Business Card Dimensions

Business cards are usually used as a way of formal introduction and left behind after business meetings. The business cards are handed out as the best way to exchange personal information that one can easily remember for future reference. Usually these cards contain the name, address, phone number, fax number, email address, the educational qualifications, professional details, company name, etc. The business cards are used by people from different walks of life like self-proprietors, sales men, company heads, insurance companies officials, restaurants managers, hotel staff, bank employees, schools runners, shop owners, etc.

Business cards are a way of self marketing and self promotion. They are the best way to help people to contact plumbers, carpenters, repairmen, baby sitters, etc., when in need. They help spread the word around and help businesses get customers and clients.

As you already know that business cards are a way of self promotion and marketing, this makes it very important to print the business cards carefully with relevant information. You can print the business cards on both sides or include the information on one side only. You can use plain white card with black words or you can choose a colorful card with designer fonts. You can even get the card engraved or with raised print. But the most important point to be considered is business card dimensions. The business card size should be able to fit in a wallet or purse easily. There are standard business card measurements that vary according from country to country. Let us have a look at the US dimensions of business cards.

Dimensions of a Business Card
The standard dimensions in America is 91 mm x 59 mm, that is, 3.5 x 2 inches. This business card size is also followed in Canada and Latin America. When bleeds are used the business card measurement is 3.6 x 2.1 inches. This extra 1/8 inch business card size is used for adding designs or backgrounds that may extend beyond the standard business card measurement. The bleed makes the card a bit over-sized and after printing it is cut down to the original size. This gives a look to the business card dimension that the print bleeds off at the edge without having to keep the white borders.

Business Card Size
While you are designing the card, you should keep the document page size equal to the business card measurement added with bleed area. This means the business card measurement should be 3.75 inches wide and 2.25 inches high. If you do not want to use bleed, you need to set the document size to 2.5 inches x 2 inches. After you complete printing your car, you can cut down the bleed area.

This brings us to the very important part, keeping all the text and logo to be included in the business card within the design area. This design area is the 1/8 inch area around the margin. The text should be 3.25 x 1.75 inches inside the business card area. In case you have extra information to put, you can design the business card in such a way that you are able to use up both the sides.

Business Card Dimensions Around the World
In United Kingdom, the business card dimension is 3.346 inches x 2.165 inches (85 x 55 mm). This business card measurement is followed in Germany, Spain, Netherlands and Switzerland. The 3. 54 inches x 2.165 inches (90 x 55 mm) dimensions of business cards is followed in Australia, Denmark, New Zealand, Norway and Sweden. Japan follows 3.582 inches x 2.165 inches (91 x 55 mm) as the standard businesses card dimensions.

Today, it has become very easy to design and make your own business cards at home by using the right software. A business card is a very important document that helps introduce you to people. Therefore, make sure you print a legible card with relevant information on your it.