ID card size chart: CR80 vs CR79 vs CR90 vs CR100 dimensions, thickness, and slot punch
The CR80 card, 3.375 x 2.125 inches (85.6 x 54 mm), is the standard size for employee IDs, access cards, and credit cards. It is defined by the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 format, which is why one card fits every standard badge holder, slot punch, lanyard clip, wallet, and card reader. The other "CR" sizes exist for adhesive-backed cards and oversized visitor or security credentials.
ID card size chart (inches and millimeters)
| Size | Inches | Millimeters | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR80 (ISO ID-1) | 3.375 x 2.125 in | 85.6 x 54.0 mm | Employee ID, access card, membership, credit card |
| CR79 | 3.303 x 2.051 in | 83.9 x 52.1 mm | Adhesive-backed cards stuck onto a proximity card or fob |
| CR90 | 3.63 x 2.37 in | 92 x 60 mm | Oversized ID, driver and government-style credentials |
| CR100 | 3.88 x 2.63 in | 98.5 x 67 mm | Large visitor, security, and event credentials read at a distance |
| ISO ID-2 | 4.13 x 2.91 in | 105 x 74 mm | Some national ID documents and visas |
| ISO ID-3 | 4.92 x 3.46 in | 125 x 88 mm | Passport data page |
ID card thickness chart
| Thickness | Inches | Millimeters | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mil | 0.010 in | 0.25 mm | Very thin cards, adhesive-backed labels, short-term passes |
| 20 mil | 0.020 in | 0.51 mm | Event passes, loyalty cards, temporary visitor cards |
| 30 mil | 0.030 in | 0.76 mm | Employee and student IDs, access cards, anything slot-punched or worn daily |
One mil is one thousandth of an inch. A 30 mil CR80 card is the same thickness as a typical credit card and is what card printers, readers, and holders are built around. Proximity "clamshell" cards are much thicker (often around 70 mil) because they contain an antenna; that is why CR79 adhesive cards exist, so a printed face can be stuck onto one.
Slot punch and hole sizes
| Punch | Approximate size | Used with |
|---|---|---|
| Standard slot | 1/2 x 1/8 in (about 13 x 3 mm) | Badge reels, strap clips, lanyard hooks |
| Round hole | About 1/8 to 3/16 in (3 to 5 mm) | Split rings, ball chain, key rings |
Punch on the short edge for a vertical (portrait) card and on the long edge for a horizontal (landscape) card, centered, a little over 1/8 inch in from the edge. Keep roughly the top 3/8 inch (about 10 mm) of the design free of text and photo so the slot never cuts into anything important.
How we make ID cards
NameBadge.com prints custom CR80 ID cards on 30 mil PVC, in full color, in both horizontal and vertical designs, with room for a photo, name, title, logo, and a barcode or QR code. Cards are produced in-house in the USA by a family-owned manufacturer operating since 2008, and US orders over $200 ship free. Start a card on the ID card order page or request a quote for a full photo-ID program.
Frequently asked questions
Is a CR80 card the same size as a credit card?
Yes. A CR80 card is 3.375 x 2.125 inches (85.6 x 54 mm) with 1/8 inch rounded corners, exactly the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 size used for credit and debit cards.
What is the difference between CR79 and CR80?
CR79 is slightly smaller, 3.303 x 2.051 inches (83.9 x 52.1 mm), so it can be stuck onto a CR80-size proximity card or clamshell without overhanging the edges. CR80 is the full-size printed card most IDs use.
What thickness should an employee ID card be?
30 mil (0.030 inch, 0.76 mm). It is rigid enough for daily swiping, tapping, and slot punching. 10 to 20 mil cards are cheaper but bend and are better for short-term passes.
What size badge holder fits a CR80 card?
Any holder sold as "credit card size" or "CR80" fits a 3.375 x 2.125 inch card, in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. Oversized CR100 cards need a larger "government size" holder.
Can ID cards be printed vertically?
Yes. CR80 cards print in either orientation. Vertical (portrait) cards are most common for photo IDs worn on a lanyard; horizontal cards are common for access and membership cards carried in a wallet.
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