For bottles and jars (cylindrical shape)

Measure the height (H) — from the bottom edge to the top, where the label should end. Measure the circumference (C) — this is the label’s horizontal length.

FormulaC = diameter × 3.14 (π). For example, a bottle with an 8 cm diameter and 15 cm height → circumference = 8 × 3.14 = 25.12 cm → order 25 × 15 cm.

For boxes and containers (rectangular shape)

Measure the width (W) — the length of the side the label will be applied to, and the height (H) — the label’s height.

Print bleed

To avoid white edges after trimming, add +2–3 mm around the perimeter. For example, if the final label size is 100 × 50 mm, send a 104 × 54 mm layout to print.

Heat-shrink labels: shrink ratio

Heat-shrink film contracts when heated, so it’s important to account for the shrink ratio — usually 5% to 30% depending on the material. For complex shapes (curved bottles), test a sample before printing.

ExamplePackaging 20 cm tall, 10% shrink → final label size = 20 ÷ 0.9 = 22.2 cm.

Test before ordering

  • Print the layout on plain paper and stick it on the packaging
  • Check that the size fits and the text isn’t distorted
  • Make sure the logo and barcode don’t fall in a fold zone