Abstract: The present invention is directed to a compact tape core upon which a pressure-sensitive tape may be wound. The tape core comprises two rectangular-shaped identical halves which may or may not be joined together permanently at one end with a hinge mechanism. Each tape core half has apertures and mounting studs for clamping the two halves together around a winding mandrel so that pressure-sensitive tape may be wound onto the outer surface of the tape core. In certain embodiments of the present tape core, one or both of the outer surfaces of the tape core have an inward or concave shape relative to the horizontal plane and in other embodiments one or both of the outer surfaces exhibit a bulging or convex shape relative to the horizontal plane. Another embodiment of the compact tape core has a keyway with supporting arms disposed in the cavity between the core halves for mounting the core onto a winding mandrel.