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 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
Inkgarden rules! I'm a sucker for personalized plates and I will use any excuse to order some; my mother's wedding, Christmas season or a new neighbor. They're not super sturdy but they hold on pretty well. I started by ordering some of the designs they feature but soon started making my own. This spring I had to order some personalized hoodies for a marathon so it was obvious I would use InkGarden. The print was flawless and everyone loved them! Have to agree with Aurora Martin, if you don’t use a modern camera the photo won’t print out very good.
Rating: 5 / 5
Tiny Prints is best for every occasion.
I have ordered our holiday cards, invitations and personalized stationary from them.
If the format you submit is off or your grammar is in question, Tiny Prints will call you, asking for clarification.
Not many companies pay such great attention to detail. Their selection is extensive, quality is high and their prices are the best. I highly recommend ordering from them.
Rating: 5 / 5
I absolutely love Cafepress! I have ordered from small stickers to shower curtains and pillows. The t-shirts are very well done and the design lasts for years; I have a dino tshirt that I bought two years ago and it still looks brand new. Super great service and fast delivery, Cafepress never disappointed me!
Rating: 5 / 5
I just received my wedding invitation cards from Tinyprints and couldn't be happier! Quality is excellent and it took less then a week for them arrive. A+++
Rating: 4 / 5