Business Card Dimensions and Why You Need Them – SimplyNoted

Business cards, those quintessential business introductions, have been in use for nearly 400 years. They were initially calling cards for the well-healed, used to trumpet a notable person’s arrival in town, or upon visiting another’s doorstep.

Over time, the cards evolved from their humble beginnings to the gilded, stately presentations we utilize today. In the process, standards were developed to simplify business card creation, and more importantly, make it easier to handle stacks of cards from varying sources.

Most modern business cards fit one specific standard, a size that at one time balanced ease of printing with the standard wallet sizes of the day. The lion’s share of cards fit into this category, but there are a few other options. Choosing one of these will make your business card stand out — however, it’s not clear whether your recipient will appreciate that.

If you’re in a hurry, let us save you time. Standard business cards are 3.5” wide by 2” tall. Unless you have a good reason, you should stick with these dimensions. Other standards exist, and they’re used occasionally, but handing out odd-sized cards may not be popular with your recipients. Your card won’t nicely fit in a stack with other cards and that might land it in the trash.