US business card

A standard US business card measures 3.5 inches (89 mm) wide and 2 inches (51 mm) tall. This is the size used almost everywhere in North America, and it fits standard card holders, wallets, and Rolodex-style filing systems. This page covers the exact dimensions, print margins, and how it compares to the European standard.

Dimensions

Aspect ratio

The US business card has an aspect ratio of 1.75:1, close to the golden ratio (about 1.618:1) but not exact. This proportion has stayed unchanged for decades because it fits neatly into wallets and standard card holder slots.

Print specifications

Most print shops require a bleed area, typically 0.125 inches (3.2 mm) on each side, meaning the actual print file should be sized at 3.75 x 2.25 inches to account for trimming. Safe zones for text and logos are usually kept 0.125 to 0.25 inches inside the trim line to avoid important content being cut off during production.

US business card vs European business card

The US card is wider but shorter than the European standard. European cards use the same dimensions as a credit card (ID-1 format), while the US size predates that standardization. Card holders and cases designed for one size may not fit the other perfectly.

Common uses

The 3.5 x 2 inch format is the default size for most US business card printing services, including online print shops, office supply stores, and in-house printers. Standard business card holders, binder pages designed for card storage, and most wallet card slots are all sized around this dimension.

Design tips

When designing in software like Adobe Illustrator, Canva, or Microsoft Publisher, set the canvas to the bleed size (3.75 x 2.25 inches) rather than the trim size, then keep critical text inside the safe zone. Most print shops provide templates matching their exact bleed and safe zone requirements, so checking with your printer before finalizing a design avoids reprints.

Frequently asked questions

What is the standard US business card size?

3.5 x 2 inches (89 x 51 mm). This has been the standard size in the United States for decades.

Is a US business card the same size as a credit card?

No. A US business card is 89 x 51 mm, while a credit card is 85.60 x 53.98 mm under the ISO 7810 ID-1 standard. European business cards, unlike US ones, do match credit card dimensions.

What bleed size should I use for a business card?

Most print shops recommend 0.125 inches of bleed on each side, making the print file 3.75 x 2.25 inches total before trimming.

Will a European business card fit in a US card holder?

Usually, yes, since the size difference is small (a few millimeters), though the fit may be slightly looser or tighter depending on the holder’s exact slot dimensions.

What software is used to design business cards?

Common choices include Adobe Illustrator and InDesign for professional design, and Canva or Microsoft Publisher for simpler, template-based design work.

Related objects

• European business card
• Credit/debit card
• ID-1 card
• Passport