SIM card sizes: Everything you should know

If you’ve just learned what a SIM card is, but still haven’t seen one, or if you’re trying to find a new SIM card because you want to switch providers, you might be curious what the different SIM card sizes are. 

In this article, we’ll be covering all the main physical SIM cards and their sizes so you can find your phone’s perfect fit (If you’re interested in learning more about eSIM, we have some info about that later on, too).

SIM card size chart

Here are the three different sizes and measurements in this handy-dandy SIM card size chart (print it out, put it on the fridge or maybe even get it tattooed on your back).

Comparing SIM card sizes

There are three physical SIM card sizes used in most active phones today: nano SIM, micro SIM and mini SIM. All SIM cards are pretty small (except for the OG SIM cards that were the size of a credit card…they’re kind of like the clunky ‘80s phones of SIM cards) because they need to fit into your smartphones, which are growing ever thinner. Here are the different sizes and their measurements in the handy-dandy SIM card size chart above (print it out, put it on the fridge or maybe even get it tattooed on your back).

Gone are the days of a full-size SIM card having the same dimensions as a credit card. Thanks to today’s technology, some are about the size of your fingernail (and in the case of an eSIM, not even measurable since they’re not a physical card). But they all do the same thing: make your phone usable as a mobile device.

What is a nano SIM card?

A nano SIM is the smallest type of SIM card, measuring in at just 12.3 mm x 8.8 mm x 0.67 mm. The nano SIM card is the type most commonly used in the latest generations of smartphones produced within the past 5 to 6 years. It is the fourth generation of SIM cards, having made their debut in 2012. They use the same chip as the micro SIM, but have a smaller plastic border around the chip itself.

What is a micro SIM card?

Micro SIM cards are the third generation of SIM cards, and a size up from nano SIM cards. They measure in at 15 mm x 12 mm x 0.71 mm. They were first introduced back in 2003. They have slowly been phased out in favor of the nano SIM card. As mentioned above, they actually have the same chip as the nano SIM card, but the nano SIM has a smaller border.

What is a mini SIM card?

Mini SIM cards were introduced in 1996 and are the second generation of SIM cards. They are also known as the standard SIM. They measure in at 25 mm x 15 mm x 0.76 mm and are no longer used in modern cell phones.

How do I know what SIM card type I have?

Since the early 2010s, most phones have used a nano SIM card. But if you really want to know what size SIM card you have, here’s how:

• Search your phone model on the internet. You’ll be able to find the SIM card your phone model uses.
• Check your phone manual. You’ve probably got that box your phone came in somewhere, right?
• Remove your phone’s SIM card. Whether you have an iPhone or Android, this is one easy way to check.

Nano SIM vs micro SIM

Nano SIM cards are the latest and smallest in physical SIM card technology. Nano SIM cards are the fourth generation of SIM cards, while the micro SIM card is the third generation. But the main difference is their size: nano SIM cards are 15 percent smaller than micro SIM cards. You cannot fit a nano SIM into a micro SIM slot.

eSIM vs Nano SIM

You may have noticed earlier that we referred to nano SIM cards as the latest and greatest in physical SIM card technology. That’s because there’s something even more cutting-edge: eSIM cards. So when it comes to eSIM vs. physical SIM cards, what’s the difference?

An eSIM, also known as an embedded SIM, is a completely virtual SIM card—basically one you can’t physically touch. Instead, it’s a programmable SIM card that does what a physical SIM card does: it securely connects you with your network and gives you access to your service so you can use your plan. eSIM cards can easily be installed onto your phone or device by scanning a QR code, and some newer phones are only eSIM-compatible, and don’t have a slot for a physical SIM.

Another bonus with eSIM is that you can have dual SIM cards in a phone–either a physical card and an eSIM or, in the case of new generation phones like the iPhone 13 and above, two eSIMs. 

What if I get the wrong size SIM card for my phone?

Here’s what to do if you end up with the wrong size SIM.

• Get a new SIM card. Reach out to your carrier and request the right size.
• Use a SIM adapter. This allows you to use smaller SIM cards in phones that require larger ones.
• Use a SIM card cutter tool. These tools allow you to cut a larger SIM card down to a smaller size. Note: This should be a last resort — you could easily cut the actual chip instead of the surrounding plastic.

Are SIM card data amounts related to SIM card size?

You might think size matters in this case, but nope. Most SIM cards basically allow for the same amount of data to be stored on them–around 250 contacts, some messages and key identifying data.

Fun fact: the actual chip size is the same for all of the different SIM cards. What sets them apart is actually the amount of plastic surrounding the chip. Manufacturers began removing this plastic as phones got smaller and couldn’t fit bigger SIM cards.

Can’t get enough about SIM cards?

You’re in luck. Check out our page on everything you could ever want to know about SIM cards.  Or you could go ahead and check whether you have an eSIM then tap the button below to see your eSIM’s compatibility with Mint.