Business card size & dimension guide (2026)

Business cards may be small, but business card sizes and dimensions matter more than most people realize. The size you choose shapes how your design looks, how your message reads, and how the finished card feels in real-life use.

While there are many creative options available, the standard business card size in North America is 3.5" x 2". This size has become the trusted go-to for designers because it offers a balanced canvas without feeling too tight or too spacious.

At Jukebox, we don’t just print cards. We set the global standard for them. Recognized as the Best Overall Business Card Printing Service for 2025 by Forbes Advisor and a Top Pick by NYT Wirecutter, we have analyzed millions of cards produced on our platform to bring you this definitive guide on formats, technical specs, and design trends.

Quick Summary: The Designer's Cheat Sheet

Need the numbers fast? Here are the exact specs to set up your design file correctly in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign.

💡 Tech Tip: The "Total Canvas Size" listed above includes the bleed. This is the exact dimension your canvas should be in your design software to ensure white edges don’t appear after cutting.

The Math: 3.5" (Width) + 0.125" (Left Bleed) + 0.125" (Right Bleed) = 3.75" Total Width.

Why the 3.5" x 2" Standard Dominates

With millions of cards produced annually on our platform, one thing is perfectly clear: the 3.5" x 2" size remains the overwhelming trend and the foundation of modern professional networking.

These formats have stayed popular for a reason. They make designing easier and help your final cards feel more usable in everyday life.

Feel Natural in the Hand: Sized for easy handling and simple pocket carry.

Easy Layout Space: Gives your design enough room for clear text and balanced spacing.

Works Everywhere: Supported across design tools, templates, and mockups around the world.

Fits Into Any Project: Easy to include in packaging, welcome kits, influencer mailers, and brand materials.

The Most Popular Business Card Sizes Today

Here’s a quick visual overview of the most common formats used around the world.

North America (Canada + United States)

Dimension: 3.5" x 2" (89mm x 51mm)

This is the world’s most used business card size. It is clean, familiar, balanced, and works beautifully for almost any design style.

European

Dimension: 3.35" x 2.17" (85mm x 55mm)

This size is close to a credit card. Slightly wider than the North American format, it creates a modern look that fits comfortably in wallets.

Japan

Dimension: 3.58" x 2.17" (91mm x 55mm)

Tall and refined. This size offers more vertical balance and is often used for structured layouts with multiple lines of text.

Creative Sizes That Bring Personality

Square Business Cards (2.5" x 2.5"): A cute, modern shape that works well for simple logos and clean layouts.

Mini Business Cards (3.5" x 1.25" or 3.5" x 1.5"): Slim, intentional, and memorable. Great for minimal or unique branding.

Oversized Cards (3.5" x 2.5"): Extra space for bold visuals, photography, or designs that need more breathing room.

Rounded corners: A 0.25" corner radius creates a modern, rounded look that feels intentional and different from traditional square cards.

Pro Insight:
"Business cards are getting more creative. We’re seeing unique effects, specialty textured papers, and ultra-thick formats—but even with all these trends, most customers still love the classic 3.5" x 2" size for its reliability and balance."

— Vissarutt Pilachai, Head of Digital Production at Jukebox

Why Size Influences the Final Look

It Shapes Your Layout and Orientation

A standard card gives you the most flexibility. Square or mini cards often create tighter, more considered layouts. Orientation dramatically changes the feel:

• Horizontal (Landscape): The most versatile and easiest format to design. It creates natural spacing and works with nearly every layout style.
• Vertical (Portrait): Less common but eye-catching. Often used by interior designers, artists, floral studios, and brands wanting a modern twist.

It Interacts Differently with Materials

The stock you choose influences how the size feels in real life. This is one reason Jukebox is known for premium quality and color accuracy.

• Thick duplex and 24pt recycled stocks: Add rigidity and presence.
• Textured stocks like Mohawk Superfine and Recycled: Add warmth and depth.
• Soft touch: Creates a smooth, modern feel that pairs beautifully with rounded corners.

Clean Design Checklist: Essential Artwork Guidelines

Here are the simple guidelines our prepress experts use to ensure your cards print perfectly:

• Trim Size (3.5" x 2"): The final cut size.
• Total Canvas Size (3.75" x 2.25"): Includes bleed to prevent white edges.
• Safe Zone: Keep important text and logos inside this inner margin.
• Resolution: 300 dpi minimum.
• File Format: PDF is preferred for preserving vector quality.

Need a head start?
Download our Blank Templates here (PDF, Photoshop, and InDesign).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard business card size in inches?
The standard business card size is 3.5 inches × 2 inches. Your digital file should be 3.75 inches × 2.25 inches to include bleed.

Do Canada and the US use the same size?
Yes. Both use the 3.5 × 2 format.

What is the standard business card size in centimeters?
8.9 cm × 5.1 cm when trimmed.

Why do I need bleed?
Bleed lets your design extend cleanly to the edge after trimming.

Do square cards work for everyday use?
Yes. They work beautifully for kits, packaging, and modern branding.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right size is one of the simplest ways to shape the personality of your business card. From the familiar feel of the classic 3.5" × 2" format to creative options like square, mini, or oversized, each size creates a different moment when someone holds your card for the first time. What matters most is choosing a format that supports your layout, your message, and the way you want your brand to be remembered.

For fresh inspiration and new ideas, explore our 2026 Business Card Design Trends.