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.
» Inspirational Business Card designs.
» NFC Business Cards 101 - Everything you need to know about NFC Business Cards.
» Reviews of the best business card printing services.
I love Snapfish and always have. I needed three canvas photos delivered in time for my parents anniversary, and realized I wouldn't get them in time.
Instead of paying for expedited shipping, I gave them a call, they were kind enough to put a rush on finishing order, and I got them one day early (4 days earlier than they were scheduled) at no extra charge!
They're a wonderful company. And you can always find discount coupons online!
I do not usually leave reviews, but im impressed with Overnight Prints customer service. After i uploaded my design they contacted me and suggested some improvements to my design. I Accepted but was not happy when the first run arrived at my office.
After i contacted Overnight Prints they offered to do a second run at no additional charge.
Im quite happy with the way the prints turned out and the way they handled this!
perfect experience with this company: user-friendly design software, reasonable prices and professional product. Got a coffee mug printed: it exceeded my expectations. Will use again!
We use Vistaprint for all our printing work. They are reliable and offer great quality print work for very good prices (especially if you use their discount coupons).
For us, Vistaprint is a reliable partner.
Moo is my go to website for anything business related. My company has more than 10 employees so I got their free service option and this makes my orders a lot easier as I just use a template and from there do the changes I want. The print is almost perfect every time – I tend to be picky that’s why I don’t say perfect – and I never had an issue with delivery time. As for service, no matter what issues or “dumb” questions I had, they always had a nice reply and I never felt they were patronizing. Reliable company and super competitive offers!