What Is Receipt Paper Called

What Is Receipt Paper Called? The Complete Guide to Receipt Paper Types, Uses & Sourcing (2026)

Stop guessing names & specs. Learn exactly what receipt paper is called in the industry, how to order the right roll for your POS system, and how Kingcolor Paper helps U.S. buyers cut costs by up to 37% without sacrificing quality.

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Confused by All the Names for Receipt Paper? You Are Not Alone.

Whether you call it POS paper, cash register paper, thermal roll, or simply “the receipt roll,” miscommunication with suppliers leads to costly mistakes. Here are the real pains U.S. procurement managers face:

  • Wrong size ordered – 80mm x 80mm vs 57mm x 40mm; one wrong digit and your terminals jam.
  • Poor thermal coating – Faded receipts after 3 months, violating consumer warranty laws.
  • Hidden BPA/BPS – States like California and Washington now regulate thermal paper chemicals.
  • High shipping costs – Bulky rolls from China often arrive damaged or with hidden freight fees.
  • Inconsistent quality – One batch dark, next batch light – causes checkout delays.
  • Unreliable lead times – 60-day delays during peak seasons like Black Friday.

Fact: 42% of U.S. retailers have received the wrong receipt paper at least once, costing an average of $2,300 in downtime and reordering (National Retail Federation, 2025).

What Is Receipt Paper Called? Let’s Clear the Terminology Once and for All

The most accurate name is thermal receipt paper, but you’ll also hear it called direct thermal paper, POS receipt roll, or simply receipt roll. No matter what you call it, the core material is a paper substrate coated with a heat-sensitive chemical layer that turns black when passed over a thermal print head. Unlike bond paper (used in impact printers) or carbonless paper (used for multipart forms), thermal receipt paper requires no ink or ribbons – making it the #1 choice for modern point-of-sale systems.

Kingcolor Paper has been manufacturing thermal receipt paper since 1993. We offer every common size, core, and coating – including BPA-free and BPS-free options to comply with U.S. state regulations.

Technical Specifications – All Major Receipt Paper Types at a Glance

Common Name Width (mm) Roll Diameter (mm) Core Size (mm) Printing Technology Typical Use Case
Thermal Receipt Roll 57 / 80 40 / 50 / 80 12 / 17 Direct Thermal Retail POS, Restaurants
POS Paper (Thermal) 79.5 / 80 80 / 83 12 / 25 Direct Thermal Supermarkets, Warehouses
Cash Register Paper 44.5 / 57 40 / 60 8 / 12 Impact / Thermal Gas Pumps, Small Shops
Kitchen Print Roll 57 / 76 70 / 80 12 / 17 Direct Thermal Restaurant Order Systems
Eco/BPA-Free Receipt Roll 57 / 80 40 – 80 12 / 17 Direct Thermal (Phenol-free) Compliance in CA, WA, NY

what is receipt paper what type of paper is receipt paper receipt paper

All Kingcolor products meet or exceed ANSI/ESDA standards for thermal print stability.

Why U.S. Buyers Choose Kingcolor Thermal Receipt Paper

  • Factory-direct pricing – No middleman markup. You save 25–37% vs. domestic distributors.
  • OEM/ODM design – Custom roll length, core size, packaging with your logo – even custom FDA-approved paper for medical receipt integration.
  • High-speed delivery – Stock sizes ship within 7 days via DHL/UPS; custom orders in 15–20 days.
  • Quality assurance – Every batch tested for thermal sensitivity, curl, and odour. BPA-free and FSC-certified options.
  • Compliance support – We provide SDS, REACH, and state-level chemical declarations for hassle-free customs.
Kingcolor thermal paper factory production line Quality control lab testing receipt paper BPA-free thermal receipt rolls packaging

Frequently Asked Questions About Receipt Paper

What is the official name for receipt paper?

The most accurate name is thermal receipt paper or direct thermal paper. It is also commonly called POS paper, cash register paper, or receipt roll. All refer to the same heat-sensitive coated paper used in 99% of modern POS terminals.

Thermal Receipt Paper Roll 6

Is there a difference between thermal paper and receipt paper?

No – thermal paper is receipt paper. Traditional receipt paper used bond paper with a ribbon, but today nearly all receipt paper is thermal. Always confirm with your supplier that you are buying direct thermal paper for your POS printer.

What size receipt paper do I need for my POS system?

Common sizes are 57mm wide x 40mm diameter (50mm core) for small portable terminals, and 80mm x 80mm (12mm core) for standard retail printers. Check your printer manual or measure your current roll – Kingcolor can match any custom size.

Is Kingcolor paper BPA-free?

Yes, we offer BPA-free and BPS-free thermal paper that complies with California AB-1351, Washington SB-6119, and other state bans. All our eco-lines are also phenol-free and tested by SGS.

How much can I save by buying direct from Kingcolor?

Our factory-direct model typically cuts costs by 25–37% compared to U.S. distributors. For an annual volume of 10,000 rolls, that can mean savings of $4,000–$6,000 – plus free samples so you test before you commit.

Can I get custom-printed receipt paper with my logo?

Absolutely. We offer OEM/ODM services: you can have your brand printed on the back of the rolls, custom packaging, and even perforated, numbered or colored paper. Minimum order quantities are flexible.

How long does shipping from China to the USA take?

Stock items are shipped via express (DHL/UPS) and reach most U.S. cities in 5–7 working days. Custom orders take 15–20 days production plus 5–7 days shipping. We also offer air freight and sea freight for bulk orders.

Do you provide free samples?

Yes, we provide free samples for buyers with genuine needs. Just send us your request with your printer model and required size – we will send 5–10 rolls at no cost (you only pay shipping if urgent).

Stop Wasting Time – Get Factory-Direct Receipt Paper in 7 Days

Take advantage of our limited-time risk-free trial: new buyers get a 10% discount on first orders of 500+ rolls. Plus, we offer a money-back guarantee if the quality doesn't meet your standards.

  • ✅ Free technical consultation – we help you identify the exact paper name & size.
  • ✅ Free samples delivered to your door (USA/Canada).
  • ✅ No hidden fees – all pricing is CIF (cost, insurance, freight).
  • ✅ Dedicated account manager from factory to delivery.
Request Free Quote & Samples

Or contact us directly: +86-15625231989 (WhatsApp/WeChat) | Email: deborra@dcolorpaper.com

Photo of David Lin

About the Author

David Lin is a Senior Product Manager at Shenzhen Kingcolor Paper Co., Ltd. with over 20 years in the thermal paper industry. He has helped more than 500 global buyers – from single-store owners to Fortune 500 retailers – optimize their receipt paper sourcing. David is a regular contributor to POS Technology Today and an advisor on paper compliance for North American markets.

The author David Lin can be reached via Kingcolor's official contact: deborra@dcolorpaper.com

© 2026 Shenzhen Kingcolor Paper Co., Ltd. | Address: Room 809, Floor 8, Building 1, Longhua Design Industrial Park, Hongmu 3rd Road, Minzhi Street, Longhua District, Shenzhen

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