Business Card Size and Artwork Areas
Short answer
Define the finished width and height first. Bleed extends beyond that trim size; the safe area sits inside it. For example, only if 2 mm bleed is agreed on every edge, a 90 × 50 mm card needs an overall artwork extent of 94 × 54 mm.
“Standard size” is ambiguous when the artwork and intended holder were designed for different dimensions. Record millimetres and orientation in the order. This avoids mistaking the overall file with bleed for the finished card and makes a repeat order easier to reproduce.
Key facts
- Trim size
- The card remaining after cutting
- Bleed
- Background extending beyond trim
- Safe area
- Important content kept inside trim
- Holder fit
- Actual internal dimensions and thickness
Three different boundaries
The trim line defines the finished card. An edge-to-edge background must continue beyond it by the agreed bleed; adding a blank border is not equivalent. Keep names, logos and QR codes inside a safe inset. Bleed and safe spacing perform different jobs and cannot substitute for one another.
Calculate a conditional example
Overall width equals trim width plus left and right bleed; height follows the same rule. The table uses 2 mm bleed and a 3 mm inset solely as examples, not universal production settings. For portrait cards, swap width and height and check front/back orientation with a simple paper mock-up.
Holder fit and edge-sensitive designs
Measure the holder’s internal space, opening and allowance for card thickness. Its name does not establish compatibility. A fine border makes small cutting variations more noticeable. For rounded corners, inspect the safe area against the actual cut contour, especially near logos and QR codes.
Worked examples only: 2 mm bleed and 3 mm inset
| Trim size | Overall extent | Inset rectangle |
|---|---|---|
| 90 × 50 mm | 94 × 54 mm | 84 × 44 mm |
| 85 × 55 mm | 89 × 59 mm | 79 × 49 mm |
| 50 × 90 mm | 54 × 94 mm | 44 × 84 mm |
| 50 × 50 mm | 54 × 54 mm | 44 × 44 mm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does 90 × 50 mm fit every holder?
Is 2 mm bleed always correct?
Does a white background remove every bleed requirement?
How do I request a custom size?
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