Business cards have been exchanged since the 17th century, but their dimensions remain surprisingly non-standardised. A card that looks perfectly normal in Tokyo may look oversized in Berlin or undersized in New York. Here is a global guide.
The European / International Standard
The most common international business card size is 85 × 55 mm (3.35 × 2.17 inches). This is close to the ISO 7810 ID-1 format (85.6 × 53.98 mm), which is also the size of a credit card. In Europe, Asia, and Latin America, this is the default.
The United States and Canada
The North American standard is 3.5 × 2 inches (88.9 × 50.8 mm). This is slightly wider and shorter than the European standard — which means European cards look "tall" to Americans, and American cards look "wide" to Europeans.
Japan
The Japanese standard is 91 × 55 mm, slightly longer than the European size. Japanese cards often have more space because Japanese business etiquette places great importance on the card exchange ceremony.
Regional Variations
| Region | Size |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| ISO 216 (business) | 74 × 52 mm (rare, folding cards) |
Square and Mini Cards
Some designers use square cards (e.g., 55 × 55 mm) or mini cards (e.g., 70 × 40 mm) for a modern, memorable look. These don't fit standard business card holders, which is exactly the point — they stand out, but can be frustrating for recipients who use wallets or Rolodex files.
Folded Cards
A folded card, when closed, should match the standard card size. The unfolded dimensions are typically 85 × 110 mm for a European folded card, or 3.5 × 4 inches for a US folded card. Folded cards give you twice the printable area and are often used for mini-menus, appointment cards, or product mini-brochures.
Standard Card Sizes for Digital Design
If you are designing a business card in Photoshop or Illustrator:
| Region | Size (mm) | Pixels @300 PPI |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | 85 × 55 mm | 1004 × 650 px |
| US | 3.5 × 2 in | 1050 × 600 px |
| Japan | 91 × 55 mm | 1075 × 650 px |
Bleed and Margins
Always add 3 mm bleed on each side (or 0.125 in for US). Keep text at least 3 mm from the trim so nothing gets cut off. The safe area for critical text is usually 5 mm from the edge.
Paper Weight for Business Cards
Standard business cards are printed on 300–400 gsm card stock. Heavier cards (450 gsm+) feel luxurious. Matt lamination gives a smooth, premium feel; textured uncoated stock feels more traditional. Spot UV or foil stamping are common embellishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a standard business card?
Europe: 85 × 55 mm. US: 3.5 × 2 in. Japan: 91 × 55 mm.
What is the ISO 7810 ID-1 size?
85.6 × 53.98 mm — the same as a credit card.
What is the best weight for a business card?
300–400 gsm card stock.
What is bleed?
Extra margin added around the design (usually 3 mm) to allow for slight cutting variations.
Can I design a square card?
Yes, 55 × 55 mm is a common square size. Note it won't fit standard holders.
What is spot UV?
A shiny coating applied to specific areas of the card to create a contrast with the matte finish.
Conclusion
Business card sizes vary by region, but the differences are small. The European 85 × 55 mm format is the most internationally recognised, followed by the US 3.5 × 2 in. If you work globally, consider having two versions of your card — one for your home region, one international.