A business card plays an important role in business and socializing. Whether you’re a professional or running a business, you’re likely to give or exchange business cards with partners, clients, or customers. So, how big is a business card? There are different business card sizes in different regions across globe, and there would be more complicated when it comes to custom-sized business cards. Let’s have a look at some common sizes of business cards so you will know what is the right one for yourself.
Standard Business Card Size
Ok, here is the question- What is the standard business card size? Or, is there really a standard business card size, as in a way of old-school? Yes, indeed, even in modern society. In North America, people have been using the so-called “standard” business card size for decades that measures 3.5” x 2”, which is slightly longer and narrower than the credit card. Countries and regions may also have their own size standards. However, those sizes are more or less close to each other, because the business card would fit the business card holders so the recipient won’t find hassles to keep them.
Drawing of US standard business card
Business card size table for different regions in inches, mm, cm, and pixels
| Regions | In Inches | In mm | In cm |
In Pixels * (at 300 dpi) |
Ratio |
| US and Canada | 3.5” x 2” | 89 x 51 mm | 8.9 x 5.1 cm | 1050 x 600 px | 1.75 |
| UK & EU | 3.35” x 2.17” | 85 x 55 mm | 8.5 x 5.5 cm | 1005 x 650 px | 1.54 |
| South America | 3.54” x 1.97” | 90 x 50 mm | 9 x 5 cm | 1062 x 591 px | 1.8 |
| China | 3.54” x 2.12” | 90 x 54 mm | 9 x 5.4 cm | 1062 x 636 px | 1.67 |
| India | 3.54” x 2.16” | 90 x 55 mm | 9 x 5.5 cm | 1062 x 650 px | 1.64 |
| Japan | 3.58” x 2.17” | 91 x 55 mm | 9.1 x 5.5 cm | 1074 x 650 px | 1.64 |
* PPI (pixels per inch) = DPI (dots per inch) = Resolution
300 PPI is the best printing resolution of digital printer.
Generally, it is not a good choice to make your business card too larger than the standard size used in your region, otherwise it won’t fit the universal card holders so the recipient has to collect them separately, or simply throw them away.
Regardless of the design, the standard business card size can accommodate all pivotal information that can be used by the recipient to recognize your business name/brand and to reach you further. The standard business card keeps you providing essential information only so any prospective business partners or clients are not distracted.
Credit Card Sized Dimensions
Besides the standard size of different regions, there is also a popular choice, that is the credit card sized dimension.
Credit card sized business card table in inches, mm, cm, and pixels
| Size Type | In Inches | In mm | In cm |
In Pixels * (at 300 dpi) |
Ratio |
| Credit Card Sized Business Card |
3.375” x 2.125” | 85.6 x 53.98 mm | 8.56 x 5.40 cm | 1011 x 638 px | 1.74 |
* PPI (pixels per inch) = DPI (dots per inch) = Resolution
300 PPI is the best printing resolution of digital printer.
What is credit card size, and why it is good for business card too
Credit cards in all countries in the world share the same size, which is defined by ISO/IEC 7810#ID-1. The dimensions are 3.375” x 2.125” in inches, 85.6 x 53.98 in mm, 8.56 x 5.40 in cm, or 1011 x 638 in pixels. This is to facilitate the mutual applicability and universality between different types of enterprises and banks in the world. In this way, the card readers in different regions only need to be developed according to same industry norms can be universal.
When this size is applied to business cards, it is world widely popular because it provides owners and recipients with practical benefits. As it comes in the same size as your credit card, the card would fit most wallets. You don’t have to load your business card in a separate holder, simply bring some cards in your wallet, while the recipient can straightforwardly store your business card into their wallet too.
Square Business Card Size
The square business card just got more common today. Well, it’s formerly one of the most popular custom sizes for business cards that take a larger part in the millennial business market. The general measurement is at 2.5” x 2.5” which is wider than credit card and standard business cards. It takes the width of the chubby business card for all sides.
Square business card size table in inches, mm, cm, and pixels
| Size Type | In Inches | In mm | In cm |
In Pixels * (at 300 dpi) |
Ratio |
| Square Business Card Size | 2.5” x 2.5” | 63.5 x 63.5 mm | 6.35 x 6.35 cm | 750 x 750 px | 1 |
* PPI (pixels per inch) = DPI (dots per inch) = Resolution
300 PPI is the best printing resolution of digital printer.
Be careful using a square business card
Despite having a unique appearance, square business card size is more efficient since it’s smaller than most cards. As it has a more limited space than standard and credit card-sized cards, people usually make use of both sides of the cards. One is for the business information while the other side is for an enlarged company or brand logo. However, as mentioned above, this business card may not fit in standard business card holders since it has a wider dimension. So, be careful use it if you are not in a environment or your industry there it is not so popular, or it will risk being thrown away because it doesn’t fit in the recipient’s card holder.
Custom Business Card Size
Don’t find the size you need? Some people prefer to use a customized business card size to accommodate their preferences. They want to have more flexibility in designing the layout and providing more information about their business. A popular custom size even reaches two times of standard business cards with foldable designs that allow them to load more words and images.
The digital printing shop usually has a catalogue of business card sizes along with samples of the cards. If you don’t know where to start, you can simply refer to the catalogue and find the one that suits your needs.