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.
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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MOO is the best! I started working from home crafting dog products and I need some professional business cards and accessories. My neighbor is a freelancer and he recommended Moo. Since I am just starting out I went for their most simple and less expensive option, but I will upgrade my business cards in the next couple of months.
Rating: 5 / 5
I love Tiny Prints selection of announcement cards, they really stand out. Placed an order with them for the first time, and everything went well.
Rating: 4 / 5
Im quite happy with my photo book from Snapfish. It was delivered in good time (took 6 days) and the quality is excellent.
All images look bright and clear, there is no un-sharpness anywhere.
The cover photo worried me as it looked out of focus on the computer screen, but turned out sharp and vibrant on the book itself.
Unfortunately there were a few restrictions when i placed the order.
It is impossible to add frames or borders to the images and there is only a small selection of clip art. The selection of backgrounds however is very extensive.
If you are a simple computer user like me i recommend the Snapfish photo book service.
Rating: 4 / 5
Nice company to work with. Im an actual customer of PS Print and they never failed me. Their pricing is much better compared to local print shops. Good quality products, quick turn arounds and very good support (if needed).
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Rating: 5 / 5
When you first get a glimpse of their website you don't expect very much. Let's face it, their website looks pretty outdated!
However, and this is a big however, the printing quality speaks for itself. I usually use them for business cards and flyers but I also had to get some calendars and they look pretty good, considering I used my own photos and they were not very good looking.
One huge downside is the fact they don't offer a lot of customization features which is a shame, considering they deliver high quality printing at super affordable prices. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed.
Rating: 4 / 5
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