Although today digital seems to be the only important thing, business cards continue to be very useful to introduce you to new customers and partners. In addition, they help to convey the image and message of the company. ORn good design, it can make the person you give it to interested for what you offer simply because you convey a professional image consistent with what you preach as a company.Therefore, it is very important to take care of every detail to the millimeter: the color, the typeface, the style and, of course, the size. In this post we give you some notions about what is the recommended size for a business card so that you can choose the perfect format for you.
Business card size guide
Standard size
Is there a standard size for business cards? In Spain we consider that the standard size of business cards is 85 x 55 mm, as it is the most frequently used in the United Kingdom and Western Europe.
However, and although it seems crazy, this standard measurement may vary depending on the country. For example, in the United States and Canada it is normal for them to have a size of 88,9 x 50,8 mm. In Russia and in most Latin American countries they are usually 90 x 50 mm. In Japan, the most common is that they have dimensions of 91 x 55 mm.
Resolution, color mode and size in pixels
If you work with design programs, you may need to know what it will be the size of the card in pixels, what is the appropriate resolution and in what color mode you should work.
The size in pixels will obviously depend on the size of the card, in the image above I leave you a summary of which are the equivalences for the different designs. The dimensions of the US and Canadian cards (88.9 x 50.8 mm) are 1050 px x 600 px. European and UK standard they are usually a size of X.
As business cards are designed for printing it is important that you remember to work with andl CMYK color mode, and not with RGB, which is what we usually use when we design for the web. Finally, it is recommended that you fix resolution in 300 dpi for optimal results.
Other sizes and shapes
Although, as you have seen, there are certain standard measures, the classic rectangular cards are no longer the only ones available on the market and there are those who opt for more daring and creative designs.
Vertical business cards
Business cards often follow a horizontal layout. However, this is not mandatory. Choosing a vertical business card can make you stand out from the rest. In addition, they are aesthetically very attractive.
Square business cards
Who says business cards have to be rectangular? Square designs are very fashionableThey are elegant and give a modern touch to something as classic as a card. What's more, If you want to differentiate yourself from the rest, with this style it will be even easier than with the vertical format, because the shape is totally different. For example, imagine that you are in a congress or at a fair, in these events it is common to exchange cards, if a person has 20 cards in their pocket and of those cards only yours is square, it is impossible for it to go unnoticed among the rectangular ones.
Mini cards
Looking for something smaller than a standard size card? This option may interest you, the mini-cards that are offered in the market, usually have a narrow and elongated, rectangular, and they measure approximately between 70 x 28 mm and 85 x 25 mm.
Folded cards
This design is perfect if you need an extra space in which to add more detailed information. Although it is a somewhat larger card, it adapts perfectly to the size of a wallet or a pocket because it is folded in two.
Business cards with rounded edges
These cards have a great advantage and it is that, having rounded edges, the corners do not bend and it is easier to always carry them with you without damaging them. You can apply this style to any type of design and size that we have talked about previously.
In what format should I save the business card?
This will actually depend on where you are going to print them. Not all printers accept the same formats. I recommend that you when you go to print bring the file in .pdf, but what don't get rid of the editable file original (.ai, .psd, .idd), in case you have to make a change or in case you are asked to export it in a different format.
After these clarifications you are ready to find the perfect design, but I am going to leave you here some useful and practical tips so that you can yourself create a perfect business card.