Business Card Size Guide: Standard Dimensions & Design Tips

A business card may be small, but it carries big weight in making a first impression.

Whether you hand them out at events, include them in packages, or leave them after meetings, your card keeps your brand top of mind.

The right dimensions make sure your card looks professional, fits easily into wallets, and is practical for everyday use. In this guide we’ll explore the standard UK business cars sizes, finishes and designs that looks professional, fits easily into wallets, and is practical for everyday use.

What Is the Standard Business Card Size?

In the UK and most of Europe, the standard business card size is 85 x 55 mm. This matches the size of a credit card, which makes it easy to store in a wallet or purse.

Business card size in mm: 85 x 55 mm
Business card size in cm: 8.5 x 5.5 cm
Business card size in pixels: 1050 x 600 px (at 300dpi)

This format is the most common and reliable choice for all businesses and professionals.

Alternative Business Card Sizes & Shapes

While standard cards are popular, choosing a different shape can help you stand out.

Square business cards (65 x 65 mm): Modern, compact, and perfect for highlighting logos or creative designs.
Rounded corner business cards (85 x 55 mm): Same size as standard but with soft edges for a stylish, contemporary finish.
Custom sizes: Some industries benefit from unique dimensions to make cards instantly memorable.

Business Card Print Guidelines

To ensure your cards look sharp and professional, follow these printing guidelines:

Bleed area: 88 x 58 mm extend backgrounds or patterns here to avoid white edges.
Trim size: 85 x 55 mm the final cut size of your card.
Safe area: 82 x 52 mm keep logos, text, and important details inside this zone.

For designers working in pixels:

Standard card: 1050 x 600 px
Full bleed: 1083 x 633 px
Safe area: 1008 x 558 px

Business Card Design Tips

A well-designed business card is more than just your contact details, it’s a snapshot of your brand. The right design choices can make your card memorable and encourage people to connect with you.

Here are some expert tips:

1. Choose Finishes That Elevate Your Brand

Matte finish: Sleek and modern, great for a minimalist look.
Gloss finish: Adds shine and makes colours pop.
Embossing or debossing: Creates a tactile effect by raising or pressing details into the card.
Foil stamping: Metallic highlights in gold, silver, or colour add a premium touch.
Textured stock: From recycled kraft paper to linen finishes, texture can make your card stand out.

2. Include a Clear Call to Action (CTA)

Your card should guide people to take the next step. Some examples:

“Book your consultation today.”
“Follow us on Instagram @YourHandle.”
“Scan the QR code to view our portfolio.”
Adding a simple CTA helps your card work harder for your business.

3. Keep Fonts Legible and Consistent

Use no more than two fonts to keep the design clean.
Stick to fonts that reflect your brand personality but are easy to read at small sizes.
Ensure contact details are in a minimum 8 pt size so they don’t disappear when printed.

4. Use White Space Wisely

Don’t cram too much information onto your card. White space draws attention to your most important details and keeps the layout balanced.

5. Align With Your Brand Identity

Consistency builds trust. Match your card’s colours, fonts, and style with your website, logo, and other marketing materials so customers instantly recognise your brand.

Printed Business Cards from Active Print & Design

At Active Print & Design, we know a great business card is more than just paper and ink, it’s a first impression that sticks. That’s why we offer professional printing services tailored to your needs.

Here’s why businesses across Leeds, UK choose us for their business cards:

5-Star Rated on Google – trusted by local businesses for quality and service.
Same-Day Printing Available – perfect if you need business cards in a hurry.
Competitive Pricing – premium cards without the premium price tag.
Sustainable Printing Options – eco-friendly paper stocks and finishes for a greener choice.

Whether you need standard 85 x 55 mm cards, stylish square cards, or rounded-corner designs, our team can help you create a look that reflects your brand.

Combine that with our design expertise, and you’ll have a business card that’s not only memorable but also practical.

Get in touch today to start your order and make your business cards work harder for you.