Standard CD jewel cases measure 142 mm × 125 mm × 10 mm, with a 120 mm × 120 mm front insert and a back tray card around 151 mm × 118 mm.
Whether you’re printing replacement artwork, designing a custom cover, or just trying to store a loose disc, the numbers on a CD case can make everything click. The standard jewel case is the clear plastic clamshell that’s held CDs since the 1980s, and its dimensions are consistent enough to plan around. But the inserts, the tray cards, and the slimline variants all use different sizes — and confusing them is the fastest way to print a cover that doesn’t fit.
If you’re shopping for new cases or a storage solution that actually fits your collection, our roundup of the best CD cases covers tested options for every shelf and budget. For the raw numbers, read on.
Standard CD Jewel Case Dimensions
The standard jewel case is 142 mm wide, 125 mm tall, and 10 mm thick. Those three numbers are the outer shell dimensions — the physical plastic that sits on your shelf.
The artwork that goes inside is a different story. The front insert, which slides behind the clear front panel, is exactly 120 mm × 120 mm.
The spine on a standard case measures about 10 mm wide, matching the case’s thickness.
Slimline Cases Use the Same Front Artwork
If you’re working with slimline cases — the thinner packaging used for software and budget CD sets — the key difference is thickness. A slim case is about 5 mm thick, roughly half the depth of a standard jewel case, but its width and height stay the same at 142 mm × 125 mm.
The front insert is also identical at 120 mm × 120 mm, so you can reuse the same cover design for either case style. What changes is the back. Slim cases generally have no back tray insert because the back panel is the bare plastic shell — that’s why they’re thinner. The spine on a slim case is about 5 mm wide, matching its thickness.
Common Mistakes With Case Sizes
Most printing errors come down to one mix-up: using the full case size for the artwork. The front insert is 120 mm × 120 mm, never the full 142 mm × 125 mm shell size. The extra plastic is the border frame, hinges, and tray structure, and it’s not printable.
Another catch is that not every template you find online is exact. Many sources give rounded or approximate dimensions, and if you’re using CD-ROM or DVD cases — which share similar geometry but aren’t identical to audio jewel cases — the numbers shift again. When a print-on-demand vendor or a case manufacturer provides its own template, use that exact template rather than assuming a universal standard.
For a quick reference, here’s the full breakdown:
| Measurement | Standard Jewel Case | Slimline Case |
|---|---|---|
| Outer width × height | 142 mm × 125 mm | 142 mm × 125 mm |
| Thickness | 10 mm | 5 mm |
| Front insert size | 120 mm × 120 mm | 120 mm × 120 mm |
| Back tray card | 151 mm × 118 mm | None |
| Spine width | 10 mm | 5 mm |
Beyond these two main types, specialty cases can deviate further. DVD cases are thicker than jewel cases and use a different hub layout, while multi-disc sets use an even wider tray. If you’re printing for any non-standard packaging, the vendor’s template is the only number that matters.
When you’re ready to buy replacements or upgrade your storage, our tested CD case recommendations separate the sturdy options from the cheap ones that crack on first use.
FAQs
Is the paper insert the same size as the plastic case?
No. The plastic case is 142 mm × 125 mm, but the front paper insert that slides behind the clear panel is only 120 mm × 120 mm. Designing artwork at the full case size will leave parts of your print hidden behind the plastic frame.
Can I print one cover for both slim and standard cases?
Yes, for the front art. Both case styles accept a 120 mm × 120 mm front insert. The backs differ entirely — standard cases hold a 151 mm × 118 mm tray card, while slim cases have no back insert at all.
Do DVD cases use the same dimensions?
No. DVD cases are thicker and use different insert dimensions than audio jewel cases, so a jewel-case template won’t fit a DVD case. Always match your artwork to the specific case type and the vendor’s template.
References & Sources
- Wikipedia. “Optical Disc Packaging.” Overview of standard and slim jewel case dimensions.
- CDROM2GO. “Jewel Case Dimensions.” Specs for inserts and outer shells.
- 4Over4. “DVD and CD Case Dimensions Template and Setup Guide.” Print-template guidance for case artwork.