Business Card Size: Everything You Need to Know
Table of Contents
What is a Business Card?
A business card is a small printed card with an individual’s contact details, name, job title, email address, and phone number. It is generally used for promotional purposes or networking. They are usually given out to individuals after introductions or during meetings. You can keep at least one or two of your own business cards with you.
Why Business Cards are important?
As business people, we need to present ourselves to our customers and colleagues in the best light possible. A business card is representative of us and our company and speaks highly of both. Therefore, your card should be as professional as possible. Your resume and cover letter reflect your accomplishments and expertise; your business card will reflect the same. An experienced business card is an investment, but it can pay off with more clients, sales, and opportunities.
Here are more five reasons why business cards are still important:
1. They’re convenient and portable
2. They allow for a more personal connection
3. They help you stand out from the competition
4. They establish credibility
5. They allow for better networking
What is the standard business card size?
Although other sizes are acceptable, standard business cards size are 3.5 inches by 2 inches. For example, many print experts print their cards on mini cards, measuring 1.75″ by 2.25″.
The printable area available for your information is generally the same regardless of the dimension guide; it’s just that there’s more space on larger cards so that more information can be printed at once, and they look better when they’re spread out on a table.
Models of the Standard Business Card Size
The size and shape of business cards have been around for over 100 years and have not changed much over time because they work perfectly. Three basic sizes are commonly used today: Standard custom Business Card Size (2″ x 3.5″), Jumbo (3.5″ x 2″), and Miniature (2″ x 2″). Each card has its benefits and drawbacks. Rounded corner business cards have dimensions of 3.5″x 2, while Square business cards are 2.5″x 2.5″. The standard business card size is nearly universal—you can take your card anywhere and expect it to fit into traditional wallets, purses, and pockets. Following are some common versions of the standard business card size:
-Standard European/Canadian (105x74mm)
-A3 (297x420mm)
-Square (105x105mm)
You’ll want your business card to fit just right in someone’s wallet or purse—not too large and not too small. The standard size for all kinds of business cards is 2″ x 3.5″, but some unique variations in size can be used to your advantage if you know what you’re doing. For example, if you have a lot of information to include on your business card (images, logos, etc.), you may need to go up to 2″ x 4″ or even 2″ x 6″ within the safe printing area or safe zone of the design program. If you have a large logo or image on your card that needs to be consistent across the whole piece, the extra space will let you do this without having the information feel cramped by comparison. The larger sizes can also be helpful.
Well-designed Business Card
Specifications Of Business Card Size
The business card is one of the essential tools in your marketing toolbox. It’s a physical representation of you and your brand, so it’s vital that it’s visually appealing and of great quality. However, the most important thing about a business card is that it can be read quickly. To create sure that your card is read quickly, you need to follow the standard requirements for size and materials and some design elements to help it stand out from the competition.
Set your file final size to 3.75 x 4.25 with bleed for folded business cards or 3.5 x 4 without bleed for completed size.3.5″ x 3.75″ (uneven fold) and 3.5″ x 4″ folded business cards design templates are also available (even fold).
The critical points for designing a business card are:
- It should be 2-1/8″ x 3-1/2″ (52 x 89mm)
- Use thick card stock – at least 350gsm
- Use matte or eggshell finish, not gloss
- There should be no bleed or crop marks on the edges
- Keep typography simple and tasteful (avoid comic sans)
Front of the card
Include only what is necessary. For example, the front of a card should include your name, phone number, email address, and website. Also, include your job title and company if you have one (if not, leave this section blank).
Back of the card
There are three categories of information on the back of a business card:
- The biodata includes personal data like your birthday and education history.
- The core data provides information about your position in the company.
- The social media links are usually Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn account.
You should also include a QR code or an NFC tag for easy connection with others’ mobile devices.
Paper used for the card
Ensure that the paper has a matte finish because it looks more professional than glossy paper.
Also, use a thicker stock because it stands out in a pile of business cards better than thinner paper.
Popular Business Card Sizes By Country & Culture
Business cards are an integral part of doing business. They’re a way to get your name, title, and contact information into the hands of your potential clients. This tool is used frequently in North America and China, while they are less common in Japan.
Business card sizes vary by country and culture. The most well-known size is the American business card size, which is 3.5″ x 2″. This size is also used in Canada and Mexico. Another popular size is the European business card sizes, 89 mm x 50 mm, used in many other countries like Germany and France.
The standard business card size in the metric system is 8.9 × 5.1 cm (Centimeters) or 88.9 x 50.8 mm (Millimeters). However, in the United States, there are no legally controlled standard business card sizes.
The choice between the two sizes comes down to preference and culture. For example, if you have a lot of experience working with Americans, using an American-sized business card will help you connect with them more easily. However, if your prospects are Europeans and Asians, using their preferred size may be wise to make connections with them.
Most European countries use the standard sizes, 85mm x 55mm. The United States uses a slightly smaller version at 77mm x 52mm. The rest of the world generally uses the compact version, 60mm x 40mm.
Round edges and custom printing effects are among the various possibilities available for commercial printing of custom business cards. A printed business card’s standard measurements are 3.5 x 2 inches. To be trimmed down to the finished size after printing, make the document page size equal to the card size plus the bleed area, or 3.75″ wide x 2.25″ high.
In Europe and the US, it’s common to print full-color images on a business card. These typically don’t come with rounded corners because printing full-color photos with rounded corners can be pretty expensive. However, some countries (such as Japan) have a thing for rounded corners and will get them printed regardless of cost. These corners are usually not printed in color but rather left white lines so that they stand out against the rest of the card.
In some countries, business cards are more important than in the US. In Germany, for example, business cards aren’t just about professional relationships—they’re also about creating personal connections that could lead to social ones in the future. It’s not uncommon for Germans to exchange contact information with someone and then see them again at an event or party a few weeks later.
Business cards also have different uses worldwide: in China and Japan, they’re used as much as calling cards (or even more) as they are used as a tool for networking and exchanging information.
Materials to use for the card?
Many materials can be used in making business cards, and each has different advantages. Some of the most popular choices include paper, plastic, wood, and even metal. Of course, which material you will choose is a matter of personal preference, but there are a few things to consider. For example, a bleed business card design is printed slightly more extensive than necessary and then trimmed down to size, giving the lasting impression that the printing “bleeds” down the card’s edge rather than having white borders.
Metal
Metal appointment cards are durable and sturdy, but they’re also heavy and expensive. However, if your business involves a lot of travel or you frequently attend events where you’ll be handing out your card, this might be a good choice.
Plastic
Plastic business cards are often seen as more professional than paper ones, but they have the same problems – they’re prone to damage, and they weigh quite a bit. The benefit of plastic is that it’s straightforward to write on with a pen or marker – it makes it easy for potential clients to remember you.
Wood
Wooden business cards are lightweight and elegant-looking, but they can warp over time if they aren’t sealed correctly. They’re also prone to water damage – if you spill something on your wooden card or leave it out in the rain, it can easily warp.
Paper
Handmade paper is one of the unique options. The texture and subtle color variations in the handmade paper make it fun to look at – and each one is unique (although slightly imperfect). Explore some amazing business card designs.
Shape to choose for the card?
The shape of your business card can significantly affect how it’s perceived. For example, a circular card conveys humor and thoughtfulness, while a square card suggests stability and confidence. A wavy business card is informal and appealing, while a rectangular card is clean and straightforward. You can use the shape of your business card to send the right message about what you’re selling, who you are in person, and what you want people to think of you. The shape may also be used to make your business card stand out from the crowd, drawing attention to itself when it’s on someone’s desk or in their purse. Find some interesting birthday card ideas.
The most common shapes for business cards are rectangular, square, and round. Each has its history and associations, so consider how you want your business card to be perceived before selecting its shape. For example, if you’re going to convey stability, go with a square or rectangular design. On the other hand, if you want to appear somewhat friendly and approachable, choose something rounder with curved edges (like the famous “oval” or “ellipse”). Let’s find the guide on how to resize an image in Photoshop.
How to make the right choice
There are so many options, making it easy to get overwhelmed and make mistakes.
To make the right choice, you must know what you need the business card for and what kind of materials are there. When choosing business card sizes, the first thing to consider is what type of business you’re in and what kind of impression you want it to make.
Do you want your business card to fit in a wallet or a purse? Are your services geared toward the professional world or the public at large? Are you a new start-up, or have you been in business for years?
The three most common sizes for business cards are mini, standard, and executive.
The mini size is 1 1/4″ x 2 1/2″ (32 x 63mm), which is just big enough to fit your name and contact info on one side.
The standard size is 2 3/4″ x 3 1/8″ (70 x 75mm), with wiggle room to include everything you need.
The executive size is 3 1/2″ x 4 1/8″ (90 x 105mm), which is more room than the standard size but maybe too big for some wallets.
This finished card size business is not set in stone; many designers choose customized sizes for their clients, sometimes breaking up the information into two or three cards. Despite some flashier examples, most business cards should be straightforward and to the point.
For a best quality business card, you’ll want to focus on three things:
– Your name/name of the company
– Your contact information (email and phone number are standard)
– Your job title
Conclusion
Business cards might be one of the most valuable and affordable marketing tools. They do take a little bit of effort to get, they don’t take up much space or weigh you down, and you can give them to potential clients on the go. When you put work into your business card, it represents more than just your contact information—it means your brand. Your card should be legible and straightforward, with a clear message about who you are and what services you provide. It should be easy to look at and feel well-crafted, but it doesn’t need to be flashy or over-the-top. Here, you can reach the interactive business card ideas.
