Standard Business Card Sizes Around the World

Standard business cards aren’t just personal marketing tools. For some, it serves as a status symbol that professionals use to widen and strengthen their connections.

Many companies would have stacks of business cards printed for their employees, and while creative designs and information often vary, one constant element for most standard business cards is their size. The standard business card size is 3.5” x 2” in the United States and Canada. But did you know these dimensions vary from country to country?

Business Card Comparisons

Countries like the United Kingdom and Japan feature slightly different business card sizes to match their own local standards. Regardless, the rule of thumb for most businesses is to match the 1.75 aspect ratio (roughly 51 mm x 89 mm).

Here are the dimensions of American, Japanese, and UK standard business cards and credit cards for comparison:

Plus, here's a table of standard business card sizes in different countries in detail:

Why are There Different Standard Business Card Sizes?

There are multiple reasons why business card sizes vary from country-to-country. One of the most common is the different systems of measurement. US and Canada often measure in inches while Europeans and Asians use the metric system (cm).

There’s also a matter of convenience. For instance, banking cards (85.60 × 53.98 mm) and business cards in Western Europe (85 × 55 mm) allowing them to be easily used in the same storage cases and card holders if needed. Similarly, other vital cards like credit cards may influence the standard business card size, just like in Japan and other Asian countries.

Regardless of the reasons, you can still tell that the differences in business card sizes are quite small.

There are also cases where certain standard business card sizes are adopted by another country, such as the case of Canada adopting the standard American business card size. Taking these factors, and the fact that business card printing services are now available online, you can easily consider that while there are differences, the uniformity of business card dimensions within countries is possible.

Designing Standard Business Cards Using Sizes

Business card sizes aren’t just important for uniformity. In many cases, the size and dimensions of your card will also dictate its design and printing. For example, there are bleed areas, safe zones, and trim lines that push your business card to extend further in the design, out before the cards are trimmed to their final size.

Knowing your business card size beforehand allows you to layout your safe zones when trimming down a business card design. The bleed areas can be any width, but 0.125” is typical for the North American context.

Other Business Card Size FAQs to Think About

1. Why are business card sizes different in Japan than in other Asian countries?

Japan follows a traditional 3.58" x 2.17" (91 x 55 mm) format, known as meishi, which reflects their cultural customs and formal business etiquette. Other Asian countries often use Western standards for their business cards, resulting in noticeable variations.

2. Will my U.S. business card fit in European cardholders?

The standard U.S. business card measures 3.5" x 2", while most European countries use 3.346" × 2.165" cards. This makes the former shorter, but wider. U.S. business cards may fit into European cardholders, especially if they carry larger cases for multiple cards.

3. What size should I use if I want my business card to work internationally?

The credit-card size is often the basis for most business card sizes, and it fits appropriately with the other standards. This size is widely accepted and balances well between U.S., European, and Asian standards, making it a practical global option.

4. What happens if my business card is larger?

Many professionals may prefer oversized cards, as they tend to grab more attention. However, they may not fit standard wallets or cardholders.

Recipients might fold or trim them if they're inconvenient to store. Fortunately, many printing services offer card holders or sleeves that can protect and hold larger business cards that clients can also use.

5. Can I customize my business card size to stand out?

Yes, you can customize the size for a unique impression, but keep usability in mind. Larger sizes and unique business card shapes may be memorable, but can be inconvenient. Ensure that you have the proper cases and holders that will protect your business cards.

Although standard business card sizes vary slightly around the world, these differences rarely create practical problems, especially since most of the changes are minute. Most recipients won’t even notice the variation unless they measure the card or compare it side-by-side with another business card. In other words, even if your card follows a U.S., European, or Japanese standard, it will usually be convenient to store. With online printing services like PrintPlace accessible to anyone, companies can order professional business cards in the standard sizes used by their local and international clients.