Many sellers wonder if a shipping label must be 4 x 6, especially when printing at home or using different carriers. The short answer is that 4 x 6 is the standard format used by UPS. USPS. FedEx. DHL. Amazon. Shopify. Etsy. and most e-commerce platforms. However, it is not the only size carriers accept.
This guide explains which sizes each carrier allows when a 4 x 6 is required, and how to choose the right size for your printer and workflow.
⭐ Do Shipping Labels Have to Be 4 x 6?
No, shipping labels do not have to be exactly 4 x 6.
But 4 x 6 is the most widely used and universally accepted size.
Here is why:
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Scannable by every major carrier
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Compatible with sorting machines
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Works with all thermal shipping label printers
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Fits common adhesive label rolls
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Prints cleanly on most label formats
Although 4 x 6 is the preferred format. carriers allow other formats depending on how the label is generated.
⭐ Which Shipping Label Sizes Do Carriers Accept?
Each carrier has slightly different accepted label dimensions.
UPS Label Sizes
UPS accepts:
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4 x 6
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4 x 8
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4 x 4
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Letter size (8.5 x 11) when printed on paper
Most UPS thermal labels print as 4 x 6 unless changed manually.
USPS Label Sizes
USPS accepts:
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4 x 6 (standard)
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4 x 4
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4 x 8
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A4 or Letter size
Click-N-Ship labels default to 4 x 6 and are optimized for thermal printers.
FedEx Label Sizes
FedEx accepts:
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4 x 6
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4 x 8
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4 x 4
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8.5 x 11
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8.5 x 5.5
FedEx also supports high-resolution thermal labels for international shipments.
DHL Label Sizes
DHL accepts:
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4 x 6
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4 x 4
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A5
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4 x 8
Like other carriers, 4 x 6 is still the default for most DHL shipments.
⭐ When Do You Need a 4 x 6 Label?
Use 4 x 6 if:
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You use a thermal shipping printer
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You ship more than a few packages per week
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Your platform (Shopify, Amazon, eBay, Etsy) generates 4 x 6 automatically
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You want consistent barcode readability
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Your warehouse or fulfillment team uses standard workflows
Choosing 4 x 6 prevents resizing problems and misprinted barcodes.
⭐ When Can You Use Other Sizes?
✔ When printing on a regular printer
If you use a home printer, you can print full-page labels or half sheets.
✔ When a carrier generates a custom format
International shipments sometimes produce long labels or multi-part forms.
✔ When generating return labels
Some platforms provide square or shortened labels.
✔ When using older printers
Some legacy printers only support 4 x 4 labels.
⭐ What Happens if Your Label Is the Wrong Size?
If the label is too small or formatted incorrectly:
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Carriers may struggle to scan it
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Packages may be delayed
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Handwritten handling may increase
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Tracking updates may fail
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Staff may reject the package at drop-off
If the label is too large:
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It may fold or crease around the edge of the box
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Barcodes may become distorted
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The package may be returned to the sender
Always ensure the barcode is flat and fully visible.
⭐ Why Most Sellers Choose 4 x 6 Labels
4 x 6 has become the e-commerce standard because it is:
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Fast to print
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Easy to apply
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Compatible with every thermal printer
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Supported by all carriers
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Optimized for scanning accuracy
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Ideal for Shopify. Amazon. Etsy. and shipping software
If you want reliable scanning and fewer issues. 4 x 6 is the safest choice.
⭐ Best Printers for 4 x 6 Shipping Labels
GoDEX DT4x
Best overall. optimized for 4 x 6 labels. popular with e-commerce sellers.
GoDEX DT200i
Compact and affordable for small business shipping.
GoDEX GE330
Higher DPI for detailed barcodes and small text.
GoDEX EZ2250i
Industrial model for warehouses and bulk shipping.
GoDEX G500
Supports both direct thermal and thermal transfer labels.
All GoDEX printers include a 3-year warranty.
⭐ Best Labels for All Shipping Label Sizes
For thermal printing. use:
For regular printers, you can use:
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Full sheet labels
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Half sheet labels
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Standard printer paper
FAQ
Does the label have to be 4 x 6?
No, but it is the safest and most universally supported size.
Can UPS scan a smaller label?
Yes, but 4 x 6 is preferred for reliability.
Can I print 4 x 6 on a regular printer?
Yes, you can resize it to fit letter or A4 paper.
What happens if the barcode is too small?
Scanning becomes inconsistent, and packages may be delayed.
Do all thermal printers use 4 x 6 labels?
Most 4-inch printers are designed for 4 x 6 shipping labels by default.