What Size Shipping Label Do I Need? 4 x 6 vs A4 Labels Explained

Choosing the right shipping label size can make parcel dispatch simpler, especially if you print a steady stream of orders. In the UK, 4 x 6 inch shipping labels are a common format for thermal label printers, while A4 label sheets remain useful if you print labels with a standard office printer.

The important point is that the label format needs to match your printer, postage platform and parcel workflow. Royal Mail Click & Drop, for example, supports both 6 x 4 inch thermal labels and A4 label formats.

What is a 4 x 6 shipping label?

A 4 x 6 inch label measures approximately 100 x 150mm. It is widely used for parcel shipping and is particularly convenient when you have a direct thermal label printer.

Cloud Packaging stocks 4 x 6 inch thermal label rolls measuring 100 x 150mm, with 500 labels per roll and a 25mm core. They are supplied as white labels with a yellow backing liner.

What is an A4 shipping label?

A4 labels are printed using a standard office or home printer. Depending on the label sheet and postage service, you can print a shipping label on an adhesive A4 sheet or print onto plain paper and attach the label separately.

For Royal Mail Click & Drop, A4 and 6 x 4 inch formats are both supported. Royal Mail also advises that labels should be clear and readable, with barcodes kept visible.

4 x 6 vs A4 shipping labels

Which shipping label size should you choose?

If you regularly dispatch parcels and already use a compatible direct thermal printer, a 4 x 6 inch label can provide a straightforward print-and-apply workflow. If you only print a small number of labels or already have an office printer and A4 label sheets, A4 can be perfectly practical.

There is no single label size that works for every business. Check the label format supported by your postage software and printer before buying a large quantity.

How to make sure your shipping labels scan properly

Label size is only part of the equation. The printed information also needs to remain clear and readable. Royal Mail advises that barcodes and address information should not be obscured or wrapped around parcel edges.

• Print the label at the correct size rather than stretching or shrinking it unnecessarily.
• Keep barcodes flat and fully visible.
• Place the label on a suitable flat area of the parcel.
• Do not fold the label over an edge or crease the barcode.
• Remove or cover old labels and barcodes when reusing suitable packaging.

Do thermal shipping labels need ink?

Direct thermal labels do not use conventional printer ink or toner. The printer creates the image using heat-sensitive material on the label. This is one reason thermal printing is commonly used for regular shipping and address labels.

However, you need labels that are compatible with your particular printer. Check the printer’s specifications for the supported label size, core and roll dimensions before ordering.

Choosing labels for your dispatch process

For a business sending parcels every day, the most useful label format is usually the one that fits the existing printing and packing workflow. A 4 x 6 inch thermal setup can be convenient for repeated parcel labelling, while A4 printing can make more sense for businesses already working from a standard printer.

If you are using a direct thermal printer that accepts the 4 x 6 inch format, Cloud Packaging’s 4 x 6 thermal label rolls contain 500 labels per roll. For the rest of your packing process, see our guide on how to pack fragile items for shipping.

Quick checklist

• Check your printer’s supported label dimensions.
• Check your postage platform’s supported formats.
• Choose 4 x 6 inch thermal labels if your setup supports that format.
• Use A4 labels if your workflow is based around a standard office printer.
• Keep printed barcodes clear, flat and unobscured.
• Test a small quantity before ordering large volumes.