It’s commonly called a mortarboard, also known as an academic cap or simply a graduation cap. The classic design includes a square board, a fabric skullcap, a center button, and a tassel that can be adjusted or swapped for a year charm. You’ll find options in matte or shiny finishes and sizes for kids through adults on our site.

• Parts: square board, button, tassel, fitted or elastic cap.
• Styles: matte or shiny; unisex designs.
• Occasions: preschool, kindergarten, high school, college, and beyond.

Browse “Graduation Party Supplies” to see caps, tassels, and coordinating celebration items.

Tassel placement is a tradition that can vary by school, so it’s best to follow your ceremony program or instructions.

1. Before conferral: Many high school and bachelor’s candidates start with the tassel on the right.
2. After conferral: Graduates are often instructed to move it to the left.
3. Advanced degrees: Some master’s and doctoral candidates keep it on the left throughout.

Most caps include a small loop that slips over the center button to secure the tassel. If your cap includes a year charm, it can face forward for photos, but positioning may differ by preference or guidelines.

The 🎓 emoji represents a graduation cap (mortarboard)—a quick way to celebrate academic milestones. People use it to announce ceremonies, share photos, or recognize achievements from preschool to college.

• Common uses: Invitations, social posts, and congratulations messages.
• Context: It can signal cap-and-gown day, a finished degree, or graduation party planning.
• Fun tip: Pair it with your ceremony date or class year in captions.

If you’re prepping for photos, caps with tassels and year charms on our site can add a classic touch to your celebration shots.

A master’s hood is a separate piece of academic regalia worn over the gown and under the cap. It drapes around the neck and down the back, with colors that can indicate your field of study and your institution.

• Velvet trim: Often reflects the academic discipline.
• Lining: Commonly shows school colors.
• Availability: This page focuses on caps and tassels; many schools provide hood guidance or preferred vendors.

Because requirements vary, check your ceremony guidelines for hood style, colors, and where to obtain it so it matches your program’s standards.

Many graduation caps are one size fits most with elastic or adjustable designs, while others note head circumference ranges. A quick measure can help you pick comfortably.

1. Measure around your head about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above your eyebrows.
2. Compare to the size details listed (look for measurement ranges or “adjustable”).
3. Consider hair volume or styling; extra volume may benefit from an elastic or adjustable cap.

• Kids’ options: Look for toddler, preschool, or youth sizing.
• Board size: Many caps list a board around 9–10 inches square.
• Browse filters: Use on-site filters to see adult vs. kids caps quickly.