How to Measure Your Product for the Right Label Size

A label that's slightly too big or too small for its container is one of the most common ordering mistakes — and one of the easiest to avoid with a couple of careful measurements before you order.

Measure the actual label area, not the whole container

Don't measure the full height or circumference of your bottle or jar — measure the flat or gently curved area where the label will actually sit, leaving a small margin from the top, bottom, and any seams so the label applies cleanly.

Know which dimension goes first

For our roll labels, the first dimension you enter is always the across-the-roll dimension (the width, not the height) — this trips people up more than anything else. If you enter your dimensions backwards, you can end up with a label rotated the wrong way relative to how it unwinds off the roll.

Stay within size limits

Our roll label calculators currently support widths from 1″ to 11″ and heights from 1″ to 18″. If your label needs to be larger than that in either dimension, reach out directly and we'll work out the right approach.

When your label wraps around a curve

For a round container, measure the circumference (distance all the way around) at the point where the label will sit, then subtract a small gap so the label doesn't overlap itself edge-to-edge — a tight overlap can cause the label to lift.

Still not sure?

Send us your container's dimensions, or the container itself if you have one, and we'll help you land on the right label size before you order.