Which Dymo Label Size Should You Choose for Printing Multi-Column Labels (Like Price + SKU)?

If your business needs to print labels that carry multiple pieces of information, such as price and SKU, product name and barcode, or category and location code, choosing the right label size is crucial. A poorly sized label can lead to cramped layouts, hard-to-read fonts, or scanning errors. With Dymo direct thermal printers, there are plenty of label options available—but which ones are best for multi-column labels?

In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the most suitable label specifications for multi-column label designs, especially when using Dymo printers. Whether you’re labeling retail products, inventory bins, or storage boxes, this guide will help you create clear, professional-looking labels with all the information your business needs.

What Are Multi-Column Labels?

Multi-column labels refer to label layouts that include two or more distinct blocks of information. Common examples include:

• Price + SKU
• Product name + barcode
• Item number + location code
• Department + size + date
• Shipping code + weight + QR code

These labels are especially common in:

• Retail
• Warehousing
• Inventory control
• Manufacturing
• Asset tracking

To ensure readability and scannability, each column of content must be laid out cleanly—which means your label needs to be large enough and shaped appropriately.

Key Considerations for Choosing Dymo Label Sizes

1. Width Is More Important Than Height

Since multi-column labels place information side-by-side, you need sufficient label width to accommodate multiple content blocks. A narrow label might cause text overlap or reduce font size too much.

• Minimum recommended width: 2.25″
• Preferred width for 2-column layouts: 2.5″ – 4″

2. Orientation: Landscape vs. Portrait

Dymo printers feed labels in one direction, so the orientation matters. For multi-column printing:

• Landscape-oriented labels (wider than tall) are ideal
• Allows side-by-side content blocks
• Easier for scanners to pick up horizontal barcodes

3. Content Block Size

Estimate how much space each content block needs:

• Price: Large, bold font
• SKU: Alphanumeric, smaller font
• Barcode/QR code: Needs quiet zone and proper width

If you need all three on one label, choose something wide and at least 1″ tall.

4. Printing Resolution and Font Size

Dymo LabelWriter printers typically print at 300 dpi. This means:

• Small fonts must be printed cleanly to remain legible
• Avoid packing too much info into narrow labels
• Consider bold fonts or separating blocks with spacing/lines

Recommended Dymo Label Sizes for Multi-Column Use

While exact model numbers may vary, here are some label size categories that work well for 2 or 3-column label formats:

1. 2.25″ x 1.25″

• Ideal for price + SKU or product name + barcode
• Fits easily on retail shelves or merchandise
• Widely compatible with Dymo LabelWriter printers

2. 2-5/16″ x 4″

• Great for detailed product labels, storage bins, or office files
• Allows for two full columns of text and barcode
• Popular choice for warehouse inventory labeling

3. 4″ x 6″ (Dymo 4XL / 5XL only)

• Supports high-density info: item description + barcode + price + location
• Best choice for large items, logistics, or long shelf-life labels
• Ideal when one column is a QR code or long barcode

If using a standard LabelWriter (not 4XL/5XL), stick to widths under 2.5″

Design Tips for Multi-Column Dymo Labels

Choosing the right size is half the battle. Your design layout also affects readability and efficiency.

1. Use Tables or Columns

Structure your label layout using columns or tables in your label design software. Avoid floating text blocks that misalign.

2. Define Hierarchy

Make the most important data (e.g., price or barcode) larger and bolder than supporting data.

3. Use Monospaced Fonts for Codes

SKUs and item numbers benefit from monospaced fonts to align numbers neatly across columns.

4. Avoid Crowding

Leave whitespace between content blocks so that scanners can easily detect barcodes and human eyes can read clearly.

Printer Compatibility Considerations

When printing multi-column labels, be aware of the following:

LabelWriter 450 / 550:

• Max label width: ~2.25″
• Suitable for compact 2-column labels (price + SKU)
• Cannot print 4″ wide labels

LabelWriter 4XL / 5XL:

• Max label width: 4″
• Ideal for 2 or 3-column labels
• Compatible with larger barcodes, QR codes, and longer item descriptions

Common Multi-Column Use Cases

Here are a few real-world examples of how businesses use multi-column label layouts:

Retail Store:

• Column 1: Price (bold, large)
• Column 2: SKU (alphanumeric)

Warehouse:

• Column 1: Product name or code
• Column 2: Barcode or QR code

Online Order Fulfillment:

• Column 1: Item Name
• Column 2: Location Code (Aisle/Shelf)
• Column 3: Quantity or Picker Notes

Choosing the Right Label for Your Workflow

Ask yourself these questions before finalizing your label spec:

• How many columns of data will appear on the label?
• Will it include a barcode, QR code, or just text?
• How much space do you need for visibility and scanability?
• What printer model are you using (2.25″ or 4″ max width)?

By balancing your content needs with printer capabilities, you’ll avoid wasted labels and unreadable prints.

Betckey: Helping You Print Better Multi-Column Labels

No matter which Dymo printer model or label size you choose, using high-quality direct thermal labels makes all the difference. Betckey offers a wide range of Dymo-compatible labels in formats suitable for multi-column printing.

With strong adhesives, crisp printing surfaces, and consistent roll sizes, Betckey ensures every barcode, price, SKU, and product detail prints clearly and sticks securely. For businesses seeking clarity and efficiency in labeling, Betckey is a trusted partner.

FAQs

Q1: Can Dymo printers print 3-column labels?
Yes, if your content is compact and the label is wide enough. 3-column designs are best suited for 4″ labels using models like the Dymo 4XL or 5XL.

Q2: What if my label looks cluttered?
Try a wider label size or rearrange content vertically. Ensure spacing between elements and use bold text only for priority data.

Q3: Do I need special software for multi-column layout?
Dymo Connect software offers basic layout tools. For more complex designs, third-party programs like BarTender or Excel-to-Label integrations can help.taba squishies​