How to Find the Right Jar Label Size
Measure the jar
Measure the diameter (or wrap a tape around for the circumference) and the height of the smooth area where the label goes.
Choose the label style
A full wrap with a small gap, a wrap with an overlap, or a Partial wrap front label that covers part of the jar.
Download and test
Download the SVG, PNG or PDF template and print the Print Test to check the fit on a real jar.
How to Measure a Jar for a Label
Measure the part of the jar the label will actually cover. Most jars curve in at the shoulder and the base, so the usable area is shorter than the jar.
- Diameter or circumference
- Measure straight across the middle of the label area. A flexible tape wrapped around the jar is often more accurate: enter the result in the Circumference box and the calculator converts it.
- Label height
- Measure the smooth, straight part of the side, from just above the base curve to just below the shoulder. Leave a few millimetres at each end so the label doesn't climb onto the curve.
- Embossing and seams
- Mason jars often have raised lettering, measurement marks or mould seams. Measure the smooth panel between them if you want the label to sit flat.
- Wider at the top?
- If the top and bottom of the label area have different diameters, the jar is tapered and needs a curved label. Tick Top and bottom diameters are different and enter both diameters.
A 1 mm (0.04 in) error in the diameter changes the wrap length by about 3 mm (1/8 in), so measure twice.
Full Wrap, Front Label or Front and Back
The label width depends on how far around the jar it goes. The calculator starts from the circumference (π × diameter):
Full wrap with a gap = circumference − gap
Full wrap with an overlap = circumference + overlap
Front label = circumference × coverage %
| Label style | Width |
|---|---|
| Full wrap, 1/8 in gap | 9.300 in (236.2 mm) |
| Half way around (50%) | 4.712 in (119.7 mm) |
| Front label (40%) | 3.770 in (95.8 mm) |
| Small front label (30%) | 2.827 in (71.8 mm) |
For a front and a back label, size each one with a coverage of 40% or less, so there is room between them on both sides. Paper labels that meet end to end are easier to apply with a small gap than with an overlap.
Example Jar Label Sizes
The presets in the calculator come from published container dimensions. These are the full-wrap widths it calculates for them with a 1/8 in (3.175 mm) gap:
| Jar | Diameter | Label size (width × height) |
|---|---|---|
| Pint mason jar, regular mouth | 3 1/8 in (79.4 mm) | 9.692 × 2 in (246.2 × 50.8 mm) |
| Small straight-sided jar | 2.36 in (59.9 mm) | 7.289 × 1.75 in (185.1 × 44.5 mm) |
| Medium straight-sided jar | 2.88 in (73.2 mm) | 8.923 × 2.38 in (226.6 × 60.5 mm) |
Diameters: Ball regular-mouth pint jar as listed by WebstaurantStore (widest point); straight-sided jars and their label heights from CandleScience. The 2 in label height on the mason jar is an example. Glass varies, so measure your own jars.
Labels for Mason and Canning Jars
- Body labels: mason jars have embossing and markings, so a front label on the smooth panel is often easier than a full wrap. Measure that panel for the height and width.
- Lid labels: regular-mouth lids are about 70 mm (2 3/4 in) across the outside and wide-mouth lids about 86 mm (3 3/8 in). The flat top is smaller, so measure it and use the Round Label Size Calculator for a circle template.
- Home canning: apply labels after the jars are processed and cooled, and use a label material that suits the storage conditions, such as the fridge or freezer.
Printing and Applying Jar Labels
Print the Print Test at 100% / Actual Size on plain paper, cut it out and wrap it around the jar before printing on label stock. Apply labels to a clean, dry jar at room temperature, starting at the centre of the label and smoothing towards the ends.
For flat labels that aren't wrapped around anything, such as rectangles with or without rounded corners, the Label Bleed Calculator makes a template with bleed and a safe area. Tapered jars and tumblers get an exact curved template from the Tapered Tumbler Template Generator.