If you are looking for more information on business card dimensions then, you’ve come to the right place.
Some Facts About Business Card Dimensions
The Standard Dimension For US & Canada Business Cards
If you are looking to print some business cards for yourself or for your company, then I am sure you are overwhelmed by many different options out there. There are just too many options to choose from, printing companies nowadays offer things like glossy coatings, glitter fonts, special quality paper, plastic cards, full color printing and so on.
Some of these options can be important and some might be totally irrelevant to your needs. Some would prefer full color printing both sides of their business cards. Some may prefer glossy surface or coating. It all depends on your preference and of course, your budget. To assist you with this, here are some of the things you can consider when getting your business cards.
1. The Card Size (Dimensions)
The first thing to consider is of course the size or dimension of the business card you want. Generally, there is a standard size used in your country.
What you may not know is that different countries may use a different card size as their standard. For example, in the United States and Canada, the standard size/dimension for a business card is 3.5 x 2 inches. For the United Kingdom or other European countries, they normally use business cards that are 3.346 x 2.165 inches in dimensions.
Typically, your printing company should know the standard size that people use in your country. You will know the correct size needed based on their suggestions.
2. The Paper Type
Apart from the size, you also have the option to choose the different types of paper that you can use for your business cards. You can choose to use normal business card paper with no coating whatsoever, you can choose paper with glossy coating or recycled paper, or you can use materials other paper like plastic. (Yes, there are companies that offer to make ‘plastic’ business cards).
The cheapest option is of course the most basic type, normal paper with no fancy coating. This is the best option if you are tight on budget.
Another option would be the coated kind of business cards. The cards will usually have a glossy and shining finish which will probably give a more professional impression to people.
We will talk more about coating later.
And finally you can also choose to use recycled paper. This option may cost you but you are helping the environment. There are companies out there that print business cards on recycled paper.
3. Printing Sides (Color/Black & White)
1. An Example Of "4/0" Or "Four Over Zero" Sided Business Card
Now apart from paper type, the next option you have is the printing of the sides of your business card.
Basically there are 4 options available:
- 1/0 – 1 color printing on one side of the paper, nothing printed on the other side.
- 4/0 – 4 color printing on one side of the paper, nothing printed on the other side.
- 4/1 – 4 color printing on one side of the paper, 1 color printing on the other side (e.g. – If let’s say you want a whole color effect for your business card, like for instance an all black or all blue business card, then you would need to print one color on the back so it will look like one whole color card).
- 4/4 – 4 color printing on both sides of the paper.
4. Business Card Coating
2. A Deck Of UV Coated Business Cards
Another important option is the coating of a business card. This includes the glossiness or sheen of the card along with other properties.
Printing companies offer ultra-violet glossy coating and aqueous coating. The UV coating will add protection from ultra violet rays from your cards. This will avoid significant fading while giving a glossy sheen effect, making your business card looks professional and elegant.
Aqueous coating will improve the durability because it protects the card from dust, scratches, dirt and other deterioration.
All these options really depend on your preferences. If you are just looking to print a simple business card or on a budget then you can just ignore having coating on your cards. Coating will definitely make your business cards look more professional, it might be worth it if you don’t mind spending more.
5. Business Card Cuts
3. Unique And Creative Business Card - Birdies Cut
Last but not least, the cut for your business card. The common cut that you see on a business card is usually the standard rectangular straight cut.
There are also the “rounded” corner cut. The edges will be smoothened out to a rounded or curved edge.
And of course, if you want to get really fancy or creative, you can choose to customize your own business with your own unique cuts that create a specific shape (like the birdie in the example shown). But this will of course cost you a lot more money but let’s save that for another topic. ; ) .
Most of us will just choose the normal straight cut because it’s common and it’s easier to obtain as all printing companies offer that. Others may go for the rounded edges and there are a small percentage of individuals that will go after ‘creative’ and ‘unique’ cuts especially if you are in a more ‘creative’ and ‘artistic’ industry like graphic design, animation companies etc.
At the end of the day, the choice is still yours.
There you have it, some of the most common business card printing options. You should now able to choose the ones that suit your own preference.
