The Ultimate Guide to Standard Business Card Size: Dimensions, Bleed, and Resolution
If you’ve ever ordered business cards, you know there are a variety of dimensions to choose from. But which size is considered “standard” and why does it matter? In this ultimate guide to standard business card size, we’ll explore the most common dimensions, the importance of bleed, and the best resolution for printing.
What is the Standard Business Card Size?
The most widely used standard business card size is 3.5 inches by 2 inches (3.5″ x 2″). This size is popular because it fits easily into a wallet, purse or business card holder. It’s also the most cost-effective option for printing, as it can be printed on a standard sheet of paper and then trimmed down.
Bleed and Business Cards
Bleed is an essential aspect to consider when designing business cards. Bleed refers to the extra space around the design that extends beyond the final cut line. This extra space is important because it accounts for minor shifts during the cutting process, ensuring that the design still looks professional.
For business cards, the standard bleed size is 0.125 inches on all sides. Therefore, when designing your business cards, you should make sure that your design extends to at least 3.75 inches by 2.25 inches (3.5″ x 2″ plus 0.125″).
Resolution for Business Cards
When you design your business card, resolution is a vital factor to consider. The resolution represents the sharpness of the design, and it’s typically measured in dots per inch (DPI).
A minimum requirement for resolution for printed business cards is 300 DPI. A higher resolution provides a more professional-looking final product. Anything lower than 300 DPI may result in a blurry or pixelated appearance.
Conclusion
When designing your business card, the standard size of 3.5 inches by 2 inches, a bleed size of 0.125 inches on all sides, and a minimum requirement of 300 DPI for resolution should always be considered. These guidelines ensure that your business card will look professional and meet the standard expectations.
Remember that your business card is one of the most critical components of your company’s branding efforts. Therefore, it’s essential to get it right. By sticking to the ‘standard,’ your business card will come out looking professional, clean, and cohesive.
