What size labels should I use for name tags?

Avery 5395 (2⅓" x 3⅜", 8 per sheet) is the standard peel-and-stick name badge. For conferences with badge holders, use Avery 5392 (3" x 4", 6 per sheet).

How big should the name be on a name tag?

At least 24pt bold for professional events, 30-40pt for casual events. The name should be readable from 6 feet away. Use a sans-serif font for best readability.

Can I batch print name tags from a guest list?

Yes. Create a spreadsheet with First Name, Last Name, Company, and Role columns. Export as CSV, import into printshi, and print all badges at once.

What should I include on a conference name badge?

First name (large), last name (medium), company/organization (smaller), and optionally a role like Speaker or Sponsor. Add the event logo at the top or bottom.

Can I color-code name tags by attendee type?

Yes. Use different background colors or colored borders to distinguish speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and general attendees. This helps with event management and networking.

What printer settings work best for name tag labels?

Print at 100% scale (actual size). Select 'Labels' or 'Thick Paper' as the paper type. Feed label sheets through the manual tray one at a time to prevent jams.

How to Make Name Tag Labels

Last updated: April 12, 2026

Name tags might seem simple, but a well-designed name badge sets the tone for professional events, makes networking easier, and helps teachers manage classrooms. Whether you're running a conference for 500 people or a team lunch for 15, printed name tags look sharper and more professional than hand-written ones. This guide covers sizing, formatting, and batch printing for every occasion.

Choosing the Right Name Tag Size

The label size depends on how it will be worn and how much information you need to display:

Avery 5395 : 2⅓″ × 3⅜″ (8 per sheet) : The classic peel-and-stick name badge. Self-adhesive, sticks to clothing without damaging fabric. Best for short events, meetings, and office visitors.
Avery 5392 : 3″ × 4″ (6 per sheet) : A larger badge for conferences and trade shows. Fits into plastic badge holders with lanyards. Room for name, title, company, and event branding.
Avery 5390 : 2⅙″ × 3½″ (8 per sheet) : Fold-over tent badges that stand on a table. Useful for meetings, assigned seating, and classrooms.
Custom size : 4″ × 3″ : A popular custom size for events with detailed badges that include QR codes, session tracks, or dietary indicators.

What to Include on a Name Tag

The information on a name tag depends on the context. Here's what works for common situations:

Conference / Professional Event

First name (large, 24-36pt) : The most important element. Should be readable from 6 feet away.
Last name (medium, 14-18pt) : Slightly smaller than the first name.
Company / Organization (12-14pt) : Below the name, in a lighter color or smaller font.
Role or title (optional, 10-12pt) : "Speaker," "Sponsor," "Volunteer."
Event logo or name : Small, at the top or bottom of the badge for branding.

Office / Workplace

Full name (18-24pt)
Department (12-14pt)
Employee ID or badge number (optional)

School / Classroom

Student's first name (large, 28-36pt) : Readability is key for young students.
Grade or class (14-16pt)
Allergen alerts (optional) : Color-coded dots for common allergies can help lunch supervisors.

Social Event / Party

First name only (large, 30-40pt) : Keep it informal and fun.
Fun subtitle : "Bride's Side," "Class of '05," "Team Groom."

Design Tips for Readable Name Tags

Make the name BIG. This is the number one mistake on name tags. The name should be the dominant text element : at least 24pt and bold. People need to read it from across a room, not just up close.
Use a sans-serif font. Arial, Helvetica, Inter, or Open Sans. Sans-serif fonts are easier to read at distance and at small sizes. Save serif and script fonts for event titles, not names.
Left-align or center-align. Both work, but be consistent. Left-aligned text is slightly easier to scan when there are multiple lines.
Limit to 2-3 lines of text. Name, company, role : that's it. Don't add email addresses, phone numbers, or bios. A QR code linking to a vCard is a better solution for sharing contact details.
Use color strategically. Color-code badges by attendee type: blue for speakers, green for sponsors, white for general attendees. This helps event staff and encourages networking between groups.

Batch Printing Name Tags from a Guest List

For events with more than a handful of attendees, manual data entry is a waste of time. Here's the batch workflow:

Create a spreadsheet with columns: First Name, Last Name, Company, Role.
Export as CSV (see our Print Labels from Excel guide for details).
Import the CSV into the label maker and select your badge template size.
Preview all badges : check for names that are too long and overflow the label boundaries.
Print on Avery 5395 (peel-and-stick) or Avery 5392 (insert cards for holders).

For very long names, the label maker will automatically reduce the font size. But double-check : it's better to use a slightly smaller font across all badges than to have most badges at 30pt and a few at 14pt.

Create Your Name Tags

Our free label maker supports Avery name badge sizes and custom dimensions. Import your guest list from a CSV file, add your event branding, and print a complete set of name tags in minutes. No software, no account, no cost.

Start Making Labels >

Frequently Asked Questions

What size labels should I use for name tags?: Avery 5395 (2⅓" x 3⅜", 8 per sheet) is the standard peel-and-stick name badge. For conferences with badge holders, use Avery 5392 (3" x 4", 6 per sheet).
How big should the name be on a name tag?: At least 24pt bold for professional events, 30-40pt for casual events. The name should be readable from 6 feet away. Use a sans-serif font for best readability.
Can I batch print name tags from a guest list?: Yes. Create a spreadsheet with First Name, Last Name, Company, and Role columns. Export as CSV, import into printshi, and print all badges at once.
What should I include on a conference name badge?: First name (large), last name (medium), company/organization (smaller), and optionally a role like Speaker or Sponsor. Add the event logo at the top or bottom.
Can I color-code name tags by attendee type?: Yes. Use different background colors or colored borders to distinguish speakers, sponsors, volunteers, and general attendees. This helps with event management and networking.
What printer settings work best for name tag labels?: Print at 100% scale (actual size). Select 'Labels' or 'Thick Paper' as the paper type. Feed label sheets through the manual tray one at a time to prevent jams.