Hang Tag String Size Guide: Cord Diameter, Loops & Length

Label GuidesBy LuxoLabel5 min read
Several colored hang tag cords with round and rectangular locking pieces on a pale surface.
Quick Answer

Planning examples for hang tag strings, including loop lengths, cord diameter, tag holes and a simple knot allowance calculation.

Choose the loop you need, then the cord length

A 160 mm finished loop circumference is one useful planning example for a hang tag string. Laid flat without stretching, that loop has an ideal end-to-end reach of about 80 mm. It is not the same as a 160 mm loose cord or a tag that hangs 160 mm below the product.

We make custom hang tag strings with cord diameters from 0.8–3 mm and lengths to suit your tag. We can help with the cord, color and finished ends once we know where it will attach.

Hang tag loop lengths to compare

These are planning examples, not standard sizes or stocked attachments. Here, circumference means the length around the usable closed loop after finishing, excluding loose tails. Laid-flat reach is approximately half that length, ignoring the space taken by the joint and cord thickness.

Planning examples for a finished closed cord loop
Finished loop circumferenceApprox. circumference in inchesIdeal laid-flat reachPossible starting point
120 mm4.72About 60 mmA tag close to a narrow attachment point
160 mm6.30About 80 mmA little more space between the tag and product
200 mm7.87About 100 mmA wider attachment area or longer reach
240 mm9.45About 120 mmMore room around a handle or folded material

The inch figures are rounded using NIST’s exact conversion of 1 inch to 25.4 mm. The reaches are comparisons between loops before attachment, not promises of how far the tag will hang.

Three lengths can describe the same string

Open cord length is the cut piece before it is tied or assembled. Finished loop circumference describes the resulting loop. Hanging drop is the distance between the product’s attachment point and the tag in use. They answer different questions.

Avery’s tag-string explanation also distinguishes the length around a loop from the length of its two straight sides when flattened. Our examples use the same basic geometry, with custom dimensions rather than Avery’s product-specific size.

A loop wrapped around a bag handle uses part of its length around that handle. Passing the loop through a tag hole and back through itself uses it differently again. That is why the same loop can leave a different drop on a shirt, a shoe or a bag.

Allow for the chosen knot and ends

Suppose an open cord measures 260 mm. In this illustration, the knot and loose tails use 40 mm outside the usable loop. That leaves 260 − 40 = 220 mm of usable loop circumference, with an ideal laid-flat reach of about 220 ÷ 2 = 110 mm.

The 40 mm is an example assumption, not a fixed knot allowance. Different knots, tails and end fittings take up different lengths. With a locking attachment, we use a drawing or sample to show whether the quoted length includes the lock and its end pieces.

If you already have a string that hangs well, send its photo and tell us which length you measured. We can use it as a clear starting point for the finished attachment.

A silver-colored twisted tag cord connected to a round logo seal beside a wood block.
The end fitting has its own size as well as the cord diameter.

Match the diameter and end fitting to the tag

Cord diameter is the thickness across the cord, not the loop width. Our 0.8–3 mm range offers different visual weights. A fine cord can suit a light paper tag; a thicker cord gives a more noticeable finish. The product and attachment still need to work as a set.

The end fitting may be wider than the cord itself. If it needs to pass through the tag hole, its widest part matters too. We can coordinate the hole, cord and ends with your custom hang tags instead of choosing each part separately.

Cotton, polyester, nylon, waxed and elastic cords offer different looks and feels. Measure elastic at rest for a repeatable starting dimension. Stretch should not be used to hide a loop that is too short for the intended attachment.

Finish the string for the way you will attach it

A tied cord, a locking end and a metal chain connect to the tag differently. We offer knots, suitable heat-sealed ends and metal end caps, and can develop the complete attachment with your tag. Chain sizes and connections are arranged separately from cord diameter.

Send a tag photo, a picture of its attachment point and your quantity. We can help settle the loop length and finish before preparing the order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Only if we agree that 200 mm means finished loop circumference. A 200 mm open cord loses some usable loop length to its knot or end fittings. Tell us which measurement you mean.

The hole is one part of the choice. Any end fitting that must pass through it also needs room, and the completed string should suit the tag and attachment point.

Possibly, but a bag handle may take up more of the loop than a narrow garment loop. We can compare both uses before preparing a shared string design.

No. Material, construction, knots and fittings also affect the finished attachment. We choose it for the actual tag and use rather than infer strength from diameter alone.

Yes. We can arrange the attachments with your tags and help coordinate the hole, color and ends. There is no minimum order.
Let’s match the string to your tag

Send a photo of the tag and where it will attach. We’ll help choose the length, cord and finished ends.

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