Amazon FBA Label Size & Margin Guide
Label sizes, spacing and placement guidance for Amazon FBA item, box and pallet labels, with the Amazon sources we used.
FBA Label Sizes at a Glance
FNSKU Item Label
Applied directly to each unit of product
2D Box Content Label
One way to provide box content information
Shipment / Pallet Label
Large format label for palletised shipments
Generated automatically in Seller Central during shipment creation
Understanding the Quiet Zone
The quiet zone is the clear area surrounding a barcode. Amazon's archived item-label specification lists a barcode "with appropriate quiet zone areas" as required label content. The quiet zone helps a scanner find where the barcode starts and ends (our own explanation).
Quiet zone guidance
Common quiet zone problems
Thermal Printing vs A4 Sheet Labels — Which Is Better?
This is one of the most common questions from newer FBA sellers. Both approaches can work, but they have different strengths and failure modes. Here's what experienced prep centre operators know that beginners don't.
🖨️ Direct Thermal Printer
📋 A4 Sheet Labels
What Are the Most Common FBA Label Size Mistakes?
Amazon’s fulfilment centres process millions of items daily. Amazon's guidance gives a label size of 1 to 2 inches tall and 2 to 3 inches wide, and says Amazon may refuse, return, or repackage products that arrive with inadequate or non-compliant packaging, at your expense. Here are the mistakes we see most often.
Printing at “Fit to Page” instead of 100% Scale
The most common mistake. When your printer is set to “Fit to Page” or “Scale to Fit”, it shrinks the barcode to add margins. Print at 100% (Actual size). Scaling shrinks the barcode and its white space, which can make it harder to scan. Always check your print dialog and select “Actual Size” or set scale to 100%.
Ignoring the quiet zone
Amazon's archived item-label specification called for a quiet zone of more than 0.25 in (6.4 mm) at the left and right of the barcode and more than 0.125 in (3.2 mm) above and below it. This blank space tells the scanner where the barcode starts and ends. If text, other labels, or the edge of the packaging intrudes into this zone, the barcode may be harder to scan.
Using the Wrong Label Stock for Your Printer
Thermal printers need direct thermal labels — not inkjet or laser stock. If you put the wrong label type through a thermal printer, the barcode may appear faded, smudged, or completely blank. Always match your label stock to your printer type: direct thermal for thermal printers, matte white for laser printers. Amazon's guidance calls for black ink on non-reflective paper.
What Label Settings Should I Use for My Printer?
| Printer Type | Recommended Label | DPI Setting | Key Setting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zebra ZD421 / GK420d | 60mm x 30mm direct thermal roll | 300 DPI | Darkness: 8-10 |
| Dymo LabelWriter 450 | 25mm x 54mm (or 57mm x 32mm) | 300 DPI | Print quality: Best |
| Brother QL-820NWB | 29mm x 62mm DK label | 300 DPI | Scale: 100% |
| Laser (A4 sheets) | 21-up or 24-up matte white | 600 DPI | Actual Size, no scaling |
| Inkjet (not recommended) | Matte white only | 300+ DPI | Avoid — ink can smudge |
Printer settings above are our suggestions, not Amazon requirements. Amazon's guidance: "Laser printer at 300 DPI for best results". Amazon's guidance gives a label size of 1 to 2 inches tall and 2 to 3 inches wide, printed in black ink on non-reflective paper with adhesive backing.