Label Calculator
Need to know how many labels are on a roll?
If you are in the position of wondering how many labels are on a part used roll, because you need to complete an order for your product or service, then we might be able to help with a calculator we created that tries to evaluate this. However, please be aware that it can easily be out by some margin and should be used with caution as it not only relies upon accurate measurements, but doesn’t allow for imponderables such as the effect the ratio of the label-gap to the label-size might have, or how tightly the roll is wound etc..
For now, we have the linear measurements approach only, but might add a weight version too in future – if it is seen as adding to the arsenal! Feel free to send an email to Richard saying whether this calculator helped or not, or news of a dreaded bug!
Using linear measurements…
We need to find out the cores’ outer diameter (as opposed to its inner) and the rolls’ diameter – a ruler will do if there is nothing else available. For accuracy, be sure that the roll is not oval and if it is, take several measurements and average them. We also need a micrometer or vernier (please see the paragraph that follows if you have neither) to measure the thickness of your label, including the backing/liner.
One way to hedge your bets, also doing away with the need for a micrometer or vernier, is to evaluate an unused roll first. It should hold a known number of labels and be from the same batch of labels as your part roll so that everything, including the core, is as similar as possible. Simply measure the reel, core and the labels’ pitch (the sum of one label and one gap) and ‘massage’ the thickness until it gives you the number of labels you know it holds. Voila, this is the thickness that you can use in the calculations for your part roll.
* In principle, if you have continuous material of any sort (although hard material is more reliable), entering the labels’ pitch as 1,000 will result in an answer in linear metres.