ID card sizes go beyond a standard rectangle. Have you ever wondered why some ID cards feel different in your hand or why some sizes are used for certain uses? This article will teach you the different ID card dimensions, their uses, and how to pick the right one for you.

What’s the ID card size?

If you’ve ever held a credit card, you already have a good understanding of what a standard ID card feels like. The most commonly used ID card size is the CR80 format which is 3.375 inches by 2.125 inches (85.6mm x 54mm). It is the same size as a standard credit or debit card, which is why this is the preferred option for most professional and access related purposes.

Why Is CR80 the Standard Size?

Fits perfectly in wallets and cardholders.
Works with most ID printers and card readers.
Not too bulky and easy to carry.

However, not all ID cards are the same. Other sizes exist depending on your industry, needs, and technology requirements.

Size of ID Card in Inches

CR80

The standard size for most employee ID cards, access cards, and bank cards is CR80 as mentioned above. However, you may see other sizes in the use case.

CR79

It is 3.303 x 2.051 inches, which is smaller than the standard CR80, and is referred to as the CR79 size. This size is generally used for cards with an adhesive back, such as proximity or keycard access cards. The cards are printed and then attached to another surface, such as to a key fob or an existing badge.

CR100

For those that need one, the CR100 size is a larger, more noticeable ID. This oversized card is 3.88 in. x 2.63 in. and is commonly used in government and military applications. This creates additional space for such security features as holograms, microtext and embedded chips, but remains easy to read.

Custom

Some organizations and brands opt to have custom sized ID cards to suit their requirements. The custom ID cards can be tailored to the dimensions according to the requirement whether for branding purpose, promotional events or specialized security systems.

Card Thickness according to Size

Thickness matters as much as size when it comes to ID cards. The thickness may also vary depending on the size of the ID card and the durability and intended use. Most ID cards are 30 mil (0.03 inches) thick, the perfect balance of flexibility and durability, and the CR80 format matches perfectly. But there are thinner and thicker options for different needs.

What Effect Does Thickness Have on Your ID Card?

CR80 cards are available in 30 mil, the most durable and commonly used thickness, which is great for everyday use.
Lightweight and flexible, typically used for temporary passes or promotional cards, typically in event sized formats.
Extra sturdy, 40 mil and above, often used in CR100 format where extra security is desired, like government issued IDs.

Types of ID Cards and their Sizing in the Industry and Social Media

Social Media ID Cards Size

For example, if you are designing an ID card for social media use, there are set size rules for Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. As a rule, the Facebook ID cards are around 2.125 inches by 3.375 inches in size, and the profile image sizes are typically 170 x 170 pixels. They are similar in dimensions but Twitter ID cards often require 800 x 418 pixels images with a 1.91:1 ratio. However, LinkedIn ID cards can also be in the CR80 standard but the aspect ratio of the profile image should be between 3:1 and 2:3, with recommended dimensions of 552 x 368 pixels.

ID Cards Size for Printing

The CR80 format is the most common when printing physical ID cards as it is a standard size that can be used with printers, badge holders and scanning systems. Sizes other than CR80 include CR79, which is slightly smaller and is often used for adhesive-backed access cards, and CR100, which is much larger and is best suited for high visibility applications such as government or military IDs.

Business ID Cards Size

There are different formats of Business ID cards other than the CR80 standard. For instance, the size of banking ID cards is usually 85.60mm × 53.98mm, while SIM card IDs can be as small as 25mm x 15mm. You can opt for a horizontal or vertical layout, but your business ID card should be professional, easy to read and durable enough to withstand daily use.

Email and Digital ID Cards Size

However, if you are e-mailing an ID card, you can choose its size more freely. The CR80 standard is used most often, though you can also format your ID to fit A4 size (8.3 inches x 11.7 inches) for better viewing in digital formats.

Government ID Cards Size

The size of government issued ID cards is larger than business ID cards, depending on the amount of information that has to be displayed on the card. The American government ID cards are 125mm x 88mm, a few millimeters smaller than visa ID cards at 105mm x 74mm. The larger formats offer more security features like embedded chips, holograms and biometric data.

ID Cards Size for Design Software (Word, Photoshop, Illustrator)

If you are designing an ID card in Microsoft Word, then you have the liberty to change the size of the ID card as per your need. Built in templates or by inserting tables or images you can create custom layouts. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator offer even more customization options. Set your dimensions to 3.375 inches by 2.125 inches and 300ppi (CMYK color mode) for high quality printing if you want printable IDs. If you’re designing a digital ID, set your resolution to 72ppi (RGB colour mode) to get proper screen display.

How Do You Pick the Appropriate ID Card Size?

It’s not just about preference, though, as the ID card size you select should also be functional, industry standards and practical use. The following factors should be considered to determine the best size.

Why was the ID issued? For daily work access, events security or government documentation purposes? Employee IDs are fine on standard CR80 cards, while CR100 cards are better for highly visible security credentials.
Printer and Holder Compatibility: If you already have ID card holders or lanyards, be sure your size fits in the holder. If you are printing your own cards, also make sure that your printer supports the size you need.
For example, if your ID card has to be read from a distance, a format such as CR100 or an event pass format may be more practical. Stick to CR80 if all it needs to fit in a wallet.
Durability Needs: How often will the ID be used, and what durability needs exists? There are protective holders or laminates to choose an appropriate thickness for.

You will be able to select the best size by analyzing these factors to ensure usability, security, and proper professional presentation.

Does ID card size make any difference?

Yes, it absolutely does! The larger your ID card, the more it will affect usabilty, durability and accessories. There are 3 main sizes of ID card, each working in a different way, and the correct choice means your ID cards will be practical and effective.

The importance of ID card size also lies in the fact that ID card holders are compatible with it. If you are using badge holders or lanyards, your cards have to be placed in the holders or the lanyards properly. Your ID is protected from daily wear and tear as card holders protect your ID from scratches, bends and fading. If the card is too big or too small for its holder it won’t offer the same level of protection and may be difficult to use.

Another important factor is ID card printer compatibility. However, not all printers support all card ID sizes, so be sure to check that the size you want to print your IDs on will fit within your printer’s capabilities. CR80 cards are standard printers, and they usually can handle them with ease, but if you require custom or oversized cards, please always check your printer’s specifications before printing to avoid any production issues.

Finally, the appropriate ID card size can affect the ability to be seen and function. CR79 cards are small enough to suit compact, access control applications but not ideal for where ID visibility is important.

However, larger cards such as CR100 are easier to spot and more details can fit on them, so they are better suited to security personnel, event access or VIP badges. The selection of the wrong size can bring inconvenience or less effectiveness in day to day operations.

Conclusion

ID cards come in different sizes; therefore, the size you choose will depend on your needs. No matter if you’re creating an employee badge, an event pass, or a government issued ID, knowing card dimensions, thickness and functionality will help you make the right decision.