a team of employees discussing their new lanyards with standard ID card badge sizes

ID Badge Card Sizes Explained: A Quick Guide to the Standard Dimensions Used

Organisational ID cards might not sit among your business priorities for 2026, but in many workplaces, visible identification is mandatory as policy, with badge scanning remaining a main method for tracking who’s on-site.

Far from a mere rectangle of plastic, these frequently overlooked yet essential tools for access control, managing visitors and creating company-wide cohesion are popular industry-wide.

For them to be effective, however, they need to be both visible and legible whilst practical for daily use. This means knowing the various ID badge card sizes available and having a proper understanding of which dimensions work with your specific requirements.

In this guide, I’ll be drawing on 25 years of experience supporting businesses with beautiful and bespoke employee identification solutions, sharing the custom ID sizes we cater for, along with the standardised dimensions recognised worldwide.

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TL;DR

ID badge card sizes vary with the printer in question and can be made to bespoke requirements. However, there are several standardised dimensions used globally:

  • CR80 (86mm x 54mm), which is the most popular
  • CR79 (84mm x 52mm), typically used for access control
  • CR100 (100mm x 70mm) to display more information, more clearly.

What are the Standard ID Badge Sizes?

You might assume that every ID badge printer or card holder supplier works from a list of their own preferred sizing; however, a standardised system is used internationally.

Unbeknownst to many HR staff, employers and marketing managers, the product code “CR” followed by a dash and a two- or three-digit number that you may see shopping around online actually denotes the name tag dimensions.

Among these one-size-fits-all options is a trio of prevalent specifications, preferred for different reasons: CR80, CR79, and CR100.

Understanding CR Formats (CR80, CR79, CR100 & More)

On the face of it, these strings of numbers don’t mean much, so allow me to explain in more detail…

CR80 – 86mm x 54mm

The most popular of the bunch, CR80 is often referred to as “credit card size” for obvious reasons. Matching the dimensions of a standard bank card, it’s used across a broad spectrum of applications, from driver’s licenses, the Hidden Disabilities sunflower cards, student ID cards, employee badges, access control key cards and volunteer identification.

Compact and lightweight, they make for a natural accompaniment to business lanyards, as you can wear them around your neck 24/7 without any discomfort. Measuring 86mm across lengthwise and 54mm down, there’s enough room for all the fundamentals: a user photo or business logo, bar code and a few lines of text for identifying and contact information.

CR79 – 84mm x 52mm

I like to think of the CR79 format as CR80’s little sister; this ID badge card size has a similar footprint, but the length and height are but 2mm shorter – a simple crop that makes all the difference.

In practice, this gives the ID card greater versatility, particularly in niche applications like healthcare that require stringent hygiene standards, or in industrial settings where a larger badge dangling from a lanyard poses a greater safety risk.

CR100 – 100mm x 70mm

If CR79 is the little sister, then CR100 is the eldest sibling, measuring 100m by 70mm – a much longer profile that allows for a greater amount of information to be communicated visually.

These are ideal for spaces in which your brand needs to be seen: think tradeshows, exhibitions, networking events, open days, conventions or outdoor fundraisers. Since these visual identifiers are slightly larger than the other options I’ve listed, those undertaking such event planning should also consider the strength and suitability of the lanyards attached.

Selected your ID badge size, but are unsure which type of lanyard to pair it with? We provide a complete rundown in our comparison guide.

Custom Sizes

As well as the standardised options listed above, many ID card providers allow businesses to consult with them about the precise proportions they need. This might be due to stringent health and safety concerns or detailed design requirements.

While the latter might seem frivolous, we know all too well the importance of business branding here, at Only Lanyards – with 65% of people learn to recall information better with visual aids, your lanyards and ID badges are a dark horse of promotion and brand identity.

Standard ID Badge Dimensions vs Only Lanyards Holder Sizes

Although you may now have a better idea of which dimensions you’re looking for in an ID card, what about their holders?

At Only Lanyards, we stock two popular options: rigid plastic holders that allow credit card-sized badges to slot in snugly, and flexible PVC pouches in a variety of sizes. Like many other leading ID card holder providers, our sizing is compatible with the common CR formats, matching their proportions, albeit with a little wiggle room for insertion.

Our sizes:

  • C001 –  91 x 65mm – perfect for CR80
  • C002 –  102 x 83mm – compatible with CR80 (for a roomy fit) and CR100
  • C003 –  106 x 78mm – a good fit for CR100
  • C008 –  145 x 105mm – suited to CR100 or, ideally larger
  • A6 – 154 x 133mm – suited to larger ID badge sizes

Which Badge Size Should You Choose? (Industry Examples)

Really, the answer depends on your specific circumstances, like workplace, industry and level of use.

In corporate offices, CR80 is the go-to for staff and contractor access, since it’s compact enough for comfortable daily use and can easily be used to swipe in and out of the premises. For similar reasons, this credit card size is popular in educational settings, supporting safeguarding in schools and access controls in university buildings housing expensive equipment.

For doctors, nurses and care workers, the slightly smaller and lighter CR79 might prove a better option to avoid snagging. And on the flipside, event staff may prefer CR100 or larger, in order to maximise the promotional real estate of the cards, showcasing their brand and demonstrating allyship among related causes.

Budget, Branding & Practical Considerations

While there are undoubtedly plenty of benefits of carrying ID in a holder on your lanyard, there are a handful of practical considerations before you take the plunge and order your merchandise.

  • Size: How large are you willing to go? More generous proportions make your information clearer and more accessible, but reach a certain point, and the drawback is a bulky and inconvenient fit.
  • Budget: Standardised fits are often cheaper for companies to mass produce, and thus, are worth serious consideration for organisations on a tight budget.
  • Timeframe: Likewise, standardised ID cards allow for faster printing and less consultation than bespoke, custom-made alternatives, so if you’re on a short turnaround, it could be a clever strategic choice.
  • Branding and promotional value: Larger sizes provide a bigger area to play with for design choices. If getting eyeballs on your logo and promoting your brand identity is top of your list, you should mull this over.
  • Versatility in difficult working environments: The larger the ID badge and lanyard, the greater the likelihood of it getting caught on something. In higher-risk workplaces, such as a busy hospital or factory, anti-snag attachments like breakaway clips are a must.
  • Durability: To ensure these products last, it’s a good idea to select a thicker ID card and a more robust holder, like our rigid plastic ones.

Conclusion: Which is the Right ID Badge Card Size for You?

Choosing the right ID badge card size need not be complicated. By understanding standard CR formats, their dimensions, and how they’re used across different workplaces and events, you can make a confident choice that balances visibility, comfort, and practicality at just the right ratio for your organisation.

Once you know which card size works best for your environment, the next step is simple. Browse the compatible ID card holder options at Only Lanyards to find a secure, comfortable solution that fits your cards snugly.

If you need a hand, our team is always happy to help you match the right card size with the right holder, so everything works together seamlessly.

FAQs

What is the Most Common ID Badge Card Size?

The most common ID badge card size shares the same dimensions as the majority of standard bank cards. That’s why it’s commonly referred to as ‘credit card size’. In industry terms, the product code is CR80.

Are ID Badge Dimensions Standardised Worldwide?

Yes, there is a standardised system, which is used by ID card providers domestically and overseas. They follow a labelling system, with the letters ‘CR’ followed by a two- or three-digit number to indicate the dimensions.

Which is the Best Option for Staff Badges?

It really depends on your industry and working environment. CR80 is the standard size favoured by most office jobs, whilst CR79 is more popular in medical settings and access control, as they are slightly smaller. CR100m, with its larger dimensions, is seen more often in event contexts where an organisation’s branding needs to be front and centre.

Do ID Card Holders Tend to Match Standard ID Card Sizes?

In a way, yes. Mainstream ID card holders, whether rigid plastic or clear PVC pouches, tend to correlate with the popular CR formats, albeit with a little wiggle room for insertion. For instance, our C001 size soft ID badge holders are suitable for credit card-sized inserts, but overall are slightly larger.