Business cards have been exchanged since the 17th century, but their dimensions remain surprisingly non-standardised.
European / International Standard
The most common size is 85 × 55 mm (3.35 × 2.17 in), close to ISO 7810 ID-1 (85.6 × 53.98 mm) — the size of a credit card.
US and Canada
North American standard: 3.5 × 2 inches (88.9 × 50.8 mm). Slightly wider and shorter than European — cards look "tall" to Americans and vice versa.
Japan
Japanese standard: 91 × 55 mm, slightly longer than the European size.
Regional Variations
- Europe — 85 × 55 mm
- US/Canada — 88.9 × 50.8 mm
- Japan — 91 × 55 mm
- China — 90 × 54 mm
- Scandinavia — 90 × 55 mm
- Hungary — 90 × 50 mm
- Iran — 85 × 48 mm
Square and Mini Cards
Some designers use square (55 × 55 mm) or mini (70 × 40 mm) cards. They stand out but don't fit standard holders.
Design Considerations
- Europe — 85 × 55 mm at 300 PPI = 1004 × 650 px
- US — 3.5 × 2 in at 300 PPI = 1050 × 600 px
- Japan — 91 × 55 mm at 300 PPI = 1075 × 650 px
Bleed and Margins
Always add 3 mm bleed (or 0.125 in). Keep text at least 3 mm from the trim.
Paper Weight
Standard: 300–400 gsm card stock. Heavier (> 450 gsm) feels luxurious.