How Many Pieces of Receipts Do You Get from One Paper Roll?

Ever wondered how many receipts you can squeeze out of a single roll of paper? If you run a business, this isn’t just a random curiosity—it’s a cost factor. 

Understanding how many transactions you can cover before swapping out a roll helps with budgeting, ordering supplies, and keeping operations smooth. The number depends on several factors, but you can estimate it easily with some math.

Factors Affecting the Number of Receipts Per Roll

Paper Roll Size

Not all receipt rolls are created equal. They come in different widths, diameters, and core sizes. 

A standard roll might be 80mm wide and 80mm in diameter (3.14961x3.14961 inches), but some businesses use 57mm x 40mm or other variations. The longer the roll, the more receipts you get.

Paper Thickness

Thermal receipt paper comes in different thicknesses, usually measured in microns. Thicker paper means fewer receipts per roll, while thinner paper extends the roll’s lifespan. 

If you use 48gsm (grams per square meter) paper, you'll fit more receipts on a roll than if you use 55gsm paper.

Receipt Length Per Transaction

Every transaction prints a different amount of data. A basic receipt with just the store name, items, and total will use less paper than one with detailed business transactions such as product descriptions, promotional messages, or loyalty program details. 

If your receipts include QR codes, return policies, or additional disclaimers, expect fewer receipts per roll.

How to Calculate the Number of Receipts in a Roll

Step 1: Measure the Receipt’s Length

The first step is figuring out the average length of a single receipt for your business. Receipt length varies depending on the number of items, store policies, and additional details printed on each transaction.

Example #1:

A small café issues simple receipts that contain the date, item name, price, and total. Each receipt measures around 15 cm in length.

Example #2:

A large grocery store prints detailed receipts with multiple line items, tax breakdowns, discounts, and a store policy section. These can be 30 cm or longer per transaction.

Step 2: Get the Paper Roll’s Length

Receipt rolls often list their total length on the packaging. If this information isn't available, you can estimate it using the roll’s diameter and paper thickness.

Example:
A clothing boutique uses an 80mm x 80mm thermal roll with a total length of 50 meters (5000 cm). A food truck with a 57mm x 40mm roll gets only 15 meters (1500 cm) of paper per roll.

Step 3: Do Some Simple Math

Now, divide the total paper roll length by the length of a single receipt to estimate how many receipts the roll will produce.

Example 1: Small Retail Business (Short Receipts)

• Roll Length: 50 meters (5000 cm)
• Receipt Length: 15 cm
• Calculation: 5000 cm ÷ 15 cm = 333 receipts per roll

Example 2: Supermarket (Long Receipts)

• Roll Length: 50 meters (5000 cm)
• Receipt Length: 30 cm
• Calculation: 5000 cm ÷ 30 cm = 166 receipts per roll

Choosing the Right Receipt Roll with Paper Planet

Picking the right paper roll isn’t just about size—it’s about efficiency. If you process a high volume of transactions daily, you’ll need longer rolls to reduce frequent replacements. 

If print clarity and durability matter, investing in higher-quality thermal paper can be worth it.

Paper Planet offers a variety of receipt rolls that match different business needs. Whether you run a retail shop, a restaurant, or an online store with physical receipts, they have options that fit. 

Check out our selection to keep your operations running smoothly and avoid running out of paper at the worst time.

FAQs

How can I estimate the number of receipts per roll for my business?

To estimate, divide the total roll length by the average length of a single receipt. For example, if your roll is 50 meters long and each receipt is 15 cm, you can print roughly 333 receipts per roll. Adjust for longer receipts or additional details, like promotions or QR codes, which use more paper.

Does the thickness of thermal paper affect how many receipts I can print?

Yes. Thicker thermal paper (measured in gsm or microns) consumes more paper per receipt, reducing the total number of receipts per roll. Thinner paper lasts longer but may be less durable. Choosing the right balance helps maximize efficiency while maintaining print quality.

Why do different receipt rolls have different widths and diameters?

Roll width and diameter impact both compatibility and capacity. Wider rolls produce receipts with more space for detailed information but may shorten roll life. Larger-diameter rolls hold more paper, reducing how often you need to replace them. Always match your roll to your printer’s specifications for smooth operation.