Imagine returning home from a conference or convention and rifling through the stack of business cards you accumulated throughout the event. When shuffling through the pile at day’s end, the cards that immediately, and almost literally, stand out will be those of varying sizes. It’s going to be hard to ignore the square-shaped card, or the card that’s larger than all the others. The size, in other words, could earn your business card some extra attention or consideration, which might be crucial.
Business card sizing matters, then, as it’s yet another element, beyond the color, font, and layout, that you can use to grab a recipient’s attention. Modern-day business cards no longer need to follow a standard template where they’re all the same-sized rectangle. The new standard is that business cards are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, beyond those mentioned above, and in the article below, we’re going to explain the differences between them.
And, once you’ve seen what’s possible with our descriptions below, try each template on for size with our custom business cards page!
What Size is a Standard Business Card?
The standard size of a business card in the U.S. and Canada is 3.5″ x 2.0″. However, in Europe, the standard is 3.346″ x 2.165″, and in South-East Asia, Australia, and Scandinavia, it’s 3.54″ x 2.165″. These regional differences can be attributed to the standard size of cardholders, wallets, filing systems, and even the size of credit or bank cards in the respective countries. After all, it does make sense that the size of your business cards would conform to the size of your ATM cards, so that they can be carried around in the same holder.
In an article that suggested, at the beginning, that odd-shaped business cards stand out, it may seem strange to advocate for using standard-sized cards. However, think about your business and target audience, and what vibe or sentiment you’re trying to convey. For example, because the regular-shaped business card is well established, it can imply that you, too, are well established, and indicate stability and trustworthiness. Furthermore, if you’re brushing up on your “International Business Etiquette,” then it’s useful to know how standard sizes differ across the globe. For example, if you’re conducting business in the U.K., then you can bring a Euro standard-sized card to show your diligence and cultural awareness.
Square Business Cards
Square business cards measure 2.5″ x 2.5″ and can look rather distinctive. Because of their symmetrical shape, square cards are useful when you’re showcasing a logo, product image, or piece of artwork, and want to make it the centerpiece of your card – even a QR code or headshot would sit, um, squarely within the confines of the template.
Because square business cards aren’t as wide as the conventional U.S. card, there is a slight compromise to be made: you won’t have as much room to add text and information on a square card. Still, square cards have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many creative individuals attracted to this modern, minimalist approach (see our “Coming Up with Creative Business Cards” article for other trends and considerations). At the same time, the shape of the card isn’t too far detached from the typical rectangle, so it will still fit into wallets, card holders, notebook covers, and so on.
Large Business Cards
Large business cards, like Zazzle’s own Mighty-sized designs, can make a big impact. Depending on the type of business you’re in, you may want to do something bold and ground-breaking – something that immediately identifies you as a new competitor. In such a case, a large business card (3.5″ x 2.5″) is a way to garner attention, impress potential clients, and differentiate yourself from rival businesses. You could even round the corners to lend your imposing-looking card a softer, friendlier feel!
As with square business cards, then, big business cards are a way to let your logo or artwork breathe. Furthermore, if you provide a lot of goods and services, or have a complicated premise that may require some explanation, then a large business card will give you ample room to elaborate. Too much information can be overwhelming, though, and cause your card to seem messy and overcrowded, so try to strike a balance between making use of the extra space and keeping things simple and straightforward. To learn more about walking this structural tightrope, read our article on “Your Business Card Layout and Format.”
Mini Business Cards
The smallest of our sizes is the Mini, which measures only 3.0″ x 1.0.” Unlike the larger business cards, these will slip into any wallet or holder with ease, and because of their small size, they have a cute novelty factor, making your design and details seem rather fresh and unique. The diminutive size, unfortunately, means that these business cards are easy to lose track of, and they’re susceptible to damage when jostled alongside larger-sized cards.
The other downside to our smallest cards is that the design area is rather slim: you don’t have as much space as with standard-sized business cards, and far less than with our largest cards. That means you need to use each element wisely, and only include the essentials (preferably with a pop of color or prominent font, to ensure that your Mini business card isn’t easily misplaced). To learn more about how you can do that, consult our articles on “Choosing Your Business Card Colors” and “Choosing the Best Font for Your Business Card”). You may also want to consider using QR code or website links as space savers.
Folded Business Cards
Folded business cards are the most unique type of business card available on Zazzle. Shaped like a tent or book, they measure 3. x 4″ when unfolded and a standardized 3.5″x 2″ when folded. In other words, when both sides are joined together, these folded cards will sit neatly alongside your regular-sized business cards, because of their convenient dimensions!
These business cards also offer a lot of space for information and designs, because there are four layers of card for you to personalize. Furthermore, the fold allows your card to stand up, giving them a quirky, interesting look. Finally, folded business cards are favored by doctors’ offices, dental surgeries, and hair stylists, where appointments can be made. The typical trivia about the company can be included on the front, and space can be left on the inside for a staff member to note down a client’s next appointment.
Finding the right dimensions for your business card doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can be fun, and it’s important, too. Whether you want to come across as traditional and reliable or experimental and avant-garde, there’s a style, shape, and size available on Zazzle to help you find the right audience and tone. Depending on which you choose, you can either opt for a striking Mighty-sized card or a quaint Mini-shaped template in our business cards hub. And, for a more comprehensive explanation of how to navigate our design tool and upload your branding, you can consult our “How to Design Your Own Unique Business Card on Zazzle” article!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in March 2019, and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Eoin is a Content Specialist at Zazzle in Cork. He’s recently bought a house with his fiancée, and thus most of his time these days is spent trying to keep the walls from caving in and the wolves from the door. Still, he’s always open to book, game, and movie recommendations, so if you have some, let him know: he’ll add them to a very, very long list.
Looking for a standard size business card for my new Jewelry design business. I will be calling it crafty creations by Cheryl. I would like it to relate to Mountain/ camping life.