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Business Card Size

Depending on the impression you’re trying to make, any size for a business card can be the right one. Large or small, key shaped or pineapple shaped, there’s no size that can’t fit the right business. There are a lot of options, and each one can have a different impact on customer retention. The choice is yours; which size will you choose?

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What Does ‘pt’ Mean When Designing A Business Card?

When looking into designing a business card, no doubt you’ve encountered the abbreviation ‘pt’. The abbreviation ‘pt’ is in reference to the thickness of the business card, which is measured in points. Therefore, ‘pt’ equals one point, which measures out to be 1/1000 of an inch. Standard business cards stand at 14pt, which measures out to the typical thickness of a flyer or brochure. A 16pt card is also popular, equating a thickness similar to a greeting card or manilla folder. The higher the ‘pt’, the thicker the card.

Business Card Size

Recommended Size

While the standard business card size is 3.5“ x 2”, we recommend the credit card size (3.375" x 2.125") for most business cards. It can easily fit in your wallet, eliminating the possibility of a potential client losing it or throwing it away. The standard business card size is too wide to fit into a typical wallet, which means your card is more likely to stay in your customer’s pocket longer than a standard card.

Sizes

Standard
3.5" x 2"
Credit Card 3.375“ x 2.125”
Square Card 2“ x 2”, 2.5“ x 2.5”
European Standard 3.35” x 2.17“
Circle Business Cards 3“ x 3” 3“
Business Card with Rounded Corners 3.5“ x 2“
Breakaway Cards 3“ x 5”, 4“ x 6”
Slim 1.5“ x 3.5”, 1.75“ x 3.5”
Australia 3.543 x 2.165“
China 3.543 x 2.125“
South & Central America 3.543“ x 1.969” & 3.543“ x 2.165”
Africa 3.425“ x 2.244” & 3.543“ x 1.969”

 

Thickness

Card thickness impacts how your card feels. Thicker cards have a bit more weight to them, and usually feel sturdier and less flimsy than less thick cards, giving them a premium feel. A thicker card can help you stand out from the competition; how thick your business card is largely depends on what material its printed on. Paper business cards are thinner than plastic business cards; 14pt and 16pt are the most common business card stocks, and the thickness of those cards are about as thick as a flyer or postcard. 32pt stock would be considered an extra thick business card. Plastic business cards are usually thicker than paper business cards, and typically round out around 30 mil, or .03 inches in thickness.

Corners

Traditional square corners use to be the most common design implemented on business cards, mainly due to the printing process of business cards during that time. It used to be just about impossible to cut cards with rounded corners rapidly and in large quantities, but this was when paper was the only production material for business cards. With the expansion of printable material came a plethora of new options, and corners became another way of expressing yourself on your business. Not only can you have rounded corners, but you can also customize your plastic business cards into a specific shape to make sure no one forgets your card.

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Stock Types

It can be daunting to see the number of stock choices available to you as you begin the design process. The stock used in the card will influence its durability and its weight, which can be factors that affect your card’s retention with your potential customers. Depending on what your business means to say with your card, different stocks can have different effects. The heavier the stock, however, the higher the price. Here is what you need to know about the stock types of your cards.

100lb Gloss Cover

100lb gloss cover sounds like a complicated type of stock, but really, it just means a 12pt stock that can be easily paired with a gloss finish. It is also often the cheapest option. Usually, 100lb gloss cover is used for booklets or brochures. This stock, due to its thin nature, is more flexible than other stocks.

14pt

The most common and popular stock is 14pt. The typical thickness of a flyer creates a sleek and professional standard, and still leaves itself open for customization. 14pt is an excellent choice if you’re buying in bulk as well.

16pt

16pt stock is a more durable, luxurious stock than the 14pt, and the second most popular option available. Though the price is greater, the card improves the feel and look of your card as soon as it’s in a client’s hands.

18pt C1S

18pt, even thicker still, increases durability, and increases perceived value as well. C1S means ‘coated front only’, a stock commonly used to present your relevant information on one side, protected from scuffs and scratches, while the other side is uncoated for notes and other writings.

20pt

20pt, more common in plastic and other sturdier material, produces both a strong card and a strong statement. The durability of the card leaves itself open for plenty of creative design choices, from transparent material to a die cut custom shape.

Ultra Thick

Ultra thick cards, sometimes referred to as double thick, are cards that round out to a 30pt thickness or thicker. The cards are rigid and incredibly durable, emphasizing strength and stability. These cards are common with attorneys or executives.

Vertical & Horizontal

Horizontal cards are the more popular option, but more and more businesses are using vertical cards to stand out. Vertical cards are a popular choice if you’re including a profile photo. A typical vertical business card has the inverse dimensions of a standard business card, so the dimensions would be 2“ x 3.5”. However, vertical business cards can be easily produced in other sizes as well to fit your requirements.

Weight

The weight of your business card largely depends on the material you’re printing on and what they are finished with. Paper business cards are most commonly printed on 14 point and 16 point stock and they have approximately the same weight as a postcard.

Custom Shapes

Common Questions

Typical questions pertaining to Business Card Size

Do NFC business cards need to be a certain size?
Currently, we specialize in making NFC business cards in our recommended 3.375“ x 2.125” size. Right now, we aren’t producing NFC business cards in sizes smaller than 3.375“ x 2.125”. Other printing shops may be able to make them in different sizes, but most only offer 3.5“ x 2” or 3.375“ x 2.125”.
What are the most popular business card shapes?
Square, circle, rounded corner, square rounded corner, leaf, half circle.
What about popular custom shapes?

Some of our most popular custom shaped business cards include:

▪ House Shape

▪ Key Shape

▪ Pineapple Shape

▪ Cupcake Shape

Can you print business cards in other shapes?
With plastic business cards, it's easy to create an amazing shape that will help your business card stand out and make a big impact. We have a large library of shapes, but we can create new ones, you just have to ask. With die cut business cards, the possibilities are limitless. As such, the dimensions of your cards will vary depending on the shape you choose. Die cut business cards probably won’t fit nicely into a wallet, but they are unforgettable and something people will want to save. With custom shapes, your business cards can be so much more than just a business card, they are also a piece of art. When printing on different types of material like paper, cotton, or metal, your custom shape options are much more limited.
What are business card holders and what size do I need?
Business card holders are designed to hold your business cards. Sizes vary, but we currently offer a single slot business card holder and a four slot business card holder. Business card holder typically hold standard size business cards (3.5“ x 2”) and credit card size (3.375“ x 2.125”). If your cards are a custom shape, or larger than the standard sizes, it is unlikely that they will fit in a business card holder.
What is the advantages and disadvantages of a heavier business card? Example metal.
A heavier business card is sturdier than a typical card, giving it a high-end feel that exudes quality and luxury. Heavier cards are less likely to bend or tear. However, usually the heavier the card, the more it costs. For example, metal cards are going to weigh significantly more than paper cards, and the price difference will reflect that disparity.
What is the best size for a clear business card?
Our clear business cards are just like our standard business cards, meaning they come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Like our standard business cards, we recommend credit card size (3.375“ x 2.125”). However, your clear business cards can come in custom shapes as well. Combining clear accents and custom shapes can help create a one-of-a-kind card that will stand out in a major way.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of a lighter business card?
Lighter business cards are more prone to bending or tears. They also feel less sturdy than a heavier business card, so some might consider them cheap. On the plus size, lighter business cards are less expensive.

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