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Standard Business Card Dimensions

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.

Standard Sizes

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.

Dimensions by Country & Standard

The table below lists the standard dimensions for business cards used by country.

Aspect ratios range from 1.42 to 1.8.

Printing Guide for business cards

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.

Typical Bleed size:

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:

• Total document size (incl. bleed): 3.75 x 2.25 inches (95.25 x 57.15 mm - 1/8 in bleeds)
• Standard cut size: 3.5 inches by 2 inches (88.9mm x 50.8mm)

For European cards:

• Total document size (incl bleed): 91 x 61 mm (3.58 x 2.40 inches)
• Standard cut size: 85 x 55 mm (3.35 x 2.17 inches)

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.

Paper Weight for Business Cards

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.

About the Author

Pascal Smits is an expert in graphic design, print quality accuracy, product analysis and production process. With a background in print process management and printer development, Pascal is an all round expert.


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