57x40mm vs 80x80mm Thermal Rolls — What’s the Difference?
57x40mm vs 80x80mm Thermal Rolls - What's the Difference? | RollHero
Two Sizes, Two Different Jobs
Thermal paper rolls in New Zealand come in two standard sizes: 57x40mm and 80x80mm. They look similar, but they serve different machines and different purposes. Here’s what you need to know before you order.
Size Comparison at a Glance
| Specification | 57x40mm | 80x80mm |
|---|---|---|
| Paper width | 57 mm | 80 mm |
| Roll diameter | 40 mm | 80 mm |
| Typical length | ~14 metres | ~60 metres |
| Common use | EFTPOS terminals | POS receipt printers |
| Receipts per roll | ~100–150 | ~400–500 |
| Replacement frequency | Every few days (busy site) | Weekly or less |
57x40mm — The EFTPOS Roll
The 57x40mm roll is the standard for portable and countertop EFTPOS machines in NZ. It’s compact enough to fit inside handheld terminals like the PAX A920, Verifone VX680, and Ingenico Move/5000.
Typical machines: Verifone, PAX, Castles, Ingenico, and Windcave-supplied terminals.
Because these rolls are smaller, they run out faster — especially in busy retail or hospitality environments. Ordering in bulk (50 or 100 packs) keeps you stocked without overpaying.
80x80mm — The POS Receipt Roll
The 80x80mm roll is used by larger receipt printers that sit on or under the counter. These printers handle high-volume printing — kitchen dockets, customer receipts, and order summaries.
Typical machines: Epson TM-T20III/T88 series, Star Micronics TSP143, Bixolon SRP-350, Citizen CT-E351, HP Engage, Posiflex Aura, and Sewoo SLK-TS400.
Each roll lasts significantly longer than a 57mm roll because it holds roughly four times the paper length. That means fewer roll changes and less downtime during service.
Can I Use the Wrong Size?
No. A 57mm roll is too narrow for an 80mm printer — it won’t print correctly and can jam the mechanism. An 80mm roll physically won’t fit into a 57mm terminal. Always match the roll width to your machine’s specification.
Which Size Do I Need?
Not sure? Check our EFTPOS Roll Size Guide for a full model-by-model reference table. Or use this quick rule:
- Handheld or countertop EFTPOS terminal → 57x40mm
- Larger receipt printer (under/on counter) → 80x80mm
Price Comparison
RollHero offers both sizes at competitive per-roll pricing:
- 57x40mm: from $0.42 per roll (excl. GST)
- 80x80mm: from $1.48 per roll (excl. GST)
All orders over a certain threshold ship free to Auckland, Northland, and Waikato. The rest of New Zealand is a flat $10.
Order Now
Ready to stock up? Choose your size: