Size Guide

Choose the Right Size

From the classic European dimensions to the Japanese meishi format, and from square to slim designs, here's everything you need to know about business card sizes, plus tips by industry.

Standard Sizes Around the World

The ISO 7810 ID-1 standard is based on the dimensions of a standard credit card, 85.6 × 54 mm. Fitting perfectly into any wallet, it's the most widely used format in the world.

A comparison of business card standards by region
Region	Dimensions (mm)	Dimensions (in)	Wallet Fit	Note
ISO 7810 ID-1	85.6 × 54 mm	3.37 × 2.13″	Perfect	International standard
European Standard	85 × 55 mm	3.35 × 2.17″	Perfect	European standard
US Standard	88.9 × 50.8 mm	3.5 × 2″	Perfect	North American standard
Japanese Standard (Meishi)	91 × 55 mm	3.58 × 2.17″	Good	Traditional Japanese meishi

ISO 7810 ID-185.6 × 54 mm

Identical to the international credit card size. Slips neatly into wallets, cardholders and business card boxes. The most popular format worldwide.

European Standard85 × 55 mm

Common across Europe and very close to the ISO standard. Despite the millimetre difference, every print shop in Europe handles this format, and it fits wallets perfectly.

US Standard88.9 × 50.8 mm

The standard across North America, with a slightly wider, more horizontal shape. It fits American-style cardholders perfectly, though it may leave a little extra room in European-sized cases.

Japanese Standard (Meishi)91 × 55 mm

The 'meishi' tradition holds great importance in Japanese business culture. Suited to both portrait and landscape designs, this size is usually stored in dedicated meishi cases.

Alternative Format Options

Stepping outside the standard sizes sets your design apart. Even so, it's important not to lose sight of everyday usability and how easy the card is to carry.

55×55

Square Format

65 × 65 mm

Its symmetry delivers a distinctive, balanced look. A bold logo paired with a clean contact area works beautifully in square designs.

Ideal for: Creative agencies, photographers, artists and boutique brands

May not fit in classic wallet slots, so a separate cardholder might be needed to carry it.

70×28

Mini Format

70 × 28 mm

An elegant, compact alternative. Rather than a primary business card, it's often used as a promotional insert in product packaging, a QR code card or a way to share your social media handles.

Ideal for: Supplementary cards, product packaging and event giveaways

Slips easily into the card slots of standard wallets.

85×40

Slim Format

85 × 40 mm

A format that keeps the standard width but trims the height. It has a minimal, refined feel. Ideal for clean designs that carry only a name, title and essential contact details.

Ideal for: Premium brands, law firms, consultancies and finance companies

Fits wallets effortlessly and is incredibly easy to carry thanks to its slim profile.

Choosing a Size by Industry

Which size suits your line of work best? A few recommendations based on our experience in printing and design.

Corporate and Finance

ISO 7810 / European Standard (85 × 55 mm)

In the corporate world, sticking to familiar formats is usually the safer bet. Standard-sized cards slip easily into wallets and cardholders, making them practical for international meetings.

Design and Creative Industries

Square (65 × 65 mm) or Slim Format (85 x 40 mm)

In this field, a business card is like a mini portfolio that reflects your personal style. The square format lets you build eye-catching compositions, whilst the slim format helps you strike a more minimal note.

Networking and Events

ISO 7810 / US Standard (Standard sizes)

At busy trade shows or conferences, the cards people collect need to slip easily into a pocket or wallet. Standard sizes make it easy for the recipient to keep your card on hand.

Luxury and Premium Brands

Slim Format (85 × 40 mm) or European Standard (85 x 55 mm)

A transparent PVC card in slim format looks remarkably sleek. Minimal text, generous white space and the natural reflection of the transparent material instantly elevate the sense of quality.

Design Tips by Size

Your design approach should adapt to the size you choose. To get the most out of the distinctive texture of transparent business cards, keep these details in mind.

Standard (85 × 55 mm)

Leave space around your logo on the transparent background to showcase the material's reflective quality. Group your contact details in the lower corners to make them easy to read. And don't forget to keep a safe area of at least 2 mm from the edges for trimming.

Square (65 × 65 mm)

Lean into the symmetry: place the logo in the centre and arrange your details around it. Diagonal lines or patterns look sharp on square cards. Rounded corners help the shape stay distinct.

Mini (70 × 28 mm)

In a limited space, stick to the essentials, such as your name and a QR code. Since small text is harder to read on a transparent surface, don't drop your font size below 7 pt and keep colour contrast high.

Slim (85 × 40 mm)

In landscape layouts, you can split the space in two: your logo and name on one side, your contact details on the other. Adding a thin vertical line between them pulls the design together. To balance the transparency, choose legible fonts in dark colours or pure white.

More Guides

Design Guide→Material and Durability→Order Process→

Frequently Asked Questions

Our core production standards are the European size (85 × 55 mm) and the American size (89 x 51 mm), which are the most widely accepted internationally and fit wallets perfectly. They're also available in other formats such as square (65 × 65 mm) and slim (85 × 40 mm).

The ideal size for transparent PVC business cards comes down entirely to your taste, intended use and the standards common in your region. The 85 × 55 mm size widely used in Europe is a classic, safe choice, whilst the American 88.9 × 50.8 mm standard offers another option to consider. For a more eye-catching, design-led look, the 65 × 65 mm square format works well, and for a sleeker, more minimal effect, the 85 × 40 mm slim format is a great pick. In short, go with the size that fits your region for standard use, or choose a special format like square or slim for a more original look.

Of course you can, though European-made cardholders may leave a few millimetres of extra room. If you have a lot of international meetings, the 85 × 55 mm size is the safest bet for all-round compatibility.

Square cards at 65 × 65 mm generally fit the standard horizontal slots of wallets, but they may not work in vertical pockets or classic cardholders. While it's an eye-catching format, it's worth considering how the people you hand them to will store the card.

To keep text and logos clear of the trim, always work at least 2-3 mm in from the edges, within what's known as the 'safe area.' On transparent PVC cards, using empty space generously highlights the material's distinctive transparent texture and gives a far more elegant result.

For a standard 85 × 55 mm business card, you should prepare your working file at 91 × 61 mm, leaving 3 mm of bleed on each edge. Bleed is essential for a flawless trim. Always be sure to keep important text and logos within the safe area, 2-3 mm inside the card.

Have another question?

Our team is here to help with anything related to production and design.

Get in Touch