When discussing Business card sizes the first thing to note is: there is no set standard for business card dimensions.
Business card sizes in fact vary from country to country.
In most countries business card shapes and sizes also vary outside the standard range (from micro-business card at just 1 by 3 inches, to square and foldable business cards). As a designer you have freedom in choosing the shape and size you wish to use.
This resource will discuss the standard (most commonly used) sizes by country only.
In the USA and Canada standard business card size is 3.5 inches by 2 inches (88.9mm x 50.8mm).
Setup your US business card in Photoshop at 300 PPI the document size is 1050 pixels x 600 pixels.
For easier storage with banking cards the standard business card size in Europe is 85mm x 55mm.
3.346 x 2.165 inches) Size in Pixels at 300 PPI for EU cards = 1004 pixels x 650 pixels.
Standard business card size for USA and Europe.
The table below lists the standard dimensions for business cards used by country.
Standard | Size in Millimeters | Size in Inches | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
ISO 7810 ID-1 | W: 85.60 | H: 53.98 | W: 3.370 | H: 2.125 |
ISO 216 - A8 sized | W: 74 | H: 52 | W: 2.913 | H: 2.047 |
Australia | W:90 | H:55 | W: 3.543 | H: 1.968 |
United States | W: 88.9 | H: 50.8 | W: 3.5 | H: 2 |
Canada | W: 89 | H: 51 | W: 3.5 | H: 2 |
China | W: 90 | H: 54 | W: 3.543 | H: 2.125 |
Czech Republic | W: 90 | H: 50 | W: 3.543 | H: 1.968 |
France | W: 85 | H: 55 | W: 3.346 | H: 2.165 |
Germany | W: 85 | H: 55 | W: 3.346 | H: 2.165 |
Hungary | W: 90 | H: 50 | W: 3.543 | H: 1.968 |
Italy | W: 85 | H: 55 | W: 3.346 | H: 2.165 |
Netherlands | W: 85 | H: 55 | W: 3.346 | H: 2.165 |
Japan | W:91 | H:55 | W: 3.582 | H: 2.165 |
Russia | W: 90 | H: 50 | W: 3.543 | H: 1.968 |
Scandinavia | W: 90 | H: 55 | W: 3.54 | H: 2.165 |
Slovakia | W: 90 | H: 50 | W: 3.543 | H: 1.968 |
Spain | W: 85 | H: 55 | W: 3.346 | H: 2.165 |
Switzerland | W: 85 | H: 55 | W: 3.346 | H: 2.165 |
United Kingdom | W: 85 | H: 55 | W: 3.346 | H: 2.165 |
Aspect ratios range from 1.42 to 1.8.
Quick Tip: Need great looking business cards? Check out our reviews of the best business card printing services.
When designing business cards, pick the correct dimension for the corresponding country from the table above and do not forget to add bleeds to your document.
A bleed refers to printing that goes beyond the edge of the sheet before trimming. In other words, the bleed is the area to be trimmed off.
To prevent white edges or parts of your being design cut off by the blade in the cutting process it is essential that you add bleeds on all 4 sides of your document before sending it to the printer.
Bleeds are typically an extra 3.175 mm (1/8 inch) to 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) to all sides of the card.
When creating your business card, always add a bleed on 4 sizes, and use a resolution of 300 ppi. The list below shows your document size including bleed:
For USA cards:
For European cards:
For a folded business card with bleed the document should be 3.75 inches x 4.25 inches - Generally these cards will fold to the standard size.
Business cards are printed on heavy card stock, generally the rule is to use stock that is at least 350 g/m2 (density), 45 kg (100 lb - weight), or 12 pt in thickness.
The stock you choose may depend on various variables: the printing method, the desired visual effect, the available budget and other organizational norms or preferences.
We strongly advise to use stock that is at least 350 g/m2 or heavier for professional looking business cards.
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Using the holiday sale offer saved a nice amount on my holiday cards offer. Their quality was good, colours were vibrant and the stock was of good quality. Most importantly: delivery wa on time (2 days later) Like every year I was late with my order, so there wern't a lot of options to get my cards done in time. When i saw the offer from Overnight prints i took it, and looking back im glad i did.
Snapfish is converting to a new site, and I had to communicate with at least four-five different CS reps. I admire people who can speak multiple languages, but this became ridiculous.
They all were obviously using the same script (e.g., "I am more than happy to help you with that. Please kindly hold on the chat for a minute, meanwhile I look up the information."), and in the end, none were able to help me. I really wanted to communicate with a manager, not about the CS reps, but about the problems with Snapfish's new site.
My problem stems from the conversion of classic Snapfish to the new Snapfish. I started a photo book on another photo site (with no problems). Because a family member downloaded photos I want to include to Snapfish, I had to start over on Snapfish. Two of my images wouldn't download, (requiring 2-3 chats before someone finally figured out what to do), the size/format of the book I want is not available in the new Snapfish (which I learned after starting it on classic Snapfish and another chat), and photos shared on the new Snapfish cannot be transferred/shared with the classic Snapfish (another chat). So I either needed to use a different book (more expensive) or not include the photos.
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My company always relies on Vista Print for most printing jobs but the results are mixed. Last batch of business cards we ordered was off and very disappointing quality. On the upside: they do offer the best prices, and usually get the orders right. Although the last order was disappointing ill order from them again.