Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM
Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.
Question
What are the correct dimensions and bleed for a business card file?
Answer
Getting the dimensions right is what keeps a card from being trimmed incorrectly or losing important text at the edges. Build your file to the standard size, add bleed, and keep the essentials inside a safe margin so nothing critical sits near the cut line.
| Element | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Standard trim size | 3.5 x 2 inches |
| With bleed on all sides | 3.75 x 2.25 inches |
| Safe margin from trim | 0.125 inches |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Color mode | CMYK |
- Add bleed: extend backgrounds 0.125 inches (3 mm) past the trim so no white slivers appear after cutting.
- Respect the safe zone: keep text and logos at least 0.125 inches inside the edge.
- Work in CMYK: designing in print color avoids the shift that happens when RGB files convert.
- Know the alternatives: the European standard is 85 x 55 mm, square cards typically run 2.5 x 2.5 inches, and folded cards use the standard size doubled for extra info such as a mini menu.
- Match your field: the standard rectangle fits every wallet and suits conservative industries, while square, rounded, or die-cut shapes trade easy storage for a more memorable first impression in creative fields.
Export the finished file as a print-ready PDF with fonts embedded.
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