What Should Be the Ideal Size for Business Cards?

Although there is no specific rule setting out the size of business cards, there are some good reasons to stick to the same sizes that other people are using. The ideal size for your business cards is the one that will make it as easy as possible for people to take and keep your cards. Generally, this will be about the size of a credit card and a similar size to the other business cards that they are collecting.

Usual Size for Business Cards

Business cards in the UK and most of Western Europe usually measure 85mm by 55mm, which is about the same size as a credit card. However, sizes can vary in other parts of the world, so if you’re conducting business overseas it is a good idea to learn about the local business card etiquette.

• Business cards in the US are usually measured in inches, with the standard size being 3.5x2 inches. This is slightly longer than the typical British business card as it works out at 88.9x50.8mm.
• Japan has some of the largest business cards, with typical measurements of 91x55mm.
• Chinese business cards usually measure 90x54mm.
• Business cards in Australia and New Zealand are usually 90x55mm, which is the same size often used in India.
• Another common size is 90x50mm, which is frequently used in India, Eastern Europe, South Africa, Brazil, and Russia.

Why Stick to the Usual Size?

Size matters for business cards because they need to be easy for people to carry and keep. If you’re handing out business cards at meetings, conventions or networking events then you want to make it as easy as possible for the recipients to keep hold of them. A good business card should easily fit into a wallet or pocket. It should also be about the same size as other business cards so that they can be stored together. If your business card is too big, then people are likely to crumple it up or throw it away. However, you shouldn’t make your business card too small either as it could be too fiddly for people to handle and the font size might end up being unreadable.

How to Be Creative Within the Size Limit

You can do lots of creative things to make your business cards stand out, without changing the size or making them harder to carry and store:

• Use the card in portrait (vertical) orientation rather than the usual landscape (horizontal) orientation.
• Print on both sides of the card to fit in more information, different languages, a map or other material.
• Folded business cards can give you more space to work with, but still fold down to the standard size.
• Choose a smaller card as it will still fit in with other business cards or in wallets. For example, a square card measuring 55mm by 55mm will still fit in with standard business cards.
• Change the shape of the card with cut outs, shaped borders or by going for an unusual shape such as a circular or oval shaped business card.