The standard lanyard size is 20mm wide and 900mm long — about 3/4 inch wide and 36 inches around the full loop. When worn, a 900mm lanyard hangs roughly 17–18 inches (about 45cm) down from the back of the neck, which puts a standard ID card at chest height.
For most custom logo orders, 20mm is the right width. It fits company logos and event names clearly, works with standard ID cards and badge holders, and keeps bulk pricing cost-effective. Koozify's standard custom polyester lanyard is 900 × 20mm, and custom sizes are available for special projects.
Quick Answer: Standard Lanyard Dimensions
| Spec | Standard size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 20mm (about 3/4 in) | Most common width for logo printing |
| Length | 900mm (about 36 in, full loop) | Hangs about 17–18 in when worn |
| ID card it carries | 85.6 × 54mm (3.375 × 2.125 in) | Standard CR80 ID / credit-card size |
| Common width range | 10mm to 25mm | 25mm is the widest common option |
| Material | Polyester | Best for full-color logo printing |
Need lanyards in the standard size? Get custom lanyards with your logo.
✓ Bulk orders from 100 pcs ✓ Free digital proof before production ✓ No setup fees
Shop Custom LanyardsLanyard Width Size Chart
Width decides how much space your logo gets, how the strap feels, and part of the unit price. The most common widths in the promotional products market are 10mm, 12mm, 15mm, 20mm, and 25mm.
| Width | In inches | Best for | Logo visibility | Cost impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10mm | about 3/8 in | Simple text, very light giveaways | Low | Usually lower |
| 12mm | about 1/2 in | Short text, minimal logos | Low to medium | Usually lower |
| 15mm | about 5/8 in | Simple logos, budget event orders | Medium | Cost-effective |
| 20mm | about 3/4 in | Staff IDs, schools, trade shows, corporate events | Strong | Balanced — best standard choice |
| 25mm | about 1 in | Large logos, sponsor names, premium events | Very strong | Usually higher |
If you are not sure, start with 20mm. Use 15mm only for simple text or very tight budgets. Use 25mm when the logo is large or visibility matters more than a slim look.
Lanyard Length Size Chart
Length is measured around the full loop, from one end of the strap to the other before the attachment. Most custom lanyards are made close to 900mm.
| Total length | In inches | How it hangs | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| About 800mm | about 31.5 in | Shorter drop, card sits higher | Smaller wearers, short badges |
| 900mm (standard) | about 35.5–36 in | Card sits at chest height | Most adults, staff IDs, events |
| About 1,000mm | about 39.5 in | Longer drop | Wearing over jackets or bulky clothing |
If you need a length other than 900mm, confirm it before production. A small change in length rarely changes the price, but it should be shown on the proof.
What Size ID Card or Badge Fits a Standard Lanyard?
Most ID cards, employee badges, and access cards use the CR80 size: 85.6 × 54mm (3.375 × 2.125 in), the same size as a credit card. A standard 20mm lanyard with a metal hook or clip holds this card easily, either directly or inside a clear badge holder.
Larger event badges usually go in a bigger plastic holder. In that case, 20mm or 25mm gives a more stable hang than a narrow 10mm or 12mm strap.
What Is the Print Size on a Lanyard?
The printable area is the strap width minus a small margin on each edge, repeated along the length. On a 20mm lanyard, your logo or text runs along the strap with enough height for normal company names and icons. On 10mm or 12mm straps, small letters and gradients can become hard to read.
You do not need to prepare exact print dimensions. Send your logo after ordering, and our team sizes and places it on a free digital proof before production.
Does Lanyard Width Affect Bulk Pricing Per Unit?
Yes, but usually less than quantity does. Wider lanyards use more material, so 25mm usually costs a little more per piece than 20mm. The difference becomes more noticeable at hundreds or thousands of pieces.
The final unit price also depends on:
- Order quantity
- Material (polyester or nylon)
- Printing method and number of colors
- Attachments, breakaway buckles, or badge holders
- Packaging and shipping destination
- Production timeline
For reference, here is Koozify's current bulk pricing for standard 900 × 20mm custom polyester lanyards:
| Quantity | Unit price | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 100 pcs | $1.69 | $169.00 |
| 250 pcs | $1.29 | $322.50 |
| 500 pcs | $1.19 | $595.00 |
| 1,000 pcs | $0.89 | $890.00 |
| 2,000 pcs | $0.69 | $1,380.00 |
Prices include custom printing, a free digital proof, no setup fees, and free shipping within the contiguous U.S. Orders over $1,000 can save an extra 5% with code KOOZIFY5. Prices checked November 8, 2026.
Does Lanyard Length Affect Shipping Costs for Bulk Orders?
It can, but usually not by much. Total quantity, attachments, badge holders, packaging, and destination affect shipment weight far more than a small difference in strap length. For example, 1,000 lanyards with metal hooks and badge holders ship heavier than 1,000 plain lanyards of the same length.
Polyester vs. Nylon Lanyards
Polyester is the usual choice for bulk custom lanyards. Its smooth surface prints full-color logos, gradients, and small details clearly, and it costs less than nylon.
Nylon is strong and slightly shinier, but it usually costs more and suits simple one-color designs.
Choose polyester if you need full-color logos, event branding, staff IDs, or the best bulk price. Choose nylon if durability and a shiny finish matter more than detailed printing.
Best Lanyard Size by Use Case
| Use case | Recommended size | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Staff and employee IDs | 20mm × 900mm | Comfortable for daily wear, holds CR80 cards well |
| Schools and universities | 20mm × 900mm, safety breakaway | Breakaway clasp releases under pressure |
| Trade shows and conferences | 20mm, or 25mm for sponsor logos | Clear branding at a distance |
| Budget giveaways | 15mm × 900mm | Lower cost for simple text |
| Premium events | 25mm × 900mm | Maximum logo visibility |
For schools, hospitals, and other safety-focused settings, see our custom breakaway lanyards. For event giveaways, see what lanyard size is most popular for trade show giveaways.
How Long Do Custom Lanyards Take?
- Digital proof: usually within 8–24 hours
- Production: 10–13 working days after proof approval
- Air or express shipping: 8–15 working days after production
If you have an event date, talk to our team before ordering so we can confirm a realistic schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard lanyard size?
The standard lanyard size is 20mm wide and 900mm long (about 3/4 in × 36 in around the full loop). It holds a standard 85.6 × 54mm ID card at chest height.
What is the standard lanyard width?
20mm (about 3/4 inch) is the most common width for custom logo lanyards. Common widths range from 10mm to 25mm.
How long is a standard lanyard?
About 900mm (36 inches) around the full loop. When worn, it hangs roughly 17–18 inches from the back of the neck.
What size ID card fits a lanyard?
Most lanyards carry CR80 cards, which measure 85.6 × 54mm (3.375 × 2.125 in), the same size as a credit card.
Does lanyard width affect the bulk price per unit?
Yes. Wider lanyards use more material, so 25mm usually costs slightly more than 20mm. Quantity still has the biggest effect: at Koozify, 20mm polyester lanyards drop from $1.69 each at 100 pcs to $0.69 each at 2,000 pcs.
Does lanyard length affect shipping costs for bulk orders?
Only slightly. Quantity, attachments, badge holders, packaging, and destination matter more than a small change in strap length.
What is the maximum width for a custom printed lanyard?
25mm is the widest common option for bulk orders. Wider custom sizes may be possible for special projects; confirm width, material, and minimum quantity before production.
How do I choose the right lanyard width for my logo?
Choose 20mm for normal logos, text, and full-color artwork. Choose 15mm only for simple designs on a tight budget. Choose 25mm for large or bold logos.
Are nylon lanyards more expensive than polyester?
Usually, yes. Nylon is durable and shinier but costs more and is better for simple one-color printing. Polyester is the practical choice for most bulk orders.
Order Standard-Size Custom Lanyards
Koozify custom polyester lanyards come in the standard 900 × 20mm size, with custom sizes on request. Order from 100 pcs, send your logo after checkout, and approve a free digital proof before production.