Business cards are one of the most essential marketing tools for any business. They help you make a lasting impression on your potential customers, clients, or partners. They also help you share your contact information, brand identity, and value proposition.
But do you know what is the standard size of a business card? And why does it matter? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will also give you some tips on how to design and print your own business cards that stand out from the crowd.
What is the standard size of a business card?
There is no universal standard size for a business card. Different regions and countries have different preferences and norms for their business card sizes. However, the most common and widely used size is 3.5 x 2 inches (or 89 x 51 mm) with a bleed of 0.25inch. This is the standard size of a business card in the US and Canada.
Why is this size so popular? Well, there are some practical reasons behind it. First of all, this size fits nicely into a wallet, purse, or pocket. It also matches the size of other cards that people usually carry around, such as credit cards, appointment cards, or licenses. Secondly, this size is easy to print and cut. It allows for enough space to display your information and design without being too crowded or too sparse.
Of course, you don’t have to stick to this size if you want to be more creative or unique. You can also choose from other sizes that suit your needs and preferences. For example, you can opt for a square business card (2.5 x 2.5 inches), a mini business card (3 x 1 inches), or a custom-shaped business card (such as a circle, a hexagon, or a die-cut).
However, keep in mind that choosing a different size may affect your printing costs, availability, and compatibility. Some printers may charge extra for non-standard sizes or shapes. Some cardholders or organizers may not fit your cards properly. Some recipients may find your cards inconvenient or impractical to store or use.
How to choose the right size for your business card?
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the size of your business card. It depends on your goals, budget, industry, audience, and personal taste. However, here are some factors that you may want to consider before making your decision:
- Your message: What do you want to communicate with your business card? How much information do you need to include? How do you want to present it? The size of your card can affect how much space you have to display your text, logo, images, or graphics. It can also affect how readable and legible your card is.
- Your design: How do you want your business card to look like? What style, colors, fonts, or elements do you want to use? The size of your card can affect how well your design stands out and attracts attention. It can also affect how harmonious and balanced your design is.
- Your differentiation: How do you want your business card to be different from others? What impression do you want to make on your recipients? The size of your card can affect how memorable and distinctive your card is. It can also affect how professional and credible your card is.
- Your printing: How do you plan to print your business cards? What options do you have for paper stock, finish, coating, or special effects? The size of your card can affect how much it costs to print and produce your cards. It can also affect how durable and quality your cards are.
How to design a standard size of a business card?
If you decide to go with the standard size of a business card (3.5 x 2inches), you need to follow some basic design guidelines to make sure your card looks professional and prints well. Here are some tips to help you design a standard size business card:
- Use a vector-based design tool: Vector graphics are scalable and resolution-independent, which means they will look sharp and crisp on any screen or printer. You can use a vector-based design tool such as Adobe Illustrator, Indesign, Inkscape, or Brandly to create your business card design.
- Set up your document size and bleed: The document size is the actual size of your business card design, including the extra 1/8 inch for the bleed. The bleed is the area that extends beyond the trim line of your card, which ensures that there are no white edges when your card is cut. To set up your document size and bleed, you can use one of the templates from online tools such as Brandly, Canva or follow these steps using Adobe Illustrator.
- Create a new document and set up the artboard to width of 3.5 inches and a height of 2 inches.
- Go to File > Document Setup > Set the bleed to 0.125 all round
- This means 3.5 inches by 2 inches is your trim line, while any content of your design that touches the 0.125 area will be trimmed off.
- Draw a box and resize it to width of 3.25 inches and height of 1.75 inches.
- Go to View > Guides > Make Guide to change the box into a guide and this serves as your safe area.
- Go to View > Guides > Lock Guides to lock them in place.
- Choose your colors and fonts: The colors and fonts you use on your business card can affect how your brand is perceived and remembered. You should choose colors and fonts that match your brand identity, industry, and audience. You should also make sure that your colors are in CMYK mode, which is the color mode used for printing. CMYK stands for cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, which are the four ink colors used by printers. To set your working color mode to CMYK mode, follow these steps in Adobe Illustrator.
- Go to Window > Color and click on the CMYK icon at the top right corner of the panel.
- Adjust the sliders or enter the values for each color channel until you get the desired color. You can also enter the HEX code of the color. By double clicking onthe active color on the color Swatches.
- Add your text and images: The text and images you add on your business card should be clear, relevant, and informative. You should include your name, title, company name, logo, contact information, and any other details that you want to share with your recipients. You should also make sure that your text and images are within the safe area of your card, which is at least 1/8 inch away from the trim line. This ensures that they won’t be cut off or distorted during printing.
- Save your Document: Save your document, and when you have finalised your design you can save it as PDF or TIFF file. This two file types allow clear printing of fonts of all ty
How to print a standard size business card?
Once you have designed your standard size business card, you need to print it out and cut it to size. You have two options for printing your business card:
- Print it yourself: If you have access to a high-quality printer and paper cutter, you can print your business card yourself at home or in your office. You will need to use a thick and smooth paper stock that can handle high-resolution printing. You will also need to use a paper cutter or a pair of scissors to cut your cards to size. To print your business card yourself, you can follow these steps:
- Open your business card design file in your vector-based design tool or PDF reader.
- Go to File > Print and select your printer and preferences.
- Make sure to choose the correct paper size and orientation for your card. If you are using pre-scored paper, look for the specific product name or number in the paper options. If you are using non-perforated paper, choose a custom size and enter the dimensions of your card with bleed (3.75 x 2.25 inches).
- Make sure to choose the best quality and resolution settings for your printer. You may also need to adjust the scaling or fit options to ensure that your card is printed at the right size and position.
- Load your paper into the printer tray or manual feed slot. Make sure to align it properly and avoid bending or creasing it.
- Print a test page on a regular paper first to check for any errors or alignment issues. If everything looks good, print your business cards on your cardstock paper.
- Cut your cards to size using a paper cutter, die cutting machine or a pair of scissors. If you are using pre-scored paper, simply fold along the perforated lines and tear off the cards. If you are using non-perforated paper, use a ruler and a pencil to mark the trim lines on the back of the paper. Then cut along the lines carefully and evenly.
How to print a standard size business card professionally
If you don’t have access to a high-quality printer and paper cutter, or if you want to save time and hassle, you can print your business card professionally at a local or online printing service. You will have more options for paper stock, finish, coating, or special effects. You will also get a more consistent and accurate result. To print your business card professionally, you can follow these steps:
- Choose a reputable printing service that offers custom business card printing services, such as Lampmediatouch and others available online. You can compare their prices, quality, reviews, and delivery options before making your decision.
- Upload your business card design file to their website or platform. Make sure that your file is in PDF or TIFF format with crop marks and bleed settings. You may also need to convert your colors to CMYK mode if they are not already.
- Choose your paper stock, finish, coating, or special effects for your business card. You can choose from different thicknesses, textures, colors, and finishes for your cardstock paper. You can also choose from different coatings or laminations that can enhance the appearance and durability of your card. You can also add some special effects such as foil stamping, embossing, debossing, spot UV, or die-cutting that can make your card more unique and impressive.
- Review your order details and confirm your payment and delivery information. You may be able to preview your business card online or request a physical proof before printing. You may also be able to track your order status and delivery date online.
- Receive your business cards at your door or pick them up at a local store. Enjoy your professional-looking and high-quality business cards.
How to choose Lampmediatouch for printing and graphic design?
If you are looking for a reliable and affordable printing and graphic design service for your business cards and other marketing materials, you should choose Lampmediatouch. Lampmediatouch is an online platform that offers custom printing and graphic design services for any type of product or packaging. You can choose from different shapes, sizes, materials, and designs for your business cards and other products. You can also upload your own design or use their free templates to create your own products.
Lampmediatouch has a fast and easy ordering process, a friendly and helpful customer service team, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can get your products delivered to your door in no time. Whether you need business cards, flyers, brochures, banners, stickers, labels, or any other printed or graphic products, Lampmediatouch has you covered.
Visit lampmediatouch.com today and get started on creating your own products. You won’t regret it!
Conclusion
The standard size of a business card is 3.5 x 2 inches in the US and Canada. This size is practical, easy to print and cut, and fits well in most wallets and card holders. However, you can also choose from other sizes that suit your needs and preferences. You can also design and print your own business cards using various tools and methods. You can also use your business cards effectively to make a lasting impression on your recipients and achieve your marketing goals.
If you need help with printing or graphic design for your business cards or other products, you should choose Lampmediatouch. Lampmediatouch is an online platform that offers custom printing and graphic design services for any type of product or packaging. You can get high-quality products at affordable prices with fast delivery and excellent customer service.
Don’t wait any longer. Order your business cards from Lampmediatouch today and see the difference!
FAQ
Q: What is the standard size of a business card?
A: The standard size of a business card in the US and Canada is 3.5 x 2 inches (or 89 x 51 mm). However, different regions and countries may have different preferences and norms for their business card sizes.
Q: How to design a standard size business card?
A: You can design a standard size business card using a vector-based design tool such as Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or Brandly. You can also use a template from Brandly or other online platforms that offer custom business card printing services.
Q: How to print a standard size business card?
A: You can print a standard size business card yourself at home or in your office using a high-quality printer and paper cutter. You can also print it professionally at a local or online printing service such as Lampmediatouch.
Q: How to choose Lampmediatouch for printing and graphic design?
A: You can choose Lampmediatouch for printing and graphic design by visiting their website at lampmediatouch.com and placing your order online. You can choose from different shapes, sizes,