If you’re ordering lanyards for a workplace or event, it’s important to get the length right. Lanyards that are too short can look awkward and unprofessional, while lanyards that are too long can be annoying and get in the way. 

So, how long are lanyards, and what’s the standard lanyard length? In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the length of lanyards, ensuring your lanyards look professional, are convenient, and don’t annoy anyone who’s wearing them. 

At CustomLanyard.net, we have the best selection of personalized lanyards, with free delivery, fast shipping, and no minimum order quantities. Choose from our easy lanyard templates, or create your own design - we’ll print it and have your new professional lanyards delivered right to your door.

While you’re thinking about what to put on a lanyard, here’s a lanyard length chart to help you figure out how long your lanyards need to be. 

Standard Lanyard Length Chart

Lanyard Size Length (Inches) Length (Centimeters) Best Use Case
Small 30 inches 76 cm Youth lanyards, small-framed individuals, or tight-fitting needs
Standard 36 inches 91 cm General daily use for IDs, keys, and badges
Large 42 inches 106 cm Cross-body wear or for users requiring extra reach
Extra Large 48 inches 122 cm For oversized items or those needing maximum flexibility

Why Lanyard Length Matters

Choosing the right length is more important than it may seem at first glance. When you think about how to use a lanyard, it needs to be long enough that you can badge through doorway access, but not too long that it’s getting in your way. 

Comfort and Wearability

A lanyard that is too short can feel restrictive, while one that is too long may hang awkwardly or get in the way. The ideal length ensures that the lanyard rests comfortably around your neck or shoulders without pulling or causing irritation. 

For daily wear, such as in workplaces or schools, comfort is a top priority. Adjustable lanyards can also provide a flexible solution, especially if you’re ordering lanyards for many people with different heights and preferences.

Functionality and Purpose

What is a lanyard used for? The purpose of the lanyard often dictates its ideal length. For example, lanyards designed for ID badges, key cards, or event passes typically need to hang at a convenient height for easy access. 

On the other hand, lanyards for tools, whistles, or safety gear may require a shorter or adjustable length to prevent interference during tasks. There are many different types of lanyards, and understanding what you’re using them for is important when it comes to choosing a length.

Safety Considerations

Safety is another critical factor when determining the length of your lanyards, especially in environments like schools, construction sites, or healthcare settings. Lanyards that are too long can pose a tripping hazard or get caught in machinery, increasing the risk of injury. 

For high-risk settings, breakaway lanyards designed to detach under tension are often preferred, as they provide an added layer of safety. The appropriate length combined with safety features ensures the lanyard safely serves its purpose.

How Long Are Lanyards Typically? Standard Lanyard Length Chart

How long are lanyards, though? Lanyards come in a variety of lengths to suit different needs, but certain standard lengths are widely used across industries. Let’s take a look at the average lanyard length, and when you might want something different. 

Common Standard Lanyard Lengths

So, how long are lanyards? The average lanyard length for adults is 36 inches when measured end-to-end. This allows the lanyard to hang comfortably around your neck, positioning ID badges or keys at mid-chest level. How long are lanyards for children? For kids, a shorter length of around 30 inches is standard.

Adjustable Length Lanyards

Adjustable lanyards offer versatility by allowing you to customize the length to your preference. These lanyards often feature a sliding buckle or clasp mechanism that makes it easy to shorten or lengthen the cord.

For organizations that serve diverse groups of individuals, like schools or large events, adjustable lanyards are a practical choice that lets everyone wear their lanyard comfortably, according to their height and personal preference.

Specialty Short Lanyards

Short lanyards, sometimes referred to as wrist lanyards or keychain lanyards, typically range between 6 to 12 inches in length. These are designed for specific uses where a full-length lanyard is unnecessary or impractical.

These are often used for keychains, to keep keys accessible without wearing them around the neck, or to attach small devices like a USB drive on a wrist strap. They’re great when you need a convenient, compact, portable option that’s not a full-length lanyard. 

If you’re not sure whether a wristband vs lanyard is right for you, a short lanyard may be just what you need. 

What About Width?

The length of your lanyard is important, but so is its width. Lanyards are typically available in widths ranging from ⅜ inch to 1 inch. Narrow lanyards (⅜ inch) are lightweight and ideal for minimal items like ID badges or small keychains. Their compact size makes them less noticeable and easy to wear for long periods.

Medium-width lanyards (½ to ¾ inch) strike a balance between comfort and strength, while wide lanyards (1 inch) are best suited for heavy attachments, such as tools or large credentials. They also provide more space for logos, slogans, or branding, making them popular for events, conferences, and promotions.

Other Tips to Choose the Perfect Lanyards

We’ve talked about getting the length right, but there’s a lot more to think about when it comes to choosing the perfect lanyards. Here are some of the other things you’ll need to consider in terms of how to make custom lanyards. 

Consider the Attachment Type

The attachment at the end of a lanyard determines how to put an ID card on a lanyard. You’ll usually have a few different options to choose from, including: 

  • Metal swivel hooks: Versatile and durable, perfect for ID badges, keys, and event passes.
  • Split key rings: Ideal for holding keys or lightweight tools.
  • Badge clips: Great for displaying ID cards in work or school settings.
  • Plastic hooks or loops: Lightweight and safe, making them ideal for children’s lanyards.
  • Badge reels: Perfect for items that need frequent scanning or swiping, such as access cards.

Choosing the right attachment ensures your lanyard is functional, secure, and compatible with the items you plan to attach.

Design Elements

Whether you’re figuring out how to make ID cards for students or how to make teacher lanyards, the design of your lanyard adds personality, branding, and style. Start by choosing a color that matches your brand, organization, or event theme. Bright colors stand out, while neutral tones look professional.

In terms of customization, you might like to add logos, text, or slogans for branding, promotions, or keeping track of a team. You can also choose the material - lanyards are often made from materials like polyester, nylon, cotton, or eco-friendly options such as bamboo or recycled PET. 

Safety Features

Safety is an important factor, particularly for children, workplaces, and high-risk environments like factories or manufacturing settings. Incorporating safety features ensures lanyards are secure without posing hazards. Key safety features include:

  • Breakaway clasps: Designed to release under pressure, breakaway lanyards reduce the risk of choking or injury if the lanyard gets caught.
  • Quick-release buckles: These allow users to detach the lower part of the lanyard easily, making them ideal for carrying tools or devices.
  • Short or retractable lanyards: These options minimize dangling, reducing the chance of the lanyard getting caught in machinery or snagging.

For schools, healthcare facilities, or industrial sites, safety features are a must to protect wearers from accidents.

ID Badges and More

If you’re using a lanyard to display custom ID cards, key cards, or event credentials, think about how the card will be displayed on the lanyard. Clear plastic holders are an easy option - they protect IDs from wear and tear while keeping them visible.

If you need to frequently access or scan your ID card, retractable reels allow the badge to be extended without removing the lanyard. And, if your card has information on both sides, make sure the badge holder accommodates this. 

Length is Just One of the Many Things You Have Control Over With CustomLanyard.net!

So, where can I make custom lanyards that let me control everything from the length to the color of my lanyard? At CustomLanyard.net, you can create custom ID card lanyards with just a few easy clicks, controlling the entire process from start to finish. 

What Makes Our Lanyards the #1 Choice?

Not only do we have the best prices on top-rated lanyards, but we also have 24/7 support, fast shipping, and no minimum order quantities. Our lanyards are easy to order and delivered fast, with high-quality designs and professional prints that look the part and stand the test of time.

Whatever your event, workplace, or scenario, we’ve got the perfect lanyards for you. Shop our: 

And, if you don’t need a full-length lanyard, check out our selection of custom wristbands for convenient, portable access. 

How to Customize Your Lanyards in a Few Clicks

First, start by choosing the type of lanyard you want, whether it’s a full-color sublimation lanyard or a polyester lanyard. Then, you can customize the length and width of your lanyard, and choose between standard and premium quality. 

Choose your lanyard’s color (both solid and patterned options are available) or upload a custom design, then customize your text. Type in your message, choose your font, and add icons to accompany your text if desired. 

Finally, choose the attachment style depending on what type of card or badge you’re using, and select the stitch style. If you need a badge or ID card holder, you can add that to your order as well. Confirm your delivery date, and you’re good to go! 

Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Average Lanyard Length

So, how long are lanyards? The standard length is 36 inches, but both longer and shorter options are available, as well as adjustable lanyards that let the user adjust their own lanyard to a comfortable length. 

At CustomLanyard.net, you can choose from a variety of lanyard lengths - just one of the many things you can customize when you order your lanyards through us. With fast delivery and free shipping, there’s nowhere better to source your lanyards!

Make your workplace or next event as professional as possible with stylish, comfortable, quality lanyards - start designing at CustomLanyard.net!