Label slitting & rewinding
For compatible winders and rewinders, select a core ID that matches the mandrel and a cut length appropriate for the finished label roll width.
Cardboard Cores for Label Printing & Rewinding
Labels & Printing
Paperboard cores for label converters, printers & rewinders
Whether you're winding barcode labels, converting roll-fed materials or preparing printed media for the next production step, the right core starts with the right inside diameter, wall thickness and cut length.
1", 2", 3" & 4" IDsMultiple cut lengthsBulk-order inquiries
Built around your process
Where cardboard winding cores fit in label production
Labels and printed materials are often produced, slit, rewound, stored or shipped in roll form. Core fit matters at every step. We supply cardboard core sizes you can browse by inside diameter and length.
Barcode & thermal labels
Smaller-diameter cores can serve certain roll-label formats. Check the printer or applicator's approved core dimensions before ordering.
Printed film & specialty media
Longer cores may suit wider rolls of printed materials. Always confirm required core length, roll weight, winding tension and wall strength.
Inside diameter matters
Choose the core to fit the machine—not just the finished roll
A rewinder with a 3-inch mandrel generally requires a matching 3-inch ID core. Your material width determines the length, while wall thickness and core strength depend on the load and process. We offer multiple listed sizes so buyers can compare options before placing an order.
Shop the actual products
Cardboard core sizes for label & print applications
Four inside diameters are represented below. Prices are per core and depend on your selected length and, where offered, wall thickness.
1" ID cores
Compact core option for equipment specifying a 1-inch mandrel. Available in multiple short and long cuts.
From $0.20 / core
1" ID × .875" length · SKU CORE-1x.875
Select 1" sizes →
2" ID cores
For compatible 2-inch spindle applications, from shorter finished rolls to longer materials.
From $0.30 / core
2" ID × 1" length · SKU CORE-2x1
Select 2" sizes →
3" ID cores
Choose between .125" and .25" listed wall thicknesses with multiple cut-length variants.
From $0.30 / core
.125" wall from $0.30; .25" wall from $0.45
Select 3" sizes →4" ID cores
For machinery that calls for a larger four-inch mandrel. Available with a listed .125" wall.
From $0.33 / core
4" ID × .75" length · SKU CORE-4x.125x.75
Select 4" sizes →Pricing is drawn from the Shopify product export dated October 22, 2026. Prices, inventory and available options can change; the final selected-variant price on the product page controls. The 4" diagram is an illustration because the current 4" listing reuses photography from another size.
Quick buyer reference
Popular cut lengths & exact price examples
Instead of guessing from a single starting price, compare a few listed length options across the core sizes. All examples below are per piece, before shipping and tax.
| Core length | 1" ID | 2" ID | 3" ID .125" wall |
3" ID .25" wall |
4" ID .125" wall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1" | $0.20 | $0.30 | $0.40 | $0.60 | $0.44 |
| 2" | $0.42 | $0.60 | $0.80 | $1.20 | $0.88 |
| 3" | $0.56 | $0.90 | $1.20 | $1.80 | $1.32 |
| 4" | $0.68 | $1.20 | $1.60 | $2.40 | $1.76 |
| 12" | $2.40 | $3.60 | $4.80 | $7.20 | $5.28 |
These are exact variant prices from your October 22, 2026 export, not estimates. Other cut lengths are available on the product pages. Always verify suitability for your actual equipment.
What does ID mean?
Inside diameter (ID) is the opening the spindle or mandrel fits through. A 3" ID core isn't interchangeable with a 2" spindle without an appropriate adapter.
Which wall thickness should I choose?
We list 3" cores in .125" and .25" walls. Thickness alone doesn't establish a core's safe winding capacity. Check tension, total roll weight, your machine specifications and application requirements.
Print shops & roll-fed materials
One source for common winding-core dimensions
From a compact barcode label roll to wider printed material, start with the dimension your equipment requires. Use our online selectors for available cuts, then request a quote when you need something outside the listed configurations.
Questions buyers ask
FAQs: cardboard cores for label printing
What size cardboard core fits my label rewinder?
Check the inside diameter of the machine's mandrel or spindle, along with the required roll width. The best size is the one specified by your equipment and production process—not simply the cheapest diameter.
Do you carry 3-inch cores with different wall thicknesses?
Yes. Our 3" ID product lists both .125" and .25" wall options with several lengths. Confirm the thickness needed for your winding tension and roll weight.
Can I buy cores by individual cut length?
Yes. The linked product pages have selectable length variants and their corresponding prices. If a specific length or quantity isn't listed, send an inquiry with your specifications.
Are these printed labels or empty paperboard cores?
These are empty cardboard winding cores for compatible print and converting applications. Adhesive labels, print media and printing machinery are not included.
Will these fit a specific thermal printer or applicator?
Compatibility depends on your model's required ID, length and roll specifications. Confirm the equipment manufacturer's requirements before purchasing.
What should I include in a bulk quote request?
Send inside diameter, wall thickness, cut length, estimated quantity, application and shipping ZIP code. Include any special winding or strength requirements so the request can be reviewed accurately.
Need bulk quantities or a different cut length?
Tell us your diameter, wall thickness, cut length, quantity and shipping ZIP code. We'll review whether we can meet the application.