Zebra thermal label sizes. 4x6, 2x1, 3x2
New here? Start with create and print labels online free, the hub for design, barcodes, shipping, and thermal print setup. Also: free label maker software · full site map.
Picking the wrong stock wastes a roll and a morning. This chart is the thermal label sizes US Zebra desks buy most: 4x6 shipping, 2x1 SKUs, 3x2 bins. Set the same inches in the free label maker so the artboard matches the roll.
Quick size chart (inches)
| Size (W × H) | Typical use | Common printers |
|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 | USPS, UPS, FedEx, Amazon shipping | ZD420, ZD421, GK420d, ZP series |
| 4 × 3 | Larger product / pallet half labels | ZD / ZT 4" desktop & industrial |
| 3 × 2 | Warehouse bin, shelf, inventory | ZD420, ZD421, GK420d |
| 2 × 1 | SKU / product stickers, FNSKU-style unit labels | ZD420, ZD421 |
| 2.25 × 1.25 | Retail price / jewelry tags | Desktop Zebra 2" path or multi-up |
| 1.5 × 1 | Small goods, cables (flag labels) | Desktop with narrow media |
4×6, the US shipping standard
Almost every US carrier and marketplace assumes 4×6 inch thermal labels. Buy direct-thermal (no ribbon) for most e-commerce desks. Guides: how to print shipping labels, USPS, UPS, FedEx.
2×1 and 3×2, product & warehouse
SKU stickers and bin locations are the next two. Use CODE128 for internal SKUs, UPC-A for retail. Tutorial: inventory barcode labels.
Match the size in the free label maker
- Open https://app.mylabelmaker.com. No signup.
- Set artboard width and height to the physical label, in inches.
- Set DPI to the printer (203 on most ZD420/GK420d; 300 on some ZD421/ZD621).
- Leave quiet zones around barcodes. Don't run bars to the edge.
DPI vs physical size
Label size is physical inches. DPI is dots per inch on the printhead. A 4x6 at 203 DPI is a different pixel canvas than 4x6 at 300 DPI. Match both. Fuzzy print: 300 DPI troubleshooting.
Buying tips (US)
- Prefer gap (not continuous) media unless you use black-mark stock intentionally
- Order a small sample pack before buying a case of an unfamiliar size
- For shipping, keep a spare 4×6 roll, empty mid-manifest hurts more than cost