What Does CR80 Mean? The Standard Plastic Card Size Explained

CR80 is the international standard size for plastic cards — the same dimensions as a credit card, debit card, or driving licence. If you are ordering printed plastic cards for your business, CR80 is almost certainly the size you need.

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CR80 dimensions — the exact measurements
A CR80 card measures 85.6mm x 54mm (3.375" x 2.125"), with a standard thickness of 0.76mm. That is the globally recognised ID-1 format defined by ISO/IEC 7810.

In plain terms: if it fits in a wallet, it is probably CR80.

Why is it called CR80?
The "CR" stands for Credit Card, and "80" refers to the card's position in the CR series of standard sizes. CR80 is by far the most common — the others (CR90, CR100, CR79) are niche formats used in specific applications like hotel key sleeves or certain ID holders.

When a supplier asks for your card size and you say "credit card size," they mean CR80.

What types of cards are printed in CR80 size?
CR80 is used across virtually every plastic card application:

- Loyalty cards — coffee shops, salons, gyms, retailers
- Membership cards — clubs, gyms, professional associations
- Gift cards — retail, hospitality, leisure
- Staff ID cards — employee identification and access
- Hotel key cards — RFID and magnetic stripe
- Business cards — premium plastic alternatives to paper

If you are not sure what size to order, choose CR80. You will be right 99% of the time.

CR80 and card thickness — what is standard?
Standard CR80 cards are 0.76mm thick — the same as a bank card. This is sometimes called 760 microns or 30mil.

You may also see thinner options (0.5mm) used for discount cards or mailers, and thicker cards (1mm+) for premium applications. But unless you have a specific reason to deviate, 0.76mm is the print industry default.

Does CR80 work with card printers and wallets?
Yes. CR80 is the format all standard desktop card printers — Zebra, Matica, Evolis, HID — are built around. It also fits standard card wallets, lanyards, and ID holders without modification.

If you are buying a card printer or ordering card sleeves, they will be designed for CR80 unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Need CR80 plastic cards printed in the UK?
At CP Cards, we print CR80 plastic cards to order — single or double-sided, full colour, any design. Manufactured in England with fast turnaround and free UK delivery.

View our plastic card printing options or get in touch to discuss your requirements.