Business Card Sizes Explained: UK Standard and Beyond

What is the standard UK business card size?

The standard business card size in the UK is 85mm x 55mm. If you are ordering cards for the first time, this is almost certainly the size you want. It fits neatly into wallets, cardholders, and pockets, and every printer in the country stocks it as a default option.

You will sometimes see this written as 8.5cm x 5.5cm, or roughly 3.35 x 2.17 inches. The dimensions are slightly different from the US standard (which is 89 x 51mm), so be careful if you are working from an American template.

How does it compare to a credit card?

A credit card measures 85.6mm x 53.98mm. That is fractionally narrower than a UK business card, but close enough that both fit in the same wallet slot. This is not a coincidence. The standard was designed so that business cards sit comfortably alongside bank cards and loyalty cards.

If someone tells you they want a "credit card sized" business card, the standard UK size is already close enough. No need to order anything special.

Square business cards

Square cards are typically 55mm x 55mm or 65mm x 65mm. They stand out because most people expect a rectangle. If your brand leans towards something visual (photography, design, food) a square card gives you a different canvas to work with.

The trade-off is practical. Square cards do not fit as neatly into standard cardholders or wallet slots, and they cost a little more to produce because they are a non-standard cut. Worth it for some businesses, but not a decision to make on a whim.

Mini business cards

Mini cards are roughly half the width of a standard card, often around 85mm x 25mm. They became briefly popular when a certain online printer promoted them heavily, but they have limited use in practice. There is not much space for information, and they are easy to lose.

That said, they work well as appointment cards, drink tokens, or loyalty stamps where you only need a name and one or two details. If you are considering mini cards, think about what you actually need to fit on them before committing.

Folded business cards

A folded business card starts as a larger sheet (typically 85mm x 110mm) and folds in half to the standard 85mm x 55mm. This gives you four printable panels instead of two, which is useful if you need to include extra information: a price list, appointment slots, a small map, or a mini menu.

Folded cards are popular with hairdressers, therapists, and anyone who books appointments. They feel weightier in the hand, too, which can leave a stronger impression. The downside is a higher unit cost and a slightly thicker profile in the wallet.

Other sizes worth knowing

You may occasionally see US-sized cards (89mm x 51mm) or European cards (85mm x 55mm, the same as UK). Japanese cards are larger at 91mm x 55mm. If you do business internationally, it is worth checking whether your contacts expect a particular format, but for most Belfast and Northern Ireland businesses, the UK standard is the right call.

Rounded corners

Rounded corners are not a size change, but they do affect the feel of a card. A standard radius is 3mm or 5mm. They soften the look and help cards stand out in a stack. Most printers, including us, offer this as an option on any size.

Which size should you pick?

For most people, the answer is simple: go with 85mm x 55mm. It is the standard for a reason. Printers stock it, templates are built for it, and recipients expect it. If you are ordering your first batch of business cards, start here.

If you want something different, square and folded cards both have clear use cases. But make sure the choice is driven by a practical need (more space, a different format) rather than novelty for its own sake.

Getting the size right in your design file

When you set up your artwork, add 3mm of bleed on all sides. That means your file for a standard card should be 91mm x 61mm, with any background colour or image extending to the edge of the bleed area. Keep important text and logos at least 3mm inside the trim line.

If you are not sure how to set this up, most printers will check your file before printing. We offer a free artwork check on every order, so you will not end up with cards that have been cropped in the wrong place.

For more on how paper choice affects the final feel of your card, have a look at our guide on choosing the right paper stock.