Print Design
Business Card Size UK: Dimensions, Bleed and Pixels
The UK business card size in millimetres, inches and pixels, with bleed and safe area, so your artwork prints right first time.
Published 22 October 20264 min read
The standard UK business card size
In the UK a business card is 85 × 55mm, about 3.35 × 2.17 inches. That’s close to the size of a bank card, so it fits a wallet and a standard card holder. US cards are slightly different at 3.5 × 2 inches (89 × 51mm), so check the size if you’re working from a US template.
| Size | Millimetres | Inches | Pixels at 300dpi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimmed (finished size) | 85 × 55mm | 3.35 × 2.17in | 1004 × 650px |
| With 3mm bleed | 91 × 61mm | 3.58 × 2.40in | 1075 × 720px |
| Safe area (3mm inside the trim) | 79 × 49mm | 3.11 × 1.93in | 933 × 579px |
Bleed and the safe area
Bleed is extra background that runs past the edge of the card. Cards are printed on large sheets and trimmed, and the cut can move very slightly, so 3mm of bleed on every edge stops a thin white line appearing. The safe area works the other way: keep text, logos and anything important at least 3mm inside the trim so nothing gets cut off. Folded business cards fold to 85 × 55mm, so supply the flat layout at twice the size: 85 × 110mm for a fold along the long edge, or 170 × 55mm for a fold along the short edge.
Resolution and file type
Use images at 300dpi at the finished size, CMYK colour, and embed or outline your fonts. A PDF is best, though JPG and PNG are fine. If you design in Canva or Photoshop, set a custom size of 91 × 61mm so the bleed is built in. I check every file before it’s printed and tell you if anything needs fixing.
Paper and finishes
My business cards are printed on 450gsm silk or 350gsm uncoated card, on one side or both. You can add matt, gloss or soft-touch lamination, choose square or rounded corners, and add spot UV, gold foil or silver foil. Folded business cards are printed on 350gsm uncoated card.
Other sizes
The shop prints the standard 85 × 55mm size, plus folded cards that fold to the same size. If you need square or mini cards, get in touch and I’ll quote for them.
Frequently asked questions
- What size is a business card in pixels?
- At 300dpi a UK business card is 1004 × 650 pixels trimmed, or 1075 × 720 pixels with 3mm of bleed on every edge.
- Is a business card the same size as a bank card?
- Almost. A UK business card is 85 × 55mm and a bank card is about 85.6 × 54mm, so they fit the same wallets and holders.
- What gsm should a business card be?
- Most business cards are 350 to 450gsm. I print them on 450gsm silk, which feels thick and sturdy, or 350gsm uncoated, which is easy to write on.
- What size should I set up in Canva?
- Create a custom design of 91 × 61mm. That’s the 85 × 55mm card plus 3mm of bleed on every edge. Keep text 3mm inside the edge of the finished card.
Written by Ross Boag
Need help with design, websites or branding?
Ross Boag is a senior freelance graphic designer in Glasgow with 12+ years of agency and in-house experience, for brands including Hilton, Volvo and Jim Beam. He also designs logos and brand identities and websites, and prints the work through his online print shop, for businesses across Glasgow, Scotland and the UK.