Business Card Sizes by Country: US, UK, EU, Japan & More
The standard US business card measures 3.5 x 2 inches (89 x 51 mm), while the European ISO standard is 85 x 55 mm (3.346 x 2.165 inches). Japan uses 91 x 55 mm (3.582 x 2.165 inches). These three formats account for the vast majority of business cards printed worldwide. The table below lists every major country standard with exact dimensions in both inches and millimeters.
Business Card Sizes by Country
| Country / Region | Inches (W x H) | Millimeters (W x H) | Pixels at 300 DPI (W x H) |
|---|---|---|---|
| US / Canada | 3.5 x 2 | 89 x 51 | 1050 x 600 |
| UK / Europe (ISO) | 3.346 x 2.165 | 85 x 55 | 1004 x 650 |
| Japan | 3.582 x 2.165 | 91 x 55 | 1075 x 650 |
| China | 3.543 x 2.126 | 90 x 54 | 1063 x 638 |
| Australia | 3.543 x 2.165 | 90 x 55 | 1063 x 650 |
| India | 3.543 x 2.165 | 90 x 55 | 1063 x 650 |
| Brazil | 3.543 x 1.969 | 90 x 50 | 1063 x 591 |
| South Korea | 3.543 x 2.165 | 90 x 55 | 1063 x 650 |
The US/Canada size is the only one that uses a non-metric base. All other countries use metric-based dimensions. The European standard follows the ISO 7810 ID-1 specification, which also defines credit card and ID card dimensions.
Bleed Area Specifications
Bleed is the extra printable area that extends beyond the final trim line. It ensures that colors and images reach the very edge of the card after cutting. Without bleed, slight cutting variations leave thin white borders.
Bleed Dimensions by Card Size
| Card Standard | Final Size (mm) | Bleed Per Side | Document Size with Bleed (mm) | Document Size with Bleed (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US / Canada | 89 x 51 | 3 mm (0.125 in) | 95 x 57 | 3.75 x 2.25 |
| UK / Europe (ISO) | 85 x 55 | 3 mm (0.125 in) | 91 x 61 | 3.583 x 2.402 |
| Japan | 91 x 55 | 3 mm (0.125 in) | 97 x 61 | 3.819 x 2.402 |
| China | 90 x 54 | 3 mm (0.125 in) | 96 x 60 | 3.780 x 2.362 |
| Australia | 90 x 55 | 3 mm (0.125 in) | 96 x 61 | 3.780 x 2.402 |
| India | 90 x 55 | 3 mm (0.125 in) | 96 x 61 | 3.780 x 2.402 |
| Brazil | 90 x 50 | 3 mm (0.125 in) | 96 x 56 | 3.780 x 2.205 |
| South Korea | 90 x 55 | 3 mm (0.125 in) | 96 x 61 | 3.780 x 2.402 |
The industry standard bleed is 3 mm (0.125 inches) on each side. Some printers request 5 mm bleed, so always confirm with your printer before finalizing artwork.
Safe Zone Specifications
The safe zone (also called the safety margin) is the inner area where all critical content — text, logos, and key graphics — must be placed. Content outside the safe zone risks being cut off during trimming.
The standard safe zone is 5 mm (approximately 0.2 inches) inward from each trim edge. For the US card, this means your critical content area is:
- US safe zone: 79 x 41 mm (3.11 x 1.61 inches)
- EU safe zone: 75 x 45 mm (2.953 x 1.772 inches)
- Japan safe zone: 81 x 45 mm (3.189 x 1.772 inches)
Visual Summary of Card Zones
From outermost to innermost:
- Bleed area — extends 3 mm beyond the trim line on all sides. Fill with background color or images.
- Trim line — the final cut edge. This is the actual card size.
- Safe zone — 5 mm inside the trim line. All text and logos go here.
Resolution Requirements
Business cards are held at arm’s length, roughly 12-18 inches from the eyes, making detail and sharpness critical. The minimum resolution is 300 DPI (dots per inch).
Pixel Dimensions at 300 DPI
| Card Standard | Size (inches) | Pixels at 300 DPI | With Bleed (pixels at 300 DPI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| US / Canada | 3.5 x 2 | 1050 x 600 | 1125 x 675 |
| UK / Europe (ISO) | 3.346 x 2.165 | 1004 x 650 | 1075 x 721 |
| Japan | 3.582 x 2.165 | 1075 x 650 | 1146 x 721 |
| China | 3.543 x 2.126 | 1063 x 638 | 1134 x 709 |
| Australia | 3.543 x 2.165 | 1063 x 650 | 1134 x 721 |
| India | 3.543 x 2.165 | 1063 x 650 | 1134 x 721 |
| Brazil | 3.543 x 1.969 | 1063 x 591 | 1134 x 662 |
| South Korea | 3.543 x 2.165 | 1063 x 650 | 1134 x 721 |
Calculating pixels: Multiply the dimension in inches by 300. For example, 3.5 inches x 300 DPI = 1050 pixels.
Resolution Guidelines
- 300 DPI — the standard minimum for offset and digital printing. Produces sharp text and clean edges.
- 600 DPI — recommended for cards with very small text (below 6pt) or fine line art. Doubles the file size compared to 300 DPI.
- 150 DPI or lower — insufficient for business cards. Text appears fuzzy and pixelated at reading distance.
For a deeper explanation of resolution and how DPI affects print quality, see our DPI guide.
File Format and Color Mode
Recommended Formats
- PDF (print-ready) — the preferred format for most printers. Embeds fonts and preserves vector elements.
- AI / EPS — native Adobe Illustrator formats. Ideal for vector-based designs.
- PSD / TIFF — raster formats at 300+ DPI. Use when the design is photo-heavy.
- PNG — acceptable for online printing services, but must be 300 DPI with correct dimensions.
Color Mode
Always design in CMYK color mode for print. RGB is used for screens and will shift colors when converted to CMYK by the printer. Key points:
- Bright blues and greens often appear duller in CMYK.
- Request a physical proof from your printer to verify color accuracy.
- If your design includes Pantone (spot) colors, specify the PMS number.
Regional Differences and Practical Notes
US and Canada
The 3.5 x 2 inch size originated from the standard wallet slot and Rolodex card dimensions. It remains unchanged since widespread adoption in the mid-20th century. Most US printers stock this size by default.
Europe and UK
The 85 x 55 mm standard aligns with the ISO 7810 ID-1 format used for credit cards, driving licenses, and national ID cards. This makes European business cards compatible with standard cardholders.
Japan
Japanese business cards (meishi) measure 91 x 55 mm — slightly wider than the European standard. The exchange of meishi is a formal business ritual. Cards are typically printed on heavier stock (220-350 gsm) and presented with both hands.
China
The Chinese standard of 90 x 54 mm is 1 mm shorter in height than the European card. Many Chinese professionals carry cards in both Chinese and English, often printed on opposite sides.
Brazil
Brazilian business cards at 90 x 50 mm are the narrowest standard listed. The reduced height gives them a more elongated appearance compared to US or European cards.
Common Paper Weights for Business Cards
| Weight | Feel | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 250 gsm / 65 lb cover | Light, flexible | Budget cards, temporary use |
| 300 gsm / 80 lb cover | Standard, firm | General business use |
| 350 gsm / 100 lb cover | Thick, rigid | Professional, premium feel |
| 400 gsm / 120 lb cover | Very thick | Luxury brands, special finishes |
| 600+ gsm | Ultra-thick | Duplex/triplex layered cards |
Setting Up Your Business Card Design
- Choose the correct size for your target country from the table above.
- Set up your document at the final trim size plus 3 mm bleed on all sides.
- Set resolution to 300 DPI minimum.
- Use CMYK color mode for all print work.
- Place all text and logos within the safe zone (5 mm from each edge).
- Extend backgrounds and images to the bleed edge.
- Outline all fonts before exporting to prevent font substitution issues.
- Export as PDF/X-1a or the format specified by your printer.
Related Resources
- US Paper Sizes — letter, legal, tabloid, and other ANSI standards
- A-Series Paper Sizes — A0 through A10 dimensions
- DPI Guide — understanding resolution for print
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard business card size in the US?
The standard US business card size is 3.5 x 2 inches (89 x 51 mm). At 300 DPI, that translates to 1050 x 600 pixels. This size is also used in Canada.
What is the standard business card size in Europe?
The European (ISO) standard business card size is 85 x 55 mm (3.346 x 2.165 inches). This size follows the ISO 7810 ID-1 standard and is used across EU countries and the UK.
How much bleed should I add to a business card?
Add 3 mm (0.125 inches) of bleed on each side. For a US card, that makes the total document size 3.75 x 2.25 inches (95.25 x 57.15 mm). For an EU card, the bleed size is 91 x 61 mm.
What resolution should a business card be?
Business cards should be designed at 300 DPI minimum. A US card at 300 DPI is 1050 x 600 pixels. Higher resolutions like 600 DPI improve fine text and detail but increase file size significantly.
Can I use a US business card in Europe?
You can, but it may not fit standard European cardholders and wallets designed for the 85 x 55 mm ISO format. If you do business internationally, consider printing separate batches in the local standard size.