Do Business Card Dimensions Really Matter? Why Size Is Important

So, you’re designing a business card? Congrats! 🥳 😉

We’re sure you’ve already planned out the colors and typography. You know what sort of style you want, and you’ve spent hours combing the internet (and our blog) for great examples. And, of course, you’ve already chosen the dimensions for your card.

Wait. You haven’t thought about the business card dimensions?

Don’t be worried! 😎

Well, be a little worried because size is one of those elements that can make or break your card. And here’s why: if your card is too big, too small, or anything less than ideal, it will end up in the trash can before it ever has a chance to score you a new client.

So, ideally, how big is a business card?

What’s the Standard Business Card Size?

Luckily for creatives everywhere, business cards are no longer relegated to just one shape! So, if you’re not impressed by the traditional look, there are other card options out there — and of course, each has its standard size.

Traditional cards

These cards should stick to dimensions of 3.5 x 2 inches. Admittedly, standard cards aren’t the most unique option out there, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be engaging, especially with the right design. 💡

Square cards

Remember when being called a square used to be an insult? Now, these trendy cards are popping up everywhere. Square cards usually measure 2” x 2” or 51 x 51 millimeters.

Rounded cards

Here’s a fresh take on an old classic: rounded business cards. And yes, they are just rectangular business cards — with rounded edges. Who knew such a small change could create such a refreshing and exciting end product? And in case you’re wondering, these cards also stick to the standard 3.5” by 2” size.

Foldable cards

Also known as the cheater’s card (just kidding), these cards give you the equivalent of four one-sided business cards. That means lots more room for your design! They’ll look just like the standard card when folded, though their specifications are closer to 3.5” x 4” (or 89 x 102 millimeters).

Slim cards

Who needs a whole business card when you could have half of one? That’s what the designer of the slim business card (standard size of 1.5” x 3.5” or 38 x 89 millimeters) said. 😁

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Business Card Design and Dimension Guidelines

So, you’ve picked out the size you want. Now how can you make sure it works with your design? We’ve got some tips to help ensure your final card design looks great no matter what business card size you choose.

First, a few essential vocabulary terms (and, yes, we will be testing you on these later). 😉

Bleed Area = This is the extra space (approximately 1/8”) that extends beyond the edge of your actual card.

Cut / Trim Line = This line is where the business card will be cut.

Safe Zone = Also known as the printable area, this is the area that is at least an eighth of an inch inside the bleed zone.

And now for some sizing tips:

• When possible, have your cards printed professionally to save you the hassle, time, and frustration.
• If you’re printing your card, don’t forget to add bleed area to your dimensions. For example, traditional business card sizes will be 3.75” by 2.25” instead of 3.5” by 2”.
• Any artwork, patterns, etc., on your card should extend to the bleed area to ensure there are no unsightly white borders on your card after its cut.
• Keep all your important elements (logo, contact info, visuals, etc.) inside the safe area to ensure they aren’t cut off.

Speaking of important elements, are you wondering what to include on a business card? The answer is deceptively simple:

• Your name
• Your business’s name
• Your contact info
• An engaging (and brand-appropriate) design

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Business Card Dimensions by Region

So, how big is a business card? We already went over this, right? 😉

Well, actually there’s a catch — it kind of depends on where you’re doing business. If you’re networking outside of North America, use this handy list to ensure you choose the right card sizes.

US and Canada

As we discussed above, the standard size for these countries is:

• 3.5 x 2 inches | 89 x 51 millimeters

Japan

Japan has some of the largest business cards in the world. Measurements clock in at:

• 3.582 x 2.165 inches | 91 x 55 millimeters

Western Europe

The UK and most of Western Europe stick to cards roughly the size of a credit card. Ireland, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Turkey, Portugal, Slovenia, Austria, and the Netherlands all use these sizes:

• 3.346 x 2.165 inches | 85 x 55 millimeters

Eastern Europe & Oceania

A large majority of countries (including Finland, Hungary, Israel, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sri Lanka, Argentina, India, Brazil, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovakia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Bulgaria, Latvia, Mexico, South Korea, South Africa Croatia, and Estonia) use the following size for business cards:

• 3.543 x 1.968 inches | 90 x 50 millimeters

China

China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore use cards that are sized at:

• 3.543 x 2.125 inches | 90 x 54 millimeters

Iran

The standard business card of Iran is close to Western Europe’s in size.

• 3.346 x 1.889 inches | 85 x 48 millimeters

ISO 7812 ID-1

Slightly longer and shorter than a standard US card, this ISO business card has these specifications:

• 3.370 x 1.968 inches | 85.6 x 53.98 millimeters

ISO 216, A8 sized

One of the smaller business card sizes, the ISO 216 standard is sized at:

• 2.913 x 2.047 inches | 74 x 52 millimeters

ISO 216, C8 sized

This standard card size is part of the C-Series paper sizes, which are slightly wider than A-papers and have dimensions of:

• 3.189 x 2.244 inches | 81 x 57 millimeters

ISO 216, B8 sized

Like C-Series paper, B-Series sizes are slightly larger than A-Series paper sizes.

• 3.465 x 2.441 inches | 88 x 62 millimeters

Business card sizes can be a bit complicated.
Business card prices? – Now that should be simple.

Business Cards: Size Matters

Choosing business card dimensions and deciding what to include on a business card is one part personal preference and one part understanding market preferences. With these tips and examples, you’re ready to get your design started the right way.

Apr 15, 2022