A business card is often your first physical touchpoint with a potential client or partner. Getting the size right ensures it fits in wallets, card holders, and Rolodexes—and shows attention to detail that reflects well on your brand.
This guide covers standard business card sizes used around the world.
Quick Reference by Region
| Region | Size | mm | Inches | Pixels (300 DPI) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US & Canada | Standard | 88.9 × 50.8 | 3.5 × 2 | 1050 × 600 |
| Europe (ISO) | ISO 7810 ID-1 | 85.6 × 53.98 | 3.37 × 2.13 | 1011 × 638 |
| UK | Standard | 85 × 55 | 3.35 × 2.17 | 1004 × 650 |
| Japan | Standard | 91 × 55 | 3.58 × 2.17 | 1075 × 650 |
| China | Standard | 90 × 54 | 3.54 × 2.13 | 1063 × 638 |
| Australia | Standard | 90 × 55 | 3.54 × 2.17 | 1063 × 650 |
US & Canada Standard (3.5 × 2 inches)
The North American standard business card is 3.5 × 2 inches, fitting perfectly in US wallet card slots.
Dimensions:
- 3.5 × 2 inches
- 88.9 × 50.8 mm
- 1050 × 600 pixels at 300 DPI
→ Create a US business card canvas (300 DPI)
With Print Bleed
Professional printing requires bleed—extra margin that gets trimmed. Standard bleed is 0.125" (3.175 mm) on each side.
With bleed:
- 3.75 × 2.25 inches
- 95.25 × 57.15 mm
- 1125 × 675 pixels at 300 DPI
→ Create a US business card with bleed
Safe Zone
Keep important content (text, logos) at least 0.125" from the trim edge—this is your safe zone.
Safe area:
- 3.25 × 1.75 inches
- 82.55 × 44.45 mm
- 975 × 525 pixels at 300 DPI
European Standard (85 × 55 mm)
Most European countries use the 85 × 55 mm format, which is slightly different from the US standard.
Dimensions:
- 85 × 55 mm
- 3.35 × 2.17 inches
- 1004 × 650 pixels at 300 DPI
→ Create a European business card canvas
With Bleed (91 × 61 mm)
→ Create a European card with bleed
ISO Standard / Credit Card Size (85.6 × 53.98 mm)
The ISO 7810 ID-1 format matches credit card dimensions. Some businesses prefer this for consistency with card holders.
Dimensions:
- 85.6 × 53.98 mm
- 3.37 × 2.125 inches
- 1011 × 638 pixels at 300 DPI
→ Create an ISO standard card canvas
Japanese Standard (91 × 55 mm)
Japanese business cards (meishi) are slightly larger than Western cards, reflecting the cultural importance of the exchange ritual.
Dimensions:
- 91 × 55 mm
- 3.58 × 2.17 inches
- 1075 × 650 pixels at 300 DPI
Cultural notes:
- Exchange with both hands
- Receive cards respectfully
- Never write on received cards
- Store properly during meetings
→ Create a Japanese business card canvas
Chinese Standard (90 × 54 mm)
Chinese business cards balance between Western and Japanese sizes.
Dimensions:
- 90 × 54 mm
- 3.54 × 2.13 inches
- 1063 × 638 pixels at 300 DPI
Design considerations:
- Often printed in both Chinese and English
- Red is considered lucky
- Gold accents convey prestige
→ Create a Chinese business card canvas
Australian Standard (90 × 55 mm)
Australia uses a size similar to Europe and Japan.
Dimensions:
- 90 × 55 mm
- 3.54 × 2.17 inches
- 1063 × 650 pixels at 300 DPI
→ Create an Australian business card canvas
UK Standard (85 × 55 mm)
The UK follows the European standard.
Dimensions:
- 85 × 55 mm
- 3.35 × 2.17 inches
- 1004 × 650 pixels at 300 DPI
→ Create a UK business card canvas
Alternative Formats
While standard sizes dominate, some businesses opt for distinctive formats:
Square Card (65 × 65 mm)
Modern and memorable, square cards stand out but may not fit standard card holders.
→ Create a square business card (300 DPI)
Mini Card (70 × 28 mm)
Compact cards that work well for minimalist designs or as secondary cards.
→ Create a mini business card
Folded Card (70 × 100 mm folded)
Doubles the information space with a folded format. Opens to 70 × 200 mm.
→ Create a folded card layout
Vertical/Portrait Orientation
Any standard size can be rotated for vertical orientation. This works well for designs emphasizing names or single words.
→ Create a vertical US card (300 DPI)
Design Best Practices
Typography
- Minimum font size: 8pt for readability
- Name: 10-12pt, bold
- Title/details: 8-10pt
- Avoid: Decorative fonts for contact information
Essential Information
Include only what's necessary:
- Name
- Title/role
- Company name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Website
- Physical address (optional)
- Social handles (if relevant)
Visual Hierarchy
- Primary: Name and company logo
- Secondary: Title and contact method
- Tertiary: Address and additional details
White Space
Don't overcrowd. Professional cards use generous spacing to guide the eye and convey sophistication.
Print Specifications
File Format
- PDF: Preferred for print
- CMYK: Color mode for offset printing
- 300 DPI minimum: Resolution
- Embed fonts: Or convert to outlines
Bleed Settings
| Standard | Trim Size | With Bleed |
|---|---|---|
| US | 3.5 × 2" | 3.75 × 2.25" |
| Europe | 85 × 55 mm | 91 × 61 mm |
| Japan | 91 × 55 mm | 97 × 61 mm |
Paper Stock
Common options:
- Standard: 14pt (350gsm)
- Premium: 16pt (400gsm)
- Luxury: 18-32pt (450-800gsm)
Finishes:
- Matte
- Glossy
- Soft touch
- Spot UV
- Foil stamping
- Letterpress
Double-Sided Design
Most business cards use both sides:
Front: Logo, name, title Back: Contact details, or secondary branding
Design both sides as a cohesive pair.
→ Create a double-sided US card layout
QR Codes on Business Cards
Modern cards often include QR codes linking to:
- Digital business cards (vCard)
- LinkedIn profiles
- Portfolio websites
- Contact forms
QR code sizing:
- Minimum: 0.8 × 0.8 inches (20 × 20 mm)
- Recommended: 1 × 1 inch (25 × 25 mm)
- Include quiet zone (white space around code)
International Business Card Etiquette
Japan
- Present with both hands, text facing recipient
- Accept with both hands, study briefly
- Don't write on cards during meetings
- Store in a card case, not a pocket
China
- Present with both hands
- Gold and red are positive colors
- Have one side in Chinese
- Accept with appreciation
Middle East
- Present with right hand only
- Include Arabic on one side for Arabic-speaking regions
- Conservative design often preferred
Western Countries
- One-hand exchange is acceptable
- Focus on clarity and professionalism
- Digital follow-up expected
Common Mistakes
- Wrong size for region: US cards in European holders don't fit well
- No bleed: White edges after trimming look unprofessional
- Text too close to edge: Gets cut off during trimming
- Too much information: Cluttered cards look desperate
- Low-resolution images: Logos appear pixelated
- RGB color mode: Colors shift unexpectedly in print
Digital Business Cards
While physical cards remain important, consider digital alternatives:
- Apple Wallet passes
- LinkedIn QR codes
- NFC-enabled cards
- Digital vCard links
Design your physical card with a digital companion for complete coverage.
Summary
Choose the standard size for your primary market. If you operate internationally, consider having region-specific versions.
Key sizes:
- US/Canada: 3.5 × 2" (1050 × 600 px)
- Europe/UK: 85 × 55 mm (1004 × 650 px)
- Japan: 91 × 55 mm (1075 × 650 px)
Start with the correct canvas, add appropriate bleed, and your business cards will print perfectly every time.
