ID Card Size & Dimensions Guide
Compare CR80, CR79, CR90 and CR100 card dimensions, thicknesses, orientations and common applications.
The standard ID card size is CR80, which is approximately the same size as a credit card. A CR80 card measures approximately 3.375 inches wide by 2.125 inches high, or 85.60 by 53.98 millimeters. Standard CR80 identification cards are commonly 30mil thick, or approximately 0.030 inch.
Although CR80 is the most widely used ID card format, other sizes are available for adhesive-backed cards, oversized credentials, event badges and specialized identification applications. This guide compares common ID card dimensions and explains how card size, thickness, material, orientation and technology can affect card selection and printer compatibility.
What Is the Standard ID Card Size?
Standard CR80 ID card dimensions: approximately 3.375" × 2.125" or 85.60 × 53.98 mm.
Standard CR80 card thickness: approximately 30mil, which equals 0.030 inch or 0.76 mm.
Common ID Card Dimensions
Use this chart to compare the approximate dimensions and common applications of CR79, CR80, CR90 and CR100 identification cards.
| Card Size | Dimensions in Inches | Dimensions in Millimeters | Common Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| CR80 | Approx. 3.375" × 2.125" | 85.60 × 53.98 mm | Standard photo IDs, access cards, membership cards and student IDs |
| CR79 | Approx. 3.303" × 2.051" | Approx. 83.9 × 52.1 mm | Adhesive-backed cards and identification labels for compatible clamshell credentials |
| CR90 | Approx. 3.63" × 2.37" | Approx. 92 × 60 mm | Oversized credentials requiring additional visibility or printable space |
| CR100 | Approx. 3.88" × 2.63" | Approx. 98.5 × 67 mm | Large-format badges, event credentials and highly visible identification |
Dimensions are approximate. Always review the specifications of the individual card and ID card printer before ordering.
What Does CR80 Mean?
CR80 is the common industry designation for the standard credit-card-size format used for most professional identification cards. It is widely used for:
- Employee photo identification
- Access control credentials
- Student and faculty ID cards
- Membership and loyalty cards
- Visitor credentials
- Healthcare and patient identification
Is an ID Card the Same Size as a Credit Card?
In most cases, yes. A standard CR80 ID card follows the familiar credit-card-size format established for identification and financial cards.
The precise ISO ID-1 dimensions are 85.60 × 53.98 mm, or approximately 3.370" × 2.125". Within the ID card industry, the width is frequently rounded and advertised as 3.375 inches. Both measurements refer to the standard CR80 format.
Understanding ID Card Thickness
Card size describes a card’s length and width, while card thickness describes its depth. Thickness is usually expressed in mil. One mil equals one-thousandth of an inch—not one millimeter.
A 30mil card is approximately 0.030 inch or 0.76 mm thick. This is the most common thickness for CR80 PVC cards and provides the familiar feel associated with a standard credit card. Thinner and thicker cards are available, but they may not be compatible with every ID card printer.
CR79 Card Size
CR79 cards measure approximately 3.303" × 2.051" or 83.9 × 52.1 mm. They are slightly smaller than CR80 cards.
CR79 cards are commonly available with adhesive backing. After printing, the protective liner is removed and the card is applied to a compatible clamshell proximity card or another suitable credential surface.
CR90 Card Size
CR90 cards measure approximately 3.63" × 2.37" or 92 × 60 mm. This format provides more printable surface area than a standard CR80 card.
CR90 cards may be used when an organization needs an oversized credential, more room for printed information or greater visual identification at a distance.
CR100 Card Size
CR100 cards measure approximately 3.88" × 2.63" or 98.5 × 67 mm. They are considerably larger than standard CR80 cards.
This size may be selected for events, conferences, restricted areas and other applications where identification must be highly visible or the card must accommodate additional information.
Card Size vs. Badge Size
The terms ID card and ID badge are often used interchangeably, but a finished badge may be larger than the card itself.
Badge holders, protective pouches, clips, reels, lanyards and slot attachments can increase the overall dimensions of the credential. Measure the actual card—not the holder—when determining card and printer compatibility.
Horizontal vs. Vertical ID Card Orientation
A CR80 card has the same physical dimensions whether it is designed horizontally or vertically. Orientation changes the layout of the printed information—not the card size.
Horizontal or landscape cards are wider than they are tall. This orientation is frequently used for employee IDs, access cards, membership cards and credentials containing longer names or multiple lines of information.
Vertical or portrait cards are taller than they are wide. This orientation may provide more space for a prominent photograph and can help visually distinguish a particular credential group.
How Slot Punching Affects an ID Card
A slot allows an ID card to connect directly to a badge clip, strap clip, badge reel or lanyard. The slot does not change the outside dimensions of the card, but it reduces the available design area and must be considered before the card is printed or encoded.
Keep photographs, names, barcodes, magnetic stripes and other important information away from the planned slot location. Before punching a technology card, determine where the antenna, embedded chip, magnetic stripe or other internal component is located.
Never assume an access card is safe to slot punch. Punching through an internal antenna or electronic component can permanently disable the credential.
PVC ID Cards
PVC is one of the most widely used materials for everyday photo identification. It provides a smooth printable surface for photographs, names, logos, text, barcodes and other personalized information.
Shop 30mil White PVC Cards »Poly-Composite Cards
Poly-composite cards combine PVC with polyester for additional strength and heat resistance. They are commonly selected for retransfer printing, lamination and applications that expose the card to greater heat during production.
Shop Poly-Composite Cards »Do Technology Cards Have Different Dimensions?
Many magnetic stripe cards, contactless smart cards and printable proximity cards use the standard CR80 format. However, the same outside dimensions do not mean the cards are interchangeable. The card’s embedded technology, construction, programming and printing requirements must match the intended system and equipment.
Magnetic Stripe Cards
Magnetic stripe cards may have the same CR80 dimensions as a standard PVC card, but the stripe location limits where text, photographs and other printed elements can be placed. The card’s coercivity and encoding requirements must also match the application.
Proximity Cards
Printable proximity cards are often available in a CR80 format, while thicker clamshell credentials may not fit through a standard desktop card printer. A printable adhesive-backed card can sometimes be applied to a compatible clamshell credential.
Smart Cards
Contact and contactless smart cards may also use standard CR80 dimensions. Printer compatibility depends on card thickness, construction, chip location, surface characteristics and whether the card must be encoded during production.
Adhesive-Backed ID Cards
Adhesive-backed cards have a printable front and a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing protected by a removable liner. They are often used to add photographs and personalized information to credentials that cannot be fed directly through an ID card printer.
CR79 adhesive-backed cards are slightly smaller than CR80 cards, which can help the printed card fit within the recessed area of a compatible clamshell credential. Card dimensions and adhesive constructions vary, so confirm compatibility with both the printer and the credential before ordering.
Shop Adhesive-Backed PVC Cards »ID Card Printer Compatibility
Most desktop ID card printers are designed primarily for CR80 cards, but supported sizes, thicknesses and card constructions vary by printer model. Review all applicable specifications before ordering cards.
- Supported card width and length
- Minimum and maximum card thickness
- Direct-to-card or retransfer printing method
- Manual-feed or automatic-feed requirements
- PVC or poly-composite construction
- Magnetic stripe orientation
- Smart-card or proximity encoding requirements
- Lamination and heat-resistance requirements
How to Choose the Right ID Card Size
For most employee, student, membership and access-control applications, a 30mil CR80 card is the standard starting point. It provides familiar dimensions, broad printer compatibility and enough space for typical photographs and identification information.
Choose a different card size or construction when the application requires an adhesive-backed identification label, an oversized badge, greater heat resistance, specialized encoding technology or increased visibility.
Start with the specifications for your printer and credential system. Size alone does not determine whether a card is compatible.
Frequently Asked Questions About ID Card Dimensions
What is the size of a standard ID card?
A standard CR80 ID card measures approximately 3.375" × 2.125", or 85.60 × 53.98 mm.
What is the standard ID card thickness?
The most common thickness is 30mil, which is approximately 0.030 inch or 0.76 mm.
Is a CR80 card the same size as a credit card?
Yes. CR80 is the familiar credit-card-size format used for most identification cards, payment cards, access credentials and membership cards.
Are horizontal and vertical ID cards different sizes?
No. A horizontal CR80 card and a vertical CR80 card have the same dimensions. Only the orientation of the design changes.
Can every ID card printer print oversized cards?
No. Most desktop ID card printers are designed for CR80 cards. CR90 and CR100 cards require equipment specifically designed to accept those card dimensions.
Can proximity and smart cards be slot punched?
Only when the approved slot location is known. Punching through an internal antenna, chip or other electronic component can permanently damage the card.
Explore ID Card Options
Browse cards by thickness, construction and application to find the appropriate option for your identification program.
