K-Pop photocard collecting has become a beloved hobby for fans worldwide. Whether you’re pulling a Jimin photocard from a BTS album or trading for a rare Blackpink event card, knowing the exact size and how to protect each card is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we break down the various photocard formats – from tiny mini IDs to oversized postcards – used by today’s top K-pop artists. We’ll cover precise dimensions (in cm/mm), examples of which artists/albums use them, their typical use (album inclusion, fan event, lucky draw, etc.), and how they fit into K-Pop merch culture. Plus, we’ll recommend protective sleeves (including holographic options) to keep each size safe and show off your collection in style.
Photocard Formats and Dimensions
K-pop photocards come in several standard formats. Below is a quick comparison table of common photocard types and their approximate dimensions, followed by detailed sections for each format:
|
Photocard Type |
Approx. Dimensions (mm) |
Dimensions (cm) |
Examples & Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mini ID Photocard |
~35 × 45 mm (varies) |
~3.5 × 4.5 cm |
Tiny ID-style photos (e.g. Season’s Greetings ID pics) |
|
Standard Album Photocard |
~55 × 85 mm |
~5.5 × 8.5 cm |
Common album cards (in virtually all albums) |
|
Lucky Draw/Event Card |
~54–55 × 85 mm |
~5.4–5.5 × 8.5 cm |
Special event or pre-order bonus cards |
|
Postcard (Large Card) |
~105 × 148 mm |
~10.5 × 14.8 cm |
Larger postcard inserts (often A6 or 4×6 inch) |
Now, let’s dive into each format for more specifics.
Mini ID Photocards (Miniature ID-Style Photos)
Dimensions: Mini ID photocards are very small – typically around 30 × 40 mm up to 35 × 45 mm (3×4 to 3.5×4.5 cm) . These are much tinier than regular album photocards, resembling passport or student ID photos.
Who Uses This Size: Many top groups include mini-ID photos in special merch or packages rather than in standard albums. For example, BTS often adds a set of mini ID photos in their Season’s Greetings packages – the 2019 Season’s Greetings included seven ID photos, each about 30 × 40 mm . Similarly, BTS’s 2022 Season’s Greetings and other groups’ season packages (like Seventeen or Stray Kids) feature mini ID pics of each member. Some albums or DVD packages also occasionally contain mini ID-style photocards as a bonus, and fansign or fanclub kits might include tiny ID cards for each member.
Type & Usage: Mini IDs are usually bonus collectibles – not the main album photocard, but an extra item in limited editions, fanclub kits, or seasonal merch boxes. They often come as a full set (one for each member) or as part of a themed set (for example, a “school ID” concept). In K-pop merch culture, mini IDs are adored for their cute, wallet-friendly size. Fans sometimes carry these in phone case pockets or collect them to display in special mini binders.
Example: A miniature “ID photo” style card (this one from BTS) is only about 3 × 4 cm in size – much smaller than a standard photocard.
Standard Album Photocards (Credit Card Size)
Dimensions: The vast majority of K-pop photocards – especially those pulled from albums – measure roughly 55 × 85 mm, identical to a typical credit card . In centimeters, that’s about 5.5 cm by 8.5 cm. (This standard size in inches is approximately 2.2″ × 3.4″.) Virtually all groups use this as the default photocard size. For instance, official Blackpink album photocards are around 8.5 × 5.5 cm each , and most BTS, Twice, Stray Kids, NCT 127, EXO, Seventeen, ITZY, ATEEZ, TXT (and so on) album cards follow the same standard.
Who Uses This Size: Everyone! This is the standard album photocard size across K-pop. When you buy an album from any popular group – whether it’s BTS’s Love Yourself series, Blackpink’s The Album, Twice’s Formula of Love, Stray Kids’ 5-Star, or EXO’s Don’t Mess Up My Tempo – you’ll get a member photocard of about 55×85 mm in the album. Typically, one or more random member cards of this size are included per album.
Type & Usage: These are usually referred to just as “photocards” or album cards, since they come with albums. They are printed on glossy cardstock (some matte) and often feature a member’s photo on the front with album-themed artwork or signatures on the back. Collectors highly value these standard photocards; they form the bulk of most collections. Some special editions or box sets also include standard-size photocards as pre-order benefits or bonus sets. Essentially, whenever someone talks about K-pop photocard collecting, this is the size they mean by default.
Standard album photocards (like these official cards) measure about 5.5 × 8.5 cm each. Almost every K-pop album – from BTS to Blackpink – contains cards of this size.
Lucky Draw & Event-Exclusive Photocards
Dimensions: Lucky draw or event-exclusive photocards generally use the same dimensions as standard album PCs, roughly 54–55 × 85 mm. There might be slight variations (some lucky draw cards are quoted at 54 × 85 mm, a hair narrower, but effectively they fit the same sleeve as a 55×85 card). In other words, these special cards are essentially credit card-sized as well.
Who/What Uses This Size: Lucky Draw cards are a special type of photocard obtained through promotions, pop-up events, or pre-order bonuses. Many top groups have these for album promotions – for example, BTS held lucky draw events for albums like Butter (fans who purchased at specific stores or events could draw an extra photocard), and groups like Stray Kids, TXT, ENHYPEN, Seventeen, etc., all have event-exclusive cards. These could be from:
• Lucky Draw events: e.g., buying an album at a specific retailer’s event to get an extra random card.
• Fansign or Pre-order Benefits (POB): exclusive cards from online stores (Soundwave, M2U, Weverse, etc.) when pre-ordering albums or attending fan events.
• Concert or Pop-up Merch: sometimes labeled differently (e.g., “VIP photocards”), but often the same size.
Type & Usage: These are event or bonus photocards outside the normal album inclusion. They tend to be printed on slightly different material – sometimes thicker PVC plastic or with special foil accents – to distinguish them from regular album cards. For instance, an Enhypen lucky draw card from a album pre-order event is 54×85 mm and made of PVC. Fans collect these because they’re limited edition and often feature different images from the album’s normal cards. Despite being obtained differently, size-wise they slot right into a standard photocard binder page.
(Fun fact: The term “lucky draw” comes from the random draw/gacha element at events. Essentially, you get a random extra card for “luck” – groups like Twice and Blackpink have also offered similar bonus cards via store events, even if not always called “lucky draws.”)
Postcards (Large Album Inserts)
Dimensions: K-pop postcards are much larger than regular photocards. The most common postcard size in albums is around 105 × 148 mm, which is the standard A6 paper size . In inches, this is roughly 4″ × 6″. Some postcards are exactly 102 × 152 mm (true 4x6 inch photo prints), or slightly vary, but generally they hover around the A6/4x6 format. For example, many official K-pop postcards are listed as 105 x 148 mm (4x6 inches) .
Who Uses This Size: Quite a few albums and merch sets from top groups include postcards. Often, higher-end album packages or limited editions will have one postcard per member or a random postcard insert. For instance:
• Blackpink included member postcards in some album editions and merch boxes (e.g., The Album had deluxe inclusions that resembled postcards).
• TXT and ATEEZ have included 105×148 mm postcards in album sets or as pre-order bonuses .
• Seventeen and EXO have released postcard sets in concert merch or DVD packages.
• BTS has included larger photos in things like their Photo Folio or tour DVDs, which are typically 4x6 or larger; their 2022 Season’s Greetings had a postcard set of 102 × 152 mm .
• Basically, if you find a “postcard” or “mini poster” in an album description, it will be around this size (some groups use slightly bigger 127 × 178 mm in special cases, but that’s less common).
Type & Usage: Postcards are usually album inclusions or merchandise prints that are bigger than standard photocards. They often feature a full-body shot or a concept image of the artist, given the larger canvas. In albums, you might get one random member postcard (e.g., one out of X members). Sometimes albums give a full set of postcards (one for each member or concept) especially in box sets or limited editions. They are called “postcards” because of their size, though they’re not usually meant to be mailed – they’re collectibles. Fans often display these in larger binders, frames, or hang them as mini-prints.
Postcards in K-pop serve as a nice medium between tiny photocards and full-size posters – providing a high-quality photo on sturdy card that’s perfect for display. For example, a Makestar special fansign for Loona’s unit ODD EYE CIRCLE specified the postcard benefit at 105 × 148 mm – literally postcard-sized .
More sizes beyond standards
There are more photocard size variants beyond the standard dimensions, though they are less commonly used across all groups. These unique sizes are often specific to certain artists, regions, or merchandise types, making them highly sought after by dedicated collectors.
- Monsta X (62 x 88mm): Monsta X is known for including photocards that are slightly larger than the standard size. These cards provide fans with a more substantial collectible, often featuring high-quality images of the group members
- Mini tour (70 x 100mm): This size is commonly associated with tour merchandise, offering fans exclusive images from specific concerts or tours. The larger dimensions make these photocards stand out in collections. Typically it is from hybe mini tour photocards for groups such as BTS, ENHYPEN, SEVENTEEN, LE SSERAFIM, TXT, NEWJEANS, ILLIT, BOYNEXTDOOR, TWS
- Japanese Standard Photocard (55 x 95): Slightly taller than the typical standard photocard, this size is often found in Japanese album releases. The unique dimensions cater to regional preferences and provide a distinct collectible for fans.
Sleeve Recommendations for Each Photocard Size
Protecting your photocards is just as important as collecting them. Once you know your card’s size, you can choose an appropriate sleeve to keep it safe from scratches, fingerprints, and UV fading. Here we recommend both standard clear sleeves for protection and fun holographic sleeves for display flair, with sizes that match each photocard type. (All sleeves mentioned are PVC-free and acid-free, which is crucial for long-term preservation.)
Sleeves for Mini ID Photocards
Mini ID cards can be tricky to store due to their tiny dimensions. Standard photocard sleeves are far too big – the mini card would slide around in them. Instead, look for perfect-fit mini sleeves designed for 38×48 mm (approx) items.
• Clear Mini ID Sleeves (Approx 38 × 48 mm): These sleeves snugly fit cards around 33–35 by 43–45 mm. For example, Kpop Stationery offers clear premium mini sleeves measuring 38 x 48mm, tailored to hold those mini ID photos securely. Brands like Meowcafe and Mandu Deco also sell mini sleeves in this size. Using a perfectly sized sleeve will ensure your tiny card doesn’t slip out and is fully covered.
• Holographic/Decorative Mini Sleeves: Holographic patterns are less common in such a small size, but some specialty K-pop shops have them. If you can’t find a holo sleeve that small, another popular method is to sleeve the mini card in a clear mini sleeve, then place it on a slightly larger backing (like a paper cut-out or a regular photocard sleeve with washi tape) to display in a binder.
Storage Tip: The Mini ID Holder from Kpop Stationery is perfect for storing and protecting your mini ID photocards! Its compact size fits perfectly into standard binder pages, making it easy to organize and display your collection while keeping your photocards safe from scratches and dust. A must-have for any collector who wants a neat and stylish way to store their mini PCs! You can see how it works at here
Sleeves for Standard Album Photocards
Since standard album photocards share the same ~55×85 mm size, they can use the same sleeves. This is great because sleeve options are most abundant for this standard size – from penny sleeves to premium Japanese-fit to loads of holographic designs.
• Standard Clear Sleeves (~57 × 89 mm): A perfect-fit sleeve for a 55×85 mm photocard is usually around 57×89 mm (giving just a 1-2 mm margin each side). For instance, Kpop Stationery’s standard sleeves are in the 57 x 88 mm to 59 x 88 mm range, ideal for a snug fit without excess. You can also use TCG (trading card game) sleeves as many are 2.5″x3.5″ (63×88 mm) which slightly vary. A popular choice is Japanese “perfect fit” sleeves (usually 56x87 mm) for a tight wrap, then putting that inside a second sleeve (“double sleeving”) for extra protection. If you single-sleeve, one good quality clear sleeve per card will guard against scratches and dust.
• Holographic & Themed Sleeves: To add personality, you can sleeve your bias cards in holographic sleeves that have stars, hearts, sparkles, etc. These are very popular in the K-pop community for display. Kpop Stationery produces a variety of holo sleeves in standard size – for example, bunny or kitty pattern holographic sleeves (57×88 mm) and other designs . There are also holiday-themed ones (snowflakes, etc.) and generic star/heart patterns available from various Etsy sellers and brands. These sleeves not only protect the card but also give it a decorative frame of holographic shine (usually the pattern is printed around the border or all over the sleeve). Keep in mind holographic sleeves are often a bit looser (many are ~59×89 mm) to accommodate the printed layer, but they’re made for standard cards so the fit will still be good.
• Premium Thickness Sleeves: If you want extra rigidity, look for sleeves labeled 100+ microns thick (as opposed to thin penny sleeves). Premium sleeves often come in the right size and give more durability. K-pop specific brands have standard sleeves in various colors and even side-loading sleeves – choose what suits your style. Kpop Stationery offers two more thicknesses for premium protection: 120 and 160 microns.
Storage Tip: Once sleeved, standard photocards can be stored in 9-pocket binder pages (made for trading cards). Sleeving first is highly recommended – it keeps your cards mint by avoiding direct contact with the vinyl pockets (and prevents them from sliding out easily). For extremely valuable cards (rare photo cards or expensive lucky draws), some collectors use a hard toploader after sleeving, especially when shipping or displaying them, for maximum protection.
Sleeves for Lucky Draw/Event Cards
As mentioned, these cards are usually the same size as album PCs, so use the same sleeves as standard photocards. One thing to note: many lucky draw cards are made of hard plastic (PVC) or have special coatings, which can be prone to surface scratches. Thus, it’s wise to sleeve them immediately. A clear perfect-fit sleeve is often enough, but you might double-sleeve or put them in a toploader for added protection since replacements are hard to come by. And yes, you can absolutely use holographic sleeves on your event cards too – a glittery sleeve on a rare fansign card can make it pop in your binder layout!
(If your event photocard happens to be a different format – for example, some Japanese releases include slightly larger Polaroid-style photos – you’d treat those separately. But for nearly all Korean event cards, the 55×85 standard holds true.)
Sleeves for Postcards (A6/4×6)
Large postcards don’t fit in normal card sleeves, but you can still protect them:
• Clear Postcard Sleeves (~107 × 153 mm): These are like giant penny sleeves to fit 4x6 or A6 cards. For instance, Kpop Stationery sells 103 x 153 mm clear sleeves for postcards , which fit the 105×148mm cards with a tiny bit of wiggle room. Meowcafe also lists sleeves around 105 x 155 mm for 100 x 148mm postcards (accounting for a bit of extra length). Using a sleeve this size will cover the entire postcard and is great if you store them in a box or want to handle them without fingerprints. Here is one example from photocards from NAYEON's album and sleeving with our postcard sleeves
• Toploader or One-touch Holders: There are also 4x6 inch toploaders (rigid plastic) which some collectors use for extra rigidity, especially if displaying postcards on a shelf or wall. They’re essentially photo protectors and can be found in hobby stores.
• Binder Pockets: A common way to store postcards is in binder pages with 2-pocket or 4-pocket layouts. Many binder pages have slots sized for 4x6 photos or postcards. If you use those, you might skip a sleeve and just insert the postcard directly. However, for maximum preservation, you can sleeve the postcard first, then slide it into the pocket. Make sure the combined thickness fits; most binder pockets for postcards should accommodate a sleeved card.
• Holographic Options: Holographic sleeves for postcards are not widely produced, but you can find holographic 4x6 top loaders or larger holographic foil bags used by collectors. Another creative approach is to use a clear postcard sleeve and place holographic film or paper behind the postcard for a decorative effect in the binder. Some sellers on Etsy offer large holographic overlay sleeves (similar to an outer bag) that fit over a postcard, adding a sparkle effect. While not as common as standard card holos, these can be a fun DIY solution to give your larger prints some shine.
Storage Tip: Postcards, being bigger, are often showcased in portfolios or on cork boards. If you pin them up, definitely sleeve them first to avoid pin holes or dust. For binder storage, an A4 or Letter-size binder with 2-pocket pages (each pocket ~5.5″×8″) works well for most K-pop postcards – you can fit one per pocket, or sometimes two back-to-back. Always check that the pocket is slightly larger than the postcard’s dimensions (most are, since 4x6 photo pages are standard). Sleeving the postcard before putting it into the pocket will protect any foil detailing or signatures on the card from rubbing.
Final Tips for Collectors
Collecting photocards is all about enjoying your favorite idols’ mini portraits – but a little care goes a long way in preserving their condition. Always handle cards with clean hands, consider investing in acid-free binders or albums for long-term storage, and keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. By using the right sleeve for each photocard size, you’ll ensure your treasured BTS, Blackpink, Twice, Stray Kids, etc. cards stay in pristine shape. Plus, with the variety of sleeve styles available (from crystal clear to dazzling holographic), you can customize how you display your collection to match your aesthetic.
From mini ID pics to jumbo postcards, we’ve covered the spectrum of K-pop photocard sizes and protection. Now you’re equipped to identify any card you come across and choose the perfect sleeve to protect and showcase it. Happy collecting – may your pulls be rare and your sleeves always fit just right!
