Micro SIM card
Micro SIM card measures 15.0mm × 12.0mm × 0.8mm. It weighs about 0.5g.
Dimensions
| Length | 15.0 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 12.0 mm |
| Height | 0.8 mm |
| Weight | 0.5 g |
Micro SIM card
A Micro SIM card measures 0.59 inches (15 mm) wide and 0.47 inches (12 mm) tall, with a thickness of 0.03 inches (0.76 mm). It became widely used starting around 2010 when smartphones like the iPhone 4 adopted it as the internal space needed to shrink. This page covers the exact dimensions, the SIM card size family, and which devices use this format.
- Dimensions
- How it compares in size
- The SIM card size family
- Devices that used Micro-SIM
- Cutting and adapting Micro-SIM cards
- Frequently asked questions
- What is the size of a Micro-SIM card?
- Which phones use Micro-SIM?
- Can I use a Nano-SIM in a Micro-SIM slot?
- Can I cut a Mini-SIM down to Micro-SIM size?
- Is the chip the same size in all SIM formats?
- Related objects
Dimensions
| Measurement | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Width | 0.59 | 15 | 1.5 |
| Height | 0.47 | 12 | 1.2 |
| Thickness | 0.03 | 0.76 | 0.076 |
How it compares in size
Micro-SIM is about 52 percent smaller by area than the original Mini-SIM (standard) card, while the embedded chip itself remains the same size across every SIM format. Only the surrounding plastic carrier shrinks.
The SIM card size family
| Format | Dimensions (mm) | Introduced |
|---|---|---|
| Mini-SIM (standard) | 25 x 15 | 1996 |
| Micro-SIM | 15 x 12 | 2003 (popularized ~2010) |
| Nano-SIM | 12.3 x 8.8 | 2012 |
Micro-SIM was technically standardized in 2003 but did not see widespread use until Apple introduced it with the iPhone 4 in 2010, which pushed the rest of the smartphone industry to adopt it quickly. Within about two years, Nano-SIM replaced it as the new standard for flagship phones.
Devices that used Micro-SIM
The iPhone 4 and 4S, iPad (3rd generation) and earlier iPads with cellular, and many Android phones released between 2010 and 2012 used Micro-SIM. Some tablets, mobile hotspots, and older 4G routers manufactured during this window also standardized on this size.
Cutting and adapting Micro-SIM cards
Since the chip is identical across sizes, a Nano-SIM can be adapted up to fit a Micro-SIM slot using a simple plastic adapter frame. Going the other way, cutting a Mini-SIM down to Micro-SIM size, requires a SIM cutting tool and precise alignment, since cutting too close to the chip contacts can damage the card. Most carriers today issue a combo SIM card that can be punched out to any of the three sizes without cutting tools.
Frequently asked questions
What is the size of a Micro-SIM card?
15 x 12 mm (0.59 x 0.47 inches), smaller than the original Mini-SIM but larger than the current Nano-SIM standard.
Which phones use Micro-SIM?
Mainly phones released between 2010 and 2012, including the iPhone 4 and 4S. Most phones released after 2012 moved to the smaller Nano-SIM.
Can I use a Nano-SIM in a Micro-SIM slot?
Yes, with a plastic adapter frame that holds the smaller Nano-SIM in the correct position within the larger Micro-SIM slot.
Can I cut a Mini-SIM down to Micro-SIM size?
Yes, using a SIM cutting tool, though this carries some risk of damaging the chip if not done carefully. A carrier-issued combo SIM avoids this risk entirely.
Is the chip the same size in all SIM formats?
Yes. The gold contact chip is identical across Mini, Micro, and Nano SIM cards. Only the surrounding plastic carrier size changes between formats.
Related objects
Similar in Size
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Micro SIM card?
A Micro SIM card is 15.0mm (1.5cm) long.
How tall is a Micro SIM card?
A Micro SIM card is 0.8mm (0.1cm) tall.
How much does a Micro SIM card weigh?
A Micro SIM card weighs about 0.5g.