If you’re ordering personalised invoice books for the first time, the first choice you’ll face is duplicate or triplicate. Pick too few copies and you’ll be photocopying invoices for your accountant. Pick too many and you’re paying for paper that ends up in the bin.
This guide explains the difference between duplicate and triplicate invoice books, who each one suits, and how to work out which is better value for your business.
The short answer
Choose a duplicate (2-part) invoice book if you only need one copy for the customer and one for your own records. That covers most sole traders, tradespeople and small shops.
Choose a triplicate (3-part) invoice book if a third person or department needs a copy too — for example a separate office, a bookkeeper, a delivery driver, or a main contractor.
What is a duplicate invoice book?
A duplicate invoice book is made from 2-part NCR (no carbon required) paper. When you write on the top sheet, the pressure transfers your writing onto the sheet beneath — no carbon paper, no smudges. You tear off the top copy for your customer and the second copy stays in the book as your record.
Our duplicate invoice books contain 100 sets per book (100 top copies and 100 bottom copies). Many printers only supply 50 sets in a 2-part book, so check the set count when comparing prices. If you want more background, read our guide: What is a duplicate invoice book?
What is a triplicate invoice book?
A triplicate invoice book uses 3-part NCR paper, so every invoice you write produces three identical copies: top, middle and bottom. Typically the top copy goes to the customer, the middle copy goes to accounts or head office, and the bottom copy stays in the book.
Our triplicate invoice books contain 50 sets per book — 50 originals plus 50 of each copy.
Duplicate vs triplicate invoice books at a glance
| Duplicate (2-part) | Triplicate (3-part) | |
|---|---|---|
| Copies per invoice | 2 | 3 |
| Sets per book (DiscoverPrint) | 100 | 50 |
| Typical copy colours | White / yellow | White / yellow / pink |
| Best for | Sole traders, trades, small retail | Multi-site firms, contractors, deliveries |
| Writing pressure needed | Normal ballpoint | Firm ballpoint (use the writing shield) |
| Book thickness | Slimmer, easier to carry in a van | Thicker for the same number of sheets |
Who should order a duplicate invoice book?
- Plumbers, electricians, builders and decorators who invoice on site and keep their own copy for the end-of-year accounts.
- Mobile businesses — mechanics, cleaners, gardeners, dog groomers — where a slim book fits in a glovebox or tool bag.
- Small shops, salons and cafés issuing occasional handwritten invoices for trade customers.
- Anyone who scans or photographs their copy into accounting software. If your bookkeeper works from digital images, a third paper copy is usually unnecessary.
Who should order a triplicate invoice book?
- Businesses with a separate office. The engineer keeps one copy, the customer gets one, and the office gets one for invoicing or chasing payment.
- Subcontractors who must hand a copy to the main contractor as well as the client.
- Wholesale and delivery firms where the driver, the customer and the warehouse all need proof of the same transaction.
- Businesses with a hands-on bookkeeper or accountant who still prefers paper records.
Which is better value?
Don’t compare book prices — compare the cost per invoice. A duplicate book with 100 sets gives you twice as many invoices as a triplicate book with 50 sets. If you raise 300 invoices a year, that’s 3 duplicate books or 6 triplicate books.
So unless every one of those third copies is genuinely used, duplicate books are the more economical choice. If you only occasionally need an extra copy, a quick photo of your book copy is cheaper than paying for a third sheet on every invoice.
What should be printed on your personalised invoice book?
Whichever you choose, make sure your design covers what UK invoices are required to show. According to GOV.UK, every invoice needs:
- A unique identification number — this is why sequential numbering matters
- Your business name, address and contact details
- The customer’s name and address
- A clear description of what you’re charging for
- The supply date and the invoice date
- The amounts charged, VAT if applicable, and the total owed
Sole traders using a trading name must also show their own name and an address where legal documents can be delivered. Limited companies must show their full registered company name. If you’re VAT registered, your invoices also need your VAT number and VAT details. Our guide to UK regulations for invoice books covers this in more detail.
Worth adding too: your logo, bank details for transfers, payment terms (for example “Payment due within 14 days”), and a “Thank you for your business” line.
Other options to decide on
- Size. A5 suits most trades; A4 gives room for itemised jobs; A6 and DL fit pockets. See our invoice book size guide.
- Perforation. Top or left perforation so copies tear off cleanly — included in our price.
- Numbering. Choose your starting number so new books continue from your last invoice.
- Colour. Our standard books print in black; for full-colour branding choose coloured invoice books.
- Receipts as well? If customers pay on the spot, consider personalised receipt books alongside your invoices.
Frequently asked questions
Is NCR the same as carbonless?
Yes. NCR stands for “no carbon required”. The paper is coated so writing transfers to the sheet below without a separate carbon sheet.
Can I write in a triplicate book with a normal pen?
Yes, but use a ballpoint and press firmly, and slide the writing shield under the last copy of the set so you don’t mark the next invoice.
Can I switch from duplicate to triplicate later?
Yes. Just tell us your last invoice number when you reorder and we’ll continue the numbering in the new format.
Do I need a design to order?
No. Every order includes free design — send us your logo and details and we’ll send a proof for approval before printing.
How long does delivery take?
NCR books are printed and dispatched in 3–4 working days, with free delivery across the UK.
Order your personalised invoice books
Whether you need duplicate or triplicate, you can order personalised invoice books online in A4, A5, A6 or DL, with free design, sequential numbering and free UK delivery. Not sure which to pick? Email sales@discoverprint.co.uk or call +44 330 133 6274 and we’ll help you choose.
