": The Most Common POS Paper Size Explained
Posted by Paper Roll Products on Jun 4th 2026
If you're ordering receipt paper for your POS system and your printer takes a 3 1/8" roll, you're in good company — this is the most widely used receipt paper size in North America. But there's more to ordering 3 1/8" thermal paper than just the width. This guide explains everything.
What Does "3 1/8 Inch" Mean for Receipt Paper?
The 3 1/8" measurement refers to the width of the paper roll — specifically 3.125 inches (about 79mm). This is the dimension that must match your printer's paper compartment width. The length of the roll (230 feet, 273 feet, etc.) determines how long before you need to change rolls.
Which Printers Use 3 1/8" Thermal Paper?
Most full-sized POS receipt printers take 3 1/8" thermal rolls. Common models include:
- Epson TM-T88 series (T88IV, T88V, T88VI) — the most popular POS printer in the US
- Star TSP100/TSP650/TSP700 series
- Bixolon SRP-350/SRP-500 series
- Citizen CT-S series
- Epson TM-U220 impact printer (uses 3" bond, not thermal)
Always verify with your printer's manual or by measuring your current roll before ordering.
3 1/8" Thermal Paper: Available Lengths Compared
The 3 1/8" width comes in several roll lengths. Here's how they compare:
| Size | Approx. Receipts Per Roll* | Best For | Price Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 1/8" x 230' | ~460 receipts | Low-to-medium volume | Lower cost/roll |
| 3 1/8" x 273' | ~550 receipts | Medium-high volume | Best value |
| 3 1/8" x 308' | ~616 receipts | High volume, fewer change-outs | Higher cost, less downtime |
*Based on an average 6-inch receipt.
Standard vs. BPA-Free 3 1/8" Thermal Paper
Standard thermal paper uses bisphenol-A (BPA) in its heat-sensitive coating. BPA is a known endocrine disruptor and is regulated in many countries. If health concerns are a priority for your business:
- BPA-free thermal paper uses alternative color formers that don't contain BPA
- Phenol-free thermal paper goes a step further, eliminating all phenolic compounds
Paper Roll Products stocks both standard and phenol-free versions in all standard 3 1/8" lengths.
Colored 3 1/8" Thermal Rolls
Need to differentiate receipts by register, shift, or transaction type? 3 1/8" thermal paper is available in multiple colors including canary yellow, green, pink, and blue. The color is in the paper base — the print is still black.
How Many Rolls Per Case?
Standard thermal paper is sold in cases of 50 rolls. Buying by the case rather than individually reduces per-roll cost significantly and qualifies for free shipping on most orders through Paper Roll Products.
Shop 3 1/8" Thermal Paper
Paper Roll Products is a B2B wholesale supplier of 3 1/8" thermal paper rolls in all standard lengths. Employee-owned since 2002, based in Eagan, MN. Same-day shipping on all in-stock items.