What Type of Paper Does an Adding Machine or Printing Calculator Use?

When using an adding machine or printing calculator, the kind of paper you choose plays a bigger role than you might expect. It affects everything from how your numbers print to how well your machine operates day after day. Not all rolls will fit correctly or support your device's printing, and choosing the wrong one can lead to poor print quality or unnecessary wear. 

Before you stock up on supplies, it’s worth taking a moment to understand what your machine needs and how to identify the right paper for the job.

1. Standard Paper Rolls (Bond Paper)

This is the classic choice. Standard paper rolls are made of plain bond paper and work with machines that use an ink ribbon or impact print system. If you’ve got a calculator with a ribbon cartridge, you’re using this type.

It’s popular because it’s easy to load, readily available, and works well for most general printing purposes. Businesses like it for printed receipts, daily tallies, and records that need to be stored for a long time. Since there’s no coating, these prints won’t fade as quickly over time.

It’s also a wise choice for those who want crisp, permanent prints that won’t fade in response to light, heat, or pressure.

2. Thermal Paper Rolls

Thermal rolls are built for speed. These rolls don’t use ink, and they’re heat-sensitive. Instead of striking the paper, the printer uses heated elements to directly mark the paper. You’ll usually find this setup in newer, quieter, faster machines.

A quick way to check if you’re using thermal paper? Scratch the surface with your fingernail. If it turns black, that’s thermal.

Offices that move fast love thermal rolls because they make the entire process smoother. There’s no ribbon to worry about. Just load the roll and print. The result is sharp and clean, great for quick jobs or busy environments like point-of-sale counters.

Because they’re so efficient, thermal rolls are often used in devices that need to print hundreds of tickets or receipts each day without missing a beat.

3. Carbonless Paper Rolls (NCR Paper)

Need two copies of every printout? Carbonless paper rolls do that automatically.

These rolls consist of multiple layers. When the machine prints, pressure from the print head causes the image to transfer to the next layer, no carbon sheets needed. This setup is standard in accounting offices, bookkeeping tasks, and anywhere duplicate records are required.

With carbonless paper, everything happens all at once. You print once, and both the original and the duplicate are created. It saves time and eliminates the hassle of using separate carbon sheets or making copies afterward.

The top layer goes to the customer or vendor. The second one stays with the business. It’s seamless and efficient, especially when you need records for both sides of a transaction.

How to Determine the Right Paper for Your Device

Check the Manual or Paper Compartment

Most printing calculators and adding machines include paper specifications either inside the paper bay or in the user manual. Look for details such as paper width, roll diameter, and the required paper type..

Identify the Printer Type

Determine whether your machine uses thermal or impact printing. Thermal printers require heat-sensitive paper and no ink, while impact printers need bond or carbonless paper and use an ink ribbon.

Do the Thermal Test

To check if your roll is thermal paper, rub it with a coin. A dark streak indicates it’s thermal. If there’s no reaction, it’s likely bond paper, which is typically used in impact printers.

Follow Brand Compatibility

Some calculators, such as those from Casio, Sharp, or Canon, work best with specific types of paper. Following brand recommendations helps prevent malfunctions and ensures clear printouts.

Measure the Roll Yourself

If documentation isn't available, measure your existing roll. Confirm the diameter to make sure the roll fits your machine without causing jams or feeding issues.

Paper Sizes for Printing Calculators

Most printing calculators and adding machines use one of these paper roll sizes:

• 2 1/4" x 130' (57 mm x 40 m) – the most common size for standard adding machines
  
• 2 1/4" x 85' (57 mm x 26 m) – often used in compact or portable calculators

Where to Buy Trusted Paper Rolls

Need paper that fits your machine without the guesswork? Paper Planet has you covered. Whether you're using a basic printing calculator, a Clover POS system, or a Toast kitchen printer, they stock it all—standard bond, thermal, and carbonless rolls.

From adding machine bond paper made for Canon, Sharp, and Casio calculators to phenol-free thermal rolls for Clover, Square, and Toast, Paper Planet delivers on both quality and compatibility. You’ll also find specialty items like 2-ply carbonless paper, ink ribbons, and non-thermal paper for kitchen printers—all available in bulk.

They make it easy to shop by brand, printer model, or paper type, so you get exactly what fits. No mismatches. No reordering headaches.

Need paper that just works? Order your rolls today at Paper Planet.