Size Guide – How Long Should A Lanyard Be?

Quick Answer How long should a lanyard be? The standard adult lanyard is around 90 cm total length (about 45 cm drop), which positions an ID card at mid-torso for easy access. This size works for most people, but the ideal length depends on comfort, height, and how the lanyard is used. →Choose standard length […]
Lanyards Online
May 8, 2025
Quick Answer

How long should a lanyard be?

The standard adult lanyard is around 90 cm total length (about 45 cm drop), which positions an ID card at mid-torso for easy access. This size works for most people, but the ideal length depends on comfort, height, and how the lanyard is used.

  • Choose standard length for general workplace or event use.
  • Go shorter for children or active environments.
  • Use adjustable options when flexibility and comfort are important.

Ordering lanyards for an event, conference or festival might leave you wondering a few questions. Which material is right for me? Which printing method should I choose? And how long should the lanyards be? The good news is that we have done a lot of the groundwork for you, so you can focus on what matters.

How long should a lanyard be isn’t something that you need to worry about because we’ve already done the testing and determined the perfect length. When you choose your lanyards, you can adjust things like the width of the lanyard and the type of printing, but we supply all lanyards in a standard length. 

In this guide, we will explore some of the reasons for making lanyards this length, and what you can do if you need a longer or shorter lanyard.

How long should a lanyard be?

The average length for a lanyard is 33-34 inches. If you place a measuring tape around your neck and measure where a 34-inch lanyard would meet, you will see that it likely lands in the middle of your chest. If you were to tie a knot in the measuring tape at this point, you would see that it’s also very easy to remove this loop without hurting yourself.

If the lanyard were any shorter, some people might struggle to put this over their head with ease. And if it were any longer, the lanyard clip would land closer to the wearer’s stomach, which isn’t the ideal place for an ID badge. A longer lanyard is also much more likely to get caught while the wearer moves around.

If you know that you will need a longer or a shorter lanyard than the standard length, please get in touch with Lanyards Online to find out how we can help create your ideal lanyard

At a Glance

Which option fits your situation?

Option A

Standard fixed-length lanyards

  • Typically ~90 cm total length
  • Badge sits mid-torso for easy access
  • Most common choice for offices and events
  • Simple, consistent sizing across teams
  • Best for general-purpose use
Option B

Custom or adjustable lengths

  • Shorter lengths for children or safety
  • Longer lengths for accessibility needs
  • Adjustable sliders for personalised fit
  • Better comfort for different body types
  • Ideal for specialist or varied use cases

How wide should a lanyard be?

We offer three lanyard widths to choose from; 10mm, 20mm and 25mm. When it comes to choosing the width of your lanyard, you need to consider a few things:

Why do lanyards have a twist?

One thing that impacts the length of the lanyard is the twist. The twist in the loop is not a mistake, rather, it allows the wearer to position the lanyard directly around their neck. This makes it more comfortable to wear but also ensures that the lanyard lays flat against their chest. If you have a printed design, this will mean that the design is fully visible. It will also ensure that the ID badge will lay flat against the chest and be less cumbersome.

Ready to Order

Need help choosing the right lanyard size?

Our team can help you select the ideal length, width, and features for your organisation. Whether you need standard sizes or custom-fit lanyards, we offer expert advice, bulk pricing, and fast UK delivery.

Talk to an expert
01565 777 062

Custom lanyards, exceptional every time!

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