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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I didn't know about MOO until i read this site, ordered double sided business cards with them and im very impressed! Great looking quality cards, not cheap but well worth the price.
Rating: 5 / 5
Moo businesscards rock! Only downside is their price. Previously i ordered from a local printshop that was slightly cheaper but not even close to Moo's quality and luxurious feel
Rating: 5 / 5
I needed business cards quick so i ordered them with Overnight Prints. They just arrived (in time) and quality is fine, but the price with rush shipping was extremely high.
Rating: 3 / 5
I received my business card order this morning, quite some days sooner than my order tracker emails said they would arrive and honestly i do not remember ever being this impressed by a product i ordered online.
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Rating: 5 / 5
I have been using Printing for Less for years and I always know I will get excellent service. After graduating college I started my own clothing business and these guys created the perfect catalogues for me.
Im not a graphic designer, and I didn't know where to start so I gave them a call; they advised me what type of photos to take, how the text should be designed and were extremely helpful in the whole process. Highly recommend!
Rating: 5 / 5
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