Table of Contents:
Overview of CR80 Cards.
What Is a CR80 Card?
Standard Specifications of CR80 Cards.
Comparison: CR79, CR80, CR90, and CR100 Cards.
How Thick Is a CR80 Card?
CR80 Gift Card Dimensions.
Compatible Card Types for CR80 Format.
Advantages of Using CR80 Cards.
CR80 Card Template Design Guide.
Conclusion.
Overview of CR80 Cards.
In today’s world, where RFID smart cards and identification cards are widely used, almost everyone interacts with such a card daily. It might be your credit card, ID card, or membership card — or perhaps the access badge, student card, or medical card you carry at work or school.
These cards live quietly in your wallet or hang from your lanyard, silently tracking your attendance, purchases, and even access points.
You may have never paid attention to its proper name, knowing it simply as “a card.” In fact, it has a professional and widely accepted designation — the CR80 card.
So, what exactly is CR80 card? How is it related to RFID cards, IC cards, and magnetic stripe cards? And why has it become the globally accepted standard for card size with the highest device compatibility?
In the following sections, we’ll uncover the mystery behind this small card and explore what makes it so essential.
What Is a CR80 Card?
First, it's important to understand that CR80 cards and RFID cards refer to different concepts.
An RFID card uses radio-frequency identification technology. It consists of a chip and an antenna, allowing data to be read wirelessly and without physical contact.
On the other hand, CR80 refers specifically to the physical size standard of a card. A CR80 card measures 85.6mm × 53.98mm, which is the same size as a standard credit card.
Common materials include PVC, PET, composite materials (PET + PVC), and eco-friendly materials (such as PLA and bio-based plastics).
In summary, CR80 defines the card’s dimensions, while RFID refers to its functionality. These two concepts are different but can be combined.
For example: CR80 PVC card, CR80 RFID card, CR80 MIFARE card, CR80 IC card, CR80 ID card.
Standard Specifications of CR80 Cards.
The standard size of a CR80 card (compliant with ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1) is 85.60 mm × 54 mm.
Comparison: CR79, CR80, CR90, and CR100 Cards.
1. CR79 Card Dimensions:
In inches: 2.051 in × 3.303 in
In mm: 52.1mm × 83.9mm
In cm: 5.21cm × 8.39cm
In pixels: 300 DPI：991px × 617px(Resolution or design for printing)
The CR79 adhesive cards typically feature a self-adhesive backing. These cards are often applied to clamshell-style proximity cards after printing. They’re also ideal for labels and signage. Since CR79 cards are slightly smaller (and usually 10 mil thick) than standard CR80 cards, be sure your CR80 card printer supports CR79-size printing before use.
2. CR80 Card Dimensions:
In inches: 3.370 in × 2.126 in
In mm: 85.6mm × 54mm
In cm: 8.56 cm × 5.4 cm
In pixels: 300 DPI：1011px × 638px(Resolution or design for printing)
The CR80 size is widely regarded as the standard card format, with dimensions equivalent to a typical credit card. Nearly all ID card printers are compatible with this size, making it the preferred choice for various printing devices. CR80 cards are available in a variety of materials and functional options, including durable composite cards made of 60% PVC and 40% PET plastic, magnetic stripe cards, eco-friendly biodegradable cards, and rewritable cards that support thermal printing.
3. CR90 Card Dimensions:
In inches: 3.622 in × 2.362 in
In mm: 92mm × 60mm
In cm: 9.2cm × 6cm
In pixels: 300 DPI：1083px × 709px(Resolution or design for printing)
Compared to the standard CR80 card (85.6 mm × 54 mm), the CR90 card shares the same width but is approximately 13 mm longer, offering a larger visible area ideal for displaying more information such as QR codes, barcodes, names, job titles, and company details. Like other ID cards, it can be made from PVC, PET, or composite materials and supports the integration of RFID chips. The increased size also makes it easier to recognize from a distance, making it especially suitable for large-scale events, exhibitions, hospital registration cards, and visitor badges.
4. CR100 Card Dimensions:
In inches: 3.877 in × 2.638 in
In mm: 98.5mm × 67mm
In cm: 9.85cm × 6.7cm
In pixels: 300 DPI：1163px × 791px(Resolution or design for printing)
The CR100 card is approximately 42% larger than the standard CR80 card, making it easily visible from a distance. Due to its larger size, this type of card is often referred to as military-sized or oversized and is ideal for occasions where card information needs to be prominently displayed, such as exhibitions, conferences, and large events. It is important to note that the unique size of the CR100 card may affect printing compatibility, so please ensure your ID card printer supports this card size before use.
How Thick Is a CR80 Card?
30 mil (0.76 mm)
The most common plastic card size is the CR-80 card, also known as the ID-1 format. These terms refer to plastic cards that are the same size as a standard credit card, approximately 85.60 mm × 54 mm (or 3.370 inches × 2.126 inches).
The typical CR80 card thickness is 0.030 inches, or 30 mil, but the size and thickness can also be customized according to specific requirements or RFID manufacturer specifications.
CR80 Gift Card Dimensions.
Millimeters: 85.60 mm × 54.00 mm
Inches: 3.370 in × 2.125 in
Standard Thickness: 30 mil (0.030 inches) ≈ 0.76 mm (the typical thickness of a standard credit card).
Custom thickness and dimensions are available upon request.
Features of CR80 Gift Cards:
Complies with ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 standard (the global standard for credit card size)
Ideal for physical gift cards used in shopping malls, supermarkets, retail chains, and e-commerce platforms
Supports additional features such as magnetic stripes, QR codes, serial numbers, PIN codes, and RFID chips
Compatible Card Types for CR80 Format.
The CR80 card size (85.60 × 54 mm), the same as a standard credit card, is the most widely used and supported format. Most ID card printers and accessories are designed for this size. Its standard dimensions make it ideal for various applications, including:
Membership Cards
CR80 Gift Cards / Loyalty Cards
Discount / Reward Cards
Promotional Coupons
Employee ID Cards
Access Control Cards
Visitor Badges
Time Attendance Cards
CR80 Cleaning Card
Student CR80 ID Cards
Library Cards
Prepaid Cards
Stored Value Cards
Card Shells for Credit/Debit Use
Patient Cards
Health Insurance Cards
Vaccination Record Cards
Parking Cards
Public Transit Cards
Gate Entry Cards
Magnetic Stripe Cards
RFID / NFC Chip (13.56MHz / UHF, etc.)
Barcode / QR Code
PIN Code / Scratch-Off Panel
Custom Finishes (glossy, matte, spot UV, metallic foil, transparent window, etc.)
Advantages of Using CR80 Cards.
Customizable Features
These cards support a wide range of personalization options, including magnetic stripes, RFID/NFC chips, QR codes or barcodes, serial numbers, and various security elements to suit different application scenarios. They are also available in multiple surface finishes such as glossy, matte, frosted, transparent, and metallic, enhancing both appearance and tactile feel.
Cost-Effective & Scalable
Highly suitable for large-scale deployment, these cards offer low production costs and high efficiency. With support for variable data printing, users can easily add photos, names, codes, and more, enabling mass customization tailored to diverse industry needs.
Durable & Long-Lasting
CR80 card is made from high-quality PVC or composite materials, these cards are built for durability. They are water-resistant, wear-resistant, and well-suited for environments that require frequent handling, making them ideal for access control, transportation, and other high-usage scenarios.
Wide Printer Compatibility
These cards are compatible with almost all ID card printers on the market, eliminating the need for specialized equipment. Their broad compatibility makes them ideal for mass production and low-cost personalized printing.
CR80 Card Template Design Guide.
CR80 Card Design Template Specifications:
1. CR80 Card Specs (Finished Size)
85.60 mm × 54 mm, or 3.370 in × 2.126 in
2. Bleed Size (with Bleed)
88.60 mm × 57 mm (1.5 mm bleed on each side)
Background graphics should extend to this size to prevent cropping errors.
3. Safe Margin (Text/Important Content)
It is recommended to keep at least a 3 mm margin inside from the edges to ensure that no important content is cut off.
Conclusion.
This concludes the introduction to CR80 cards. If you are looking for the best supplier for CR80 PVC cards, feel free to contact CBT. As a professional RFID card manufacturer, we are dedicated to providing high-quality, customized solutions to meet all your RFID card needs.
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