Name badges come in a small handful of standard sizes and four common clip styles. Match the size to your insert sheet and the clip style to your event’s dress code and audience, and the rest of the design work follows easily.
Standard sizes
Most printable name badge inserts come in one of three sizes. The 3x4” (76x102mm) badge is the dominant conference and event format — large enough for first name, full name, organisation and event branding, with room to breathe. Avery 5395 sheets use this dimension at 8-up per page.
The 2.25x3.5” (57x89mm) badge is a smaller alternative, common for retail and shorter events where badges sit higher on a lanyard or shirt. Avery 74459 (Print or Write) and 74541 (Adapt) use this size.
A 3.375x2.33” (86x59mm) variant exists for badges designed to look like enlarged business cards, often used in healthcare and professional offices.
| Size (in) | Size (mm) | Common use | Typical Avery code |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 x 4 | 76 x 102 | Conferences, events | 5395 |
| 2.25 x 3.5 | 57 x 89 | Retail, smaller events | 74459, 74541 |
| 3.375 x 2.33 | 86 x 59 | Healthcare, offices | 5390 |
Lanyard inserts sit alongside these — typically the 3x4” size dropped into a clear plastic pouch that hangs from a neck cord rather than clipping to clothing.
Clip styles
Four clip styles cover almost all use cases. Alligator clips bite onto a lapel, pocket edge or collar — quick to attach, but they damage delicate fabrics and slip on bulky knitwear. They suit shirts and jackets and are the default for most conference settings.
Magnetic backings clamp through fabric using a strong rear magnet. They don’t damage clothes and sit flat, but pose a risk to anyone with a pacemaker — events with older audiences should stock alternatives.
Pin badges are the cheapest and least secure. They puncture the fabric and tend to droop under any weight; reserve them for paper-only single-use badges where cost matters more than presentation.
Lanyards remove the attachment problem entirely. A clear plastic holder with a hole takes the badge insert and hangs from a neck cord. For multi-day events with mixed dress codes, lanyards are the most reliable choice.
Plastic holders vs adhesive badges
Reusable plastic holders take printed inserts and last across many events. The clear front protects the print from sweat, spills and handling; the back accepts a clip, magnet or lanyard hole. They cost more upfront but pay back quickly for organisations running regular sessions.
Adhesive badges — printed sheets that peel off and stick directly to clothing — are designed for single use. They suit walk-in registration where speed matters and the badge will be discarded on the way out. They don’t survive a full day on a wool jacket and they leave residue on synthetics. Choose by event length and audience.
Avery and other product overlaps
The standard 3x4” badge maps cleanly to Avery 5395 — clip-style holders, 8-up per sheet. For Print or Write sheets, designed for filling in by hand or running through a printer, Avery 74459 covers the 2.25x3.5” size at 8-up. The 74541 Adapt range fits the same smaller size and adapts to multiple holder types.
Avery 5390 covers the 3.375x2.33” laminated card option, useful for badges that need to last beyond a single event.
For a fuller breakdown of holder compatibility and template sizing, see the Avery name badge inserts guide. For design guidance once you’ve chosen a size, see how to design a professional name badge for events.