One of the first choices you'll face when ordering custom medals is its size: how wide and how thick should it be?
If you’re new to this or don’t have another medal handy for reference, it can be tough to know which direction (or, err, directions) to go.
But don’t worry - at Badges And Medals, we’ve been guiding people through this exact decision for over half a century.
We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, so you don’t have to guess.
Today, you’ll learn how size and thickness impact the look, feel, and cost of a medal, making it easy to pick the perfect match.
First up is the 40mm medal.
To give you an idea of how big it is, picture a wristwatch face.
This size is a favourite among large events and kids' competitions.
Why? Because they’re easy to package and post, while being light enough for anyone to wear comfortably.
And, since they're made with less materials, they also tend to be cheaper.
But, like with most things, there’s a trade-off: their smaller size means there's less space for your design.
You might be thinking, "Wait, surely there's not much difference between a 40mm and 50mm medal?"
But, surprisingly, that 10mm difference actually gives designers 36% less area to work with.
And while a 40mm medal is great for kids and large events, for adults, it can sometimes feel a bit underwhelming.
It’s not that they don’t appreciate the recognition, but when a medal is roughly the size of a wristwatch, it doesn’t quite make the same bold statement as a bigger medal.
Most medals are between 50mm and 70mm wide. CREDIT: Aus Triathlon
These are the medal sizes everyone seems to love.
They're known as the "Goldilocks" sizes. - not too big, not too small, but just right for most events.
They look and feel big enough to make an impression, but are still small enough to ship and wear around.
That's why so many events buy both sizes.
For example, they'll buy 50mm medals for their half marathon and 70mm medals for their full marathon, making sure that bigger achievements get bigger recognition.
And then there’s the 100mm medal.
For context, that's bigger than the rim of your average coffee mug.
As if the size isn't eye catching enough, one of the 100mm medal's biggest draws is that it has plenty of space for complex or intricate designs.
This means it's often the kind of medal that shouts, “Look at what I’ve accomplished!”
However, they’re not for every event.
They’re often heavier and more expensive than their smaller cousins, because they're made of more metal.
They tend to be more popular in adult contact sports or with gyms, where the larger physiques of participants make the medals feel just right in terms of size and impact.
This medal is 100mm wide! CREDIT: Fighting Arts Dubbo
While width catches the eye, thickness delivers on feel.
It’s what makes the medal seem more important, even if people don’t realise why - and we'll talk more on this below.
But first, let’s break down the most popular thicknesses and what they can add to your event.
Most medals are 3mm thick.
So, why do people sometimes go for something thinner?
Well, there's two main reasons people buy medals that are 2mm thick: to cut down on weight or costs.
For example, if you're eyeing a 100mm medal but find the 3mm version too pricey, switching to 2mm thickness can make it more affordable since its made from less materials.
Or, if you're hosting an event for children, you might choose a 2mm medal because it's easier for them to carry.
(To give you some perspective, the weight difference between a 2mm and a 3mm 50mm-wide medal, both made of the same metals, is about the same as an AA battery.)
Most medals are 3mm thick, like this one from Cairns Basketball.
This is the most common medal thickness, and honestly, there’s no magic reason behind it - it’s just the industry standard.
Why? Because at 3mm, the medal feels solid without being too expensive.
For context, a 3mm medal is roughly the same thickness as two US pennies.
Thicker medals immediately feel more valuable than their counterparts, because they're heavier.
It’s human nature – we naturally equate weight with worth.
(Yep, scientists have studied this, and it’s a real thing – that's why we prefer heavier creams!)
So, if you want to make someone feel truly special, then a thicker medal is the way to go.
The most popular "thick" sizes are 4mm and 5mm, though you can go as thick as you like - for example, some Olympic medals are 12.1mm at their thickest part.
The only downside is that thicker medals cost more to make since they're made of more metal.
The 2024 Nike Melbourne Marathon medal is 5.5mm at its thickest part.
If you're still not sure which width or thickness to pick, then why not see what's working for others?
Below are some of the most popular combinations our customers choose, and why.
The most popular medal combination for most events and organisations.
These medals feel solid and look great, without being too heavy or expensive.
This size is a top pick for podium medals - in other words, the people that came first, second, or third.
It's also a favourite with high-profile institutions like government or military departments, where a heavier medal feels more fitting for the achievements they want to acknowledge.
Big and bold, but without the bulk.
This medal combination is a favourite because it makes a statement while still keeping both cost and weight in check.
Next, Consider Your Design:
Choosing the right medal thickness and width can feel overwhelming, but with the breakdown of the most popular options, you're now ready to make an informed decision.
Badges And Medals has simplified this process, giving you the tools you need to select the perfect combination.
Now that you know the dimensions that work best, it's time to turn your attention to the design.
Check out our article '7 Things You Must Consider Before Designing A Medal' to start creating something truly memorable!