What Size NCR Pad Should I Use?

March 10, 2026

If your business uses NCR pads for invoices, receipts, delivery notes, or job sheets, one of the most common questions is:

What size NCR pad should I use?

Choosing the right size is important because it affects how much information you can include, how easy the forms are to use on-site, and how professional your paperwork looks.

In this guide we explain the most common NCR pad sizes, what they are typically used for, and how to choose the best option for your business.

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What Are NCR Pads?

NCR stands for “No Carbon Required.”

NCR pads use special carbonless paper that automatically transfers writing from the top sheet to the sheets underneath when pressure is applied. This allows businesses to create instant duplicate or triplicate copies without using carbon paper.

NCR pads are commonly used for:

Invoices
Receipt books
Delivery notes
Job sheets
Order forms
Service reports etc.

They are especially popular with tradespeople, delivery companies, and service businesses that need to complete paperwork while working on-site.

The Most Common NCR Pad Sizes

NCR pads are available in several sizes, but the three most common are A4, A5, DL and A6. We can also print onto A3 size on request.

Each size suits different types of paperwork and business needs.

A4 NCR Pads (measures: 210x297mm)

A4 is the largest and most detailed NCR pad size.

Typical uses include:

Detailed invoices
Delivery documentation
Service reports
Inspection forms
Complex job sheets

Because A4 forms provide more space, they are ideal for businesses that need to record a lot of information on each form.

Common industries using A4 NCR pads include:

Transport and logistics companies
Equipment maintenance businesses
Engineering services
Delivery companies

A5 NCR Pads (measures 148x210mm)

A5 NCR pads are the most popular size for many businesses.

They offer a good balance between space and portability.

Typical uses include:

Trades invoices
Job sheets
Order forms
Service reports

A5 pads are large enough to include key information such as:

Customer details
Work description
Prices and totals
Signatures

At the same time, they are easy to carry in a van, tool bag, or clipboard.

Many tradespeople choose A5 NCR pads because they are practical for working on-site.

DL NCR Pads (measures 99x210mm)

DL NCR pads are smaller and compact. They measure 1/3 of an A4 sheet of paper.

They are typically used for:

Restaurant/Cafe receipts and orders
Prescription notes

Because DL pads are compact (long and thin), they are easy to carry in a pocket. However, they provide less writing space than A4 or A5 pads.

These pads are commonly used by:

Waiter staff
Service businesses issuing quick receipts

A6 NCR Pads (measures 105x148mm)

A6 NCR pads are small and compact.

They are typically used for:

Simple receipts
Payment confirmations
Quick notes
Small order forms

Because A6 pads are compact, they are easy to carry in a pocket or small notebook. However, they provide less writing space than A4 or A5 pads.

These pads are commonly used by:

Small retailers
Market traders
Delivery drivers
Service businesses issuing quick receipts

Man operating a printing machine in a print shop

How to Choose the Right NCR Pad Size

The best size depends on how much information you need to record and how the forms will be used.

Here are some simple guidelines.

Choose A4 NCR pads if:

Your forms require detailed information
You need large sections for notes or reports
Your paperwork is completed mainly at a desk

Choose A5 NCR pads if:

You need a practical size for everyday business paperwork
You want enough space for invoices and job details
You work on-site and need portable forms

Choose DL NCR pads if:

You only need basic information on each form
You are issuing simple receipts in front of customers
Order taking and messages
You want a compact pad that fits easily in a pocket

Choose A6 NCR pads if:

You only need basic information on each form
You are issuing simple receipts
You want a compact pad that fits easily in a pocket

Duplicate or Triplicate NCR Pads

In addition to size, businesses also choose how many copies each form should produce.

Duplicate NCR Pads

Duplicate pads contain two sheets per set:

Customer copy
Business copy

These are commonly used for invoices and receipts.

Triplicate NCR Pads

Triplicate pads contain three sheets per set:

Customer copy
Office copy
Accounts copy

These are useful for businesses that need extra records or have multiple departments.

Custom Printed NCR Pads

Many businesses choose custom printed NCR pads designed specifically for their workflow.

Custom pads can include:

Company logo
Business contact details
Invoice numbering
Custom layouts for invoices or job sheets
Terms and conditions

Custom NCR pads help create professional paperwork that represents your brand when dealing with customers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right NCR pad size helps ensure your business paperwork is clear, organised, and practical to use.

To summarise:

A4 NCR pads – best for detailed forms and reports
A5 NCR pads – the most popular size for tradespeople
DL NCR pads - compact and used widely for order taking in front of customers in the service sector
A6 NCR pads – compact pads for simple receipts

Selecting the right size ensures you have enough space to record important information while keeping your paperwork easy to use on-site.

For many businesses, A5 NCR pads provide the perfect balance between portability and writing space, making them the most widely used option for invoices and job sheets.