A lanyard is the strap that holds an ID card around the neck. It looks like a small detail, but the width decides how much of your school or company name people can read, and the hook decides how easily the card comes on and off.
Quick answer: 16 mm is the most common lanyard width for school ID cards in India. It is comfortable for children and has room for the school name. Choose 20 mm for staff, offices and events, where you want a bigger logo. 12 mm is very thin and 25 mm is very bold. For the hook, a dog hook is the strongest and most common; a fish hook swivels and lets you take the card off quickly.
Lanyard widths compared
| Width | How it looks | Room for print | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 mm | Thin and light | Small text only | Light event passes, small badges |
| 16 mm | Neat and standard | School name on one line | Students, school ID cards |
| 20 mm | Wider, more visible | Name and logo clearly | Staff, offices, colleges, events |
| 25 mm | Wide and bold | Big logo and name | Conferences, sponsors, branding |
12 mm lanyards
Very light and cheap, but the print area is tiny. Long school names become hard to read. Use them only for one-day events or very light cards.
16 mm lanyards
The everyday choice for schools. They are comfortable for children of every age and strong enough for a holder card or an acrylic card. Every ID card from mustprint comes with a 16 mm printed lanyard already attached.
20 mm lanyards
A little wider, so your name and logo stand out from across a room. Teachers, office staff and college students often prefer them. See our 20 mm printed lanyard.
25 mm lanyards
Bold and eye-catching, but they can feel heavy on small children. They are best for events where branding matters most.
Tip: No ruler nearby? 16 mm is about the width of an adult's little finger, and 20 mm is about the width of a thumb.
How long should a lanyard be?
Most lanyards are about 90 cm long in total, so the card hangs at chest height, about 45 cm below the neck. That suits older students and adults.
For young children, ask for a slightly shorter lanyard so the card does not swing below the waist, and consider a safety breakaway clip at the back of the neck. It opens if the lanyard is pulled hard, for example if it gets caught on a slide or a door.
Dog hook vs fish hook
The hook is the metal part that holds the card.
| Dog hook | Fish hook | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | A spring gate that clicks shut | An open, J-shaped hook that often swivels |
| Strength | Very secure; the card does not slip off | Secure for normal use |
| Taking the card off | Press the gate, then remove | Quick: slide the card off |
| Turns freely | Some do | Yes, the card can turn without twisting the strap |
| Best for | Young students, daily school use | Staff who scan or show their card often |
| Price (mustprint) | Standard | + ₹3 per lanyard |
Our advice: use a dog hook for students, because the card stays on all day. Use a fish hook for staff who often take their card off to scan or show it.
How is a lanyard printed?
Our lanyards are printed in full colour on both sides by sublimation. The ink goes into the fabric, so it does not crack or peel when the lanyard bends.
- Write the school name in capital letters for a 16 mm lanyard; it reads better on a narrow strap
- Repeat the name and logo along the full length
- Use strong contrast: white text on navy, maroon or green, or dark text on yellow
- Avoid very thin fonts and small taglines; they disappear on fabric
You can design one in our lanyard design studio, or send your own artwork on the Upload Your Design page.
Lanyard prices
| Quantity | 16 mm lanyard | 20 mm lanyard |
|---|---|---|
| 10+ | ₹35 | ₹40 |
| 100+ | ₹26 | ₹29 |
| 500+ | ₹20 | ₹23 |
| 1000+ | ₹18 | ₹21 |
| 5000+ | ₹12 | ₹15 |
Prices are per lanyard, before 18% GST, at the time of writing. A fish hook adds ₹3. Remember: our ID cards already include a 16 mm lanyard, so you only need separate lanyards for extra or replacement straps. See all lanyards, or compare full ID card costs in our school ID card price guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard lanyard size for ID cards?
The most common width in India is 16 mm for school ID cards and 20 mm for staff and office cards. The usual length is about 90 cm in total.
Which is better, a dog hook or a fish hook?
A dog hook is more secure, so it is better for students. A fish hook is quicker to take on and off, so many staff prefer it.
Can lanyards be printed on both sides?
Yes. Our lanyards are printed in full colour on both sides, so the name always shows even when the strap turns.
Is a 16 mm lanyard strong enough for an acrylic ID card?
Yes. Our acrylic ID cards come with a 16 mm lanyard attached as standard.
What is the minimum order for printed lanyards?
Our printed lanyards start from 10 pieces, and the price per piece drops as the quantity grows.
