Core Plug Size Chart: Find the Right Plug for Your Core

Having trouble finding the correct core plug(s) for your core(s)? Below is every core plug we stock, from 2-inch single plugs up to 12-inch pad plugs, grouped by type and sorted by size, so you can find the part that fits your core and order it in one step. If you already know the plug types, skip to the chart. If not, the next section is the short version.

How Core Plug Sizing Works

A core plug is sized by the core it fits, not the roll around it. A 3-inch plug seats in a core with a 3-inch inside diameter, a 6-inch plug in a 6-inch core, and so on. So the first number to know is your core’s inside diameter (ID), measured across the inside of the tube rather than the outside. Using calipers to get your core’s true ID is best, as they are often have a tolerance and are not a perfect 3”, 6”, etc. 

After size, the next choice is grade, which is how much crushing force the plug stands up to:

• Standard handles lighter rolls and everyday handling.
• Heavy-duty adds wall strength for heavier rolls or rougher transit.
• Crush-resistant and extreme-duty take the highest stacking and impact loads.

A few plugs add a lip that seats against the core end, a center hole for a shaft or airflow, a double plug that joins two cores/rolls for vertical stacking, a pad plug that suspends a roll in its box, or a sleeve for end-board suspension. For how the types differ and when to use each, see our guide on choosing a core plug type.

Core Plug Size Chart

Every plug below is in stock and links to its product page, with per-box and per-skid counts. For exact outer-diameter, wall, and load specs, request a spec sheet or a sample.

Single & Standard Core Plugs

Plugs that cap and reinforce one core end. The workhorses, from 2 to 12 inches and from standard to extreme-duty, with lip, hole, and vacuum variants for specific lines.

Item	Size & description	Per box	Per skid	Max load (lb)*
MP-201	2″ Standard Plug w/ Lip	850	25,500
MP-301	3″ Standard Plug w/ Lip	525	10,500
MP-302	3″ Plug w/ 2″ Hole & Lip	600	18,000
MP-313	3″ Heavy-Duty Plug w/ 1.6″ Hole & Lip	250	7,500
MP-315	3″ Heavy-Duty Plug w/ 1″ Hole	280	8,400
MP-316	3″ Heavy-Duty Vacuum Plug	250	7,500
MP-317	3″ Extreme-Duty Plug	350	10,500
MP-30150	3″ Crush-Resistant Plug	350	10,500
MP-40150	4″ Crush-Resistant Plug	180	5,400
MP-50150	5″ Heavy-Duty Plug w/ 1″ Hole	108	3,240
MP-60125	6″ Standard Plug w/ Lip	96	3,072
MP-60150	6″ Crush-Resistant Plug	80	2,400
MP-12150	12″ Heavy-Duty Plug w/ 3″ Hole	100	300

*Load ratings and exact outer-diameter, wall, and flange dimensions available on request.

Double Plugs

Double-sided plugs that enable safe vertical stacking of rolls on pallets for storage and shipping. 

Item	Size & description	Per box	Per skid	Max load (lb)*
MP-3DP	3″ Double Plug	350	7,000
MP-6DP-7	6″ Double Plug w/ 7″ Ring	210	630

Pad Plugs

A round hub that enters the core, connected to a flat pad that suspends the roll in its box and . Listed by pad diameter; match the hub size to your core ID.

Item	Size & description	Per box	Per skid	Max load (lb)*
MP-40201	4″ Pad Plug w/ 2″ Hub	400	12,000
MP-55201	5.5″ Pad Plug w/ 2″ Hub	170	5,440
MP-59201	5.95″ Pad Plug w/ 2″ Hub	140	4,480
MP-63301	6.375″ Pad Plug w/ 3″ Hub	150	3,000
MP-65301	6.5″ Pad Plug w/ 3″ Hub	294	882
MP-70301	7″ Pad Plug w/ 3″ Hub	242	726
MP-80301	8″ Pad Plug w/ 3″ Hub	300	600
MP-95W290	9.5″ Pad Plug w/ 2.9″ Hub	192	384
MP-11301	11″ Pad Plug w/ 3″ Hub	192	384
MP-12W290	12″ Pad Plug w/ 2.9″ Hub	212	424

Suspension Sleeves

Longer sleeves that pair with end boards and inserts to suspend a roll off every surface inside a frame, for high-value or delicate rolls.

Item	Size & description	Per box	Per skid	Max load (lb)*
MP-303SLV	3″ × 3″ Sleeve	96	2,880
MP-605SLV	6″ × 5″ Sleeve	126	630

How To Pick Your Plug

1. Measure your core’s inside diameter. That number is your plug size. A 3-inch core takes a 3-inch plug. It is recommended to take calipers to the ID of your core to get the exact measurement, ie. 3.020”, 3040”, 3060”, etc. 
2. Match the grade to the load. Standard for lighter rolls, heavy-duty for heavier ones, crush-resistant or extreme-duty for those of extreme weight..
3. Pick the variant for your setup. A plain or lipped plug for basic end protection, a double plug for vertical pallet stacking, a pad plug or sleeve when the roll surface can’t touch anything.
4. Confirm fit with a sample. We send samples so you can check fit and strength against your core and packaging before a full run.

Don’t See Your Size?

We stock 2 to 12 inches across these grades, and we mold beyond the chart when a job needs it. If your core ID, hole, or application falls outside what’s listed, we can produce a custom plug, pad, or sleeve in the size, color, and grade you need, at our plant in Yakima, Washington, with no order minimum. Send your core ID and roll weight and we’ll match or make the plug.

Find Your Core Plug Size

Match your core ID to the chart, then send us the item code for pricing, or your core ID and roll weight if you want us to confirm the fit.

Browse all core plugs or request a quote. Need a sample first? Just ask.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size core plug do I need?

Measure the inside diameter of your core. The plug size matches that ID, so a 3-inch core takes a 3-inch plug. If you’re between sizes or the core is out of round, send the measurement and we’ll confirm the fit.

How are core plugs measured?

By the core’s inside diameter, in inches. Pad plugs are listed by pad diameter, with the hub sized to the core ID.

What’s the difference between standard, heavy-duty, and crush-resistant?

Wall strength. Standard suits lighter rolls and routine handling, heavy-duty adds strength for heavier rolls, and crush-resistant and extreme-duty take the highest stacking and impact loads.

Do you offer samples?

Yes. We send samples so you can test fit, strength, and how the plug works with your packaging before ordering.

Can you make a size that isn’t on the chart?

Yes. We mold custom plugs, pads, and sleeves outside the stocked range, in the color and grade you need, with no order minimum.