Badge holder and lanyard sizes: which holder fits a CR80 card, and which lanyard should you choose?
Match the holder to the card, then match the lanyard to the setting. An ID card holder is sized for the CR80 card (3.375 x 2.125 in), and an event holder is sized for a printed insert (usually 3 x 4 in or 4 x 3 in). Lanyards differ mainly in width, the clip at the end, and whether they have a breakaway safety clasp.
Badge holder sizes chart
| Holder type | Fits card or insert | Millimeters | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credit card (CR80) holder | 3.375 x 2.125 in | 85.6 x 54 mm | Employee and student ID, access cards |
| Government size (CR100) holder | 3.88 x 2.63 in | 98.5 x 67 mm | Oversized visitor and security cards |
| Event holder, 3 x 4 in | 3 x 4 in insert | 76 x 102 mm | Conferences, trade shows, meetings |
| Event holder, 4 x 6 in | 4 x 6 in insert | 102 x 152 mm | Large conference badges with agenda or sponsor panel |
Holder materials fall into two groups: flexible vinyl sleeves (lowest cost, fine for paper inserts and event badges) and rigid polycarbonate holders (they do not crease and protect a 30 mil card for years). Shielded RFID-blocking holders exist for proximity and smart cards that should not be read through the holder.
Vertical or horizontal holder?
- Vertical (portrait): the slot is on the short edge, so the card hangs straight on a lanyard or reel. The usual choice for photo ID.
- Horizontal (landscape): the slot is on the long edge. Common for access cards, cards worn on a strap clip at the belt, and wide logos.
Buy the holder in the same orientation your card is printed, or the photo and text will sit sideways.
Lanyard widths and lengths
| Width | Millimeters | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8 in | 10 mm | Light everyday ID, plain cords, budget orders |
| 1/2 in | 13 mm | General office use |
| 5/8 in | 16 mm | Most popular for printed logo lanyards |
| 3/4 in | 19 mm | Larger logo or text imprints, events |
| 1 in | 25 mm | Maximum branding, sponsor lanyards |
The common lanyard length is about 36 inches end to end, which lets the card hang roughly 18 inches below the back of the neck, at mid-chest. Common end fittings are the swivel J-hook, the lobster claw, the bulldog clip, the split ring, and the plastic hook.
What is a breakaway lanyard?
A breakaway lanyard has a safety clasp, usually at the back of the neck, that pops open when the cord is pulled hard, so it cannot become a strangulation hazard if it is grabbed or caught in machinery. Hospitals, schools, care facilities, manufacturing floors, and security staff typically require them.
What we recommend
For photo IDs, pair a 30 mil CR80 card with a rigid vertical holder and a breakaway lanyard or a badge reel. For staff who greet customers, a finished name badge with a magnet reads better than a card on a cord. NameBadge.com sells lanyards, badge reels, bulldog clips, and strap clips alongside custom ID cards and name badges, all from a family-owned US manufacturer operating since 2008. US orders over $200 ship free.
Frequently asked questions
What size badge holder do I need for an ID card?
A CR80 or "credit card size" holder, which fits a 3.375 x 2.125 inch (85.6 x 54 mm) card. Choose vertical or horizontal to match how the card is printed.
What is the standard lanyard length?
About 36 inches total, which gives roughly an 18 inch drop so the badge hangs at mid-chest. Shorter lanyards keep a badge higher and away from equipment.
What lanyard width is best?
3/8 inch is fine for a plain cord that just carries an ID. 5/8 to 3/4 inch is the most common choice when the lanyard is printed with a logo, because the imprint stays readable.
Do breakaway lanyards fall off on their own?
No. A breakaway clasp stays closed in normal wear and only releases under a sharp pull, then snaps back together.
Lanyard or badge reel?
A lanyard keeps the badge visible on the chest. A retractable badge reel clips to a pocket or belt and lets the wearer pull the card out to tap a reader, then it retracts. Reels suit staff who scan in and out all day.
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