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The standard size for a business card in Germany and Europe is85 × 55 mm (8.5 × 5.5 cm). This size is roughly equivalent to a credit card, so the card fits in almost any wallet, card slot, or business card holder. For companies, self-employed professionals, and designers, this size is the most important standard because it combines professionalism, practicality for everyday use, and easy storage.
Exact dimensions may vary slightly depending on the print shop. In addition, technical factors such as bleed, safety margins, and print resolution play an important role.
In this article, you’ll learn not only the standard size of a business card, but also the dimensions in centimeters and pixels, international formats, and tips for printing and design. You’ll also discover how companies like Lemontapscombine traditional paper business cards with digital profiles to leverage the benefits of both solutions.
Standard business card size: 85 x 55 mm
The standard size for a business card in Germany is 85 × 55 mm in landscape orientation. In portrait orientation, the dimensions are 55 × 85 mm. However, this format is used much less frequently than the classic landscape orientation.
The format is based on the international credit card standard and ensures that business cards fit easily into wallets and card holders. At the same time, standard dimensions allow for cost-effective printing and high compatibility with print templates.
Figure 1: Comparison of a Business Card and a Credit Card
Another commonly used format is 85 × 54 mm, which is used, for example, in integrated printing systems such as the Lemontaps paper business card ordering system .
Good to know: There is no official DIN standard for business cards. Nevertheless, the 85 × 55 mm format has become the standard in Europe.
Business Card Sizes Around the World
The size of a business card varies by country and region.
| Region | Dimensions in mm | Height in cm |
|---|---|---|
| Germany / Europe | 85 × 55 mm | 8.5 × 5.5 cm |
| United States / Canada | 89 × 51 mm | 8.9 × 5.1 cm |
| United Kingdom | 85 × 55 mm | 8.5 × 5.5 cm |
| Japan | 91 × 55 mm | 9.1 × 5.5 cm |
| China | approx. 90 × 54 mm | 9.0 × 5.4 cm |
American business cards are slightly wider and flatter than European ones, while in Japan, larger cards are traditionally used.
Business card dimensions in cm, mm, and pixels
Many users search not only for millimeters, but also for centimeters or pixel values for design programs such as Photoshop or Canva.
| Unit | Size |
|---|---|
| millimeter | 85 × 55 mm |
| centimeter | 8.5 × 5.5 cm |
| Inch | 3.35 × 2.17 inches |
| Pixels (300 dpi) | 1004 × 650 px |
Pixel Sizes for Printing
| Resolution | Pixel |
|---|---|
| 150 dpi | 502 × 325 px |
| 300 dpi | 1004 × 650 px |
| 600 dpi | 2008 × 1300 px |
For professional-quality print results, 300 dpi is generally recommended. Materials, paper thickness, and surfaces also affect the feel and the print result. High-quality business cards often start at a basis weight of 350 g/m².
Trim and Print Dimensions
When printing, the final size of 85 × 55 mm alone is not sufficient. A bleed must also be included to prevent white borders from appearing when the print is trimmed.
The standard bleed is 3 mm on each side.
| Area | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| Final format | 85 × 55 mm |
| Cut | 3 mm |
| Print File | 91 × 61 mm |
| Safety Distance | 3–5 mm |
Example of Print Data
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Final size: 85 × 55 mm
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Cutting allowance: 3 mm
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Print file: 91 × 61 mm
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Safety distance: 3–5 mm
Important information such as the name, phone number, or logo should always be placed at least 3 to 5 mm from the edge.
Figure 2: Bleed and Print Dimensions Explained
For integrated solutions such as the Lemontaps paper business card ordering system , print data is automatically adjusted to the correct format. Companies don’t have to worry about bleed, safety margins, or print templates themselves. Designs can be managed centrally and sent directly to connected print shops.
Figure 3: Lemontaps' paper business card ordering system
What's the right business card size?
For most companies, the standard size of 85 × 55 mm remains the best choice.
| Format | Size | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 85 × 55 mm | Professional |
| Portrait orientation | 55 × 85 mm | Modern |
| Square | 55 × 55 mm | Creative |
| Mini | 85 × 25 mm | Minimalist |
| Fold-out card | 85 × 55 mm | More space |
Mini business cards measure 85 × 25 mm and are particularly compact. Their shape and corners also influence the impression they make on the recipient. Unusual shapes can attract attention, but they should still be practical to handle.
Digital Business Cards as an Alternative
While physical business cards are still part of everyday business life, they also have their drawbacks:
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Contact information changes.
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Tickets get lost.
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Cards end up in the drawer unread.
Digital business cards offer significantly more flexibility.
Advantages of digital business cards
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Can be updated at any time
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No reprinting costs
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Can be shared via NFC or QR code
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contact information that is always up to date
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Integration of the Website, Calendar, and Social Media
Figure 4: Digital Profile of Lemontaps
Hybrid Model: Print and Digital
More and more companies are combining traditional paper business cards with digital solutions. Printed business cards remain practical for trade shows, client meetings, and events, while digital profiles can be updated at any time.
With Lemontaps, you can combine the best of both worlds:
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Centralized management of all business cards within the company
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Ordering Paper Maps
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Digital Profiles with NFC and QR Codes
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Real-time updates to phone numbers or email addresses
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Consistent branding for all employees
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No need to reprint if contact information changes
This is a practical way to combine printed and digital business cards. The paper card is ideal for in-person exchanges, while the digital contact information can be updated at any time and accessed directly on a smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Card Sizes
1. What is the standard size of a business card?
- The standard size in Germany is 85 × 55 mm.
2. How big is a business card in centimeters?
- A business card measures 8.5 × 5.5 cm.
3. How big is a business card in pixels?
- At 300 dpi, the size is approximately 1004 × 650 pixels.
4. Are there different business card sizes around the world?
- Yes. In the U.S., the standard size is 89 × 51 mm; in Japan, it is 91 × 55 mm.
5. What size should my business card be?
- For most companies, the standard size of 85 × 55 mm is recommended.
6. What do I need to keep in mind when printing?
- In addition to the final format, a 3-mm bleed should be included. Paper thickness, surface finish, and print quality also play an important role. Furthermore, important content should be placed at least 3 to 5 mm from the edge.