Photocards have gained immense popularity, especially among collectors and fans of various entertainment industries such as K-pop. On the other hand, ID cards are essential documents used for identification, security, and access control. Given their similar appearance, many people wonder: Are photocards the same size as ID cards? This article explores the dimensions, materials, and practical differences between the two.
Standard Sizes of Photocards and ID Cards
Common Photocard Dimensions
Photocards come in various sizes depending on their purpose and origin. Some of the most common dimensions include:
- K-pop Photocards: 55mm × 85mm (approximately 2.17 × 3.35 inches)
- Trading Cards (e.g., Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!): 63mm × 88mm (approximately 2.48 × 3.46 inches)
- Custom/Personalized Photo cards: These vary but often follow the K-pop photocard dimensions
Standard ID Card Dimensions
ID cards typically follow the ISO/IEC 7810 ID-1 standard, which is widely used for official documents such as credit cards, driver’s licenses, and national identification cards. The standard size is:
- 85.6mm × 54mm (approximately 3.37 × 2.13 inches)
This means that while some photocards, such as K-pop photocards, are similar in length to ID cards, they tend to be narrower or have slight variations in dimensions.
Material and Thickness Comparison
Photocard Materials
Photocards are typically made from paper-based materials with a glossy or matte finish. Higher-quality photocards may be laminated for durability, but they generally remain flexible compared to ID cards.
ID Card Materials
ID cards are commonly manufactured from durable plastic materials like PVC or polycarbonate. They often include additional security features such as:
- Holograms
- Magnetic strips
- Embedded chips for digital access
Thickness Differences
- Photocards: Usually range between 0.2mm and 0.5mm in thickness
- ID Cards: Typically 0.76mm (standard credit card thickness)
This makes ID cards significantly more rigid and durable than photocards.
Practical Implications of the Size Differences
Storage and Holders
Many people use card holders and wallets designed for ID cards to store their photocards. However, since photocards may have different dimensions, they may not always fit perfectly in ID card slots.
Printing and Customization
Some enthusiasts print custom photocards using ID card printers. However, since ID card printers are designed for thicker materials, traditional photocards may not be suitable for such printing methods.
Why Some People Confuse the Two
- Visual Similarities: Both items are small, rectangular, and often feature high-quality images.
- Overlap in Collectible Items: Some entertainment companies produce ID-style photocards for marketing purposes, adding to the confusion.
- Marketing and Promotional Use Cases: Custom businesses may print promotional photocards in ID card sizes for branding purposes.
Conclusion
While photocards and ID cards share some similarities, they are not the same size. ID cards have a standardized dimension (85.6mm × 54mm), whereas photocards vary in size, often being larger or slightly different in shape. Additionally, the materials and thickness differ, with ID cards being more durable. Although photocards can sometimes fit in ID cardholders, they are not always interchangeable.
Understanding these differences is essential for collectors, businesses, and designers looking to create or store these cards effectively.
