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Choosing Your Business Card Format: The Ultimate Size Guide

Writer Elsa
Elsa Ducrotverdun
November 29, 2024
Illustration from the blog post about business cards

“You'll never get a second chance to make a good first impression. “🎯

In the professional world, the business card is an essential tool for establishing a memorable first contact. With a well-chosen format and a design that represents you, it becomes a real vector of your professional identity.

Between the classic paper card and modern connected options, each format has its advantages.

So how do you make the right choice?

Whether you're a creative, an entrepreneur, or a tech enthusiast, this guide is here to enlighten you and help you find the perfect format. 🌟

And to finish on a creative note, we have in store for you a little bonus with original size business cards that push the boundaries of design — get ready to discover ideas that are as ingenious as they are memorable!

1. Classic business card formats 📏

The standard format (85mm x 55mm)

The great classic! This timeless format is as practical as it is effective. With its dimensions similar to those of a bank card, it fits easily into any wallet or card holder. It is suitable for a wide range of professions — from lawyers to entrepreneurs to consultants.

International variants:

  • USA/Canada : 88.9 x 50.8 mm 🇺🇸
  • Eastern Europe/Russia : 90 x 50 mm 🌍

a traditional business card

The square card (65 mm x 65 mm)

Are you looking for a touch of originality? The square card is made for you. 🎨

With its compact dimensions, it attracts the eye and allows you to highlight the visual elements of your map. This format is perfect for creative people: designers, photographers, stylists... if your job revolves around images, this card will reflect your creativity. 💡✨

a square business card

The card with rounded corners

For a touch of sophistication without straying too far from classic codes, the card with rounded corners is a modern and elegant choice. It maintains the standard format while providing a visual softness that is very popular in image and architectural professions. 🏛️

the card with rounded corners

The slim card (40mm x 85mm)

Compact and practical, the slim card is ideal for professionals who travel often. With its small dimensions, it fits easily everywhere while remaining sufficiently legible. A popular choice for real estate agents, brokers, and salespeople. 👔

a slim business card

The folded card: space for more information 📜

For those who have a lot to share, the folded card is a great option. It offers a double surface to incorporate more details, perfect for architects, marketing consultants or contractors who want to present their offers more comprehensively. More space to express your added value!

the folded card

2. NFC connected business cards: the future of the business card 📲

For those who are looking for the modernity And the practicality, the smart business card NFC is an ideal solution!

It combines the traditional look of a business card in the format switchboard (85 x 55 mm), which fits easily into any wallet or card holder, with cutting-edge technology that simplifies the exchange of information.

In fact, by integrating a NFC chip in the card, it allows professional contact details to be exchanged in an ultra-fast and effortless manner.

How does it work? 🤔

From a simple Scan with a smartphone, your contact has instant access to all your professional information: noun, First name, workstation, phone number, email address, website, social networks, and even additional information such as video presentations or digital portfolios. 📱

Why opt for an NFC card?

  • Practical and ecological : no need to print 1000 cards anymore, One is enough. The NFC business card is a sustainable investment, thus reducing your ecological footprint.
  • Technology at the service of efficiency : gone are the days when your contacts lost or forgot your cards. With the NFC card, all your information is stored directly on their phone, right at their fingertips.
  • Infinite personalization : this technology allows you to update your contact information at any time without having to reprint your cards. Are you changing jobs or updating your phone number? Everything is easily done from your dedicated platform.

In summary, a business card NFC connected, it is A card, A scan, and all your contact details instantly available and saved on the phone of your interlocutor. No need to repeat your phone number or look for a card in your wallet. It is a simple, modern and effective way to share your professional information, while staying at the cutting edge of technology. 🚀

3. What should you include on a business card? 🖋️

On a business card, every square centimeter counts! Thinking carefully about what information to include helps you communicate your professional identity effectively. 💡

The essential elements 🏷️

  • Name and surname : The base, of course!
  • Your business name : So that your contacts immediately associate your name with your business.
  • Title or position : Show at a glance what you are doing.
  • Coordinates : A telephone number and an email address are essential to facilitate contact.
  • Your website address : Indispensable to provide access to more information.

The little extras that make a difference

If you still have space:

  • Logo : Professional and easily identifiable.
  • Social networks : LinkedIn or other professional platforms where your contacts can follow your activities.
  • Brief description : A few words to specify your offer, for example “Website creation and digital marketing”.

💡 Advantage of the NFC smart card : It allows you to include a maximum of information while maintaining a simple and refined design. A simple scan, and your contact has access to everything: social networks, portfolio, videos... No need to sacrifice readability or clutter up your card!

4. What font size for a standard business card? 🔠

Readability is crucial! On a small area, each word should be clear and easy to read.

Recommended size 🔍

  • In general, go for a font size between 8 and 12 points. This ensures that the text remains legible even on a smaller map.
  • Name and company : a bit bigger to attract attention, often in bold or with a size between 10 and 12 points.
  • Coordinates (telephone, email): between 8 and 10 points, to save space without sacrificing readability.

💡 Choice of font : Readability may vary depending on font style. Choose simple fonts and avoid those that are too stylized or thin, especially for essential information.

The aim is to find a balance between aesthetics and legibility to give a professional and eye-catching image.

5. Cardynale and connected business cards 📲🌿

At Cardynale, we have redesigned the business card to meet modern requirements.

Our NFC connected cards allow you to have everything on a single card: no more stocks of paper cards, you only need one. ✨

With our standard format, identical to a bank card, it fits easily into your wallet. Practical, sustainable and eco-responsible, it combines design and innovation for effective and modern networking. In one scan, all your information is accessible, and your contacts can easily save it.

several cardynale business cards

Conclusion: opt for a format that reflects your image 🎯

Whether you choose a card in a classic format or a smart card, the important thing is to select a model that fits your profession and reflects your style.

The business card remains a showcase of your business, a medium for presenting your professional identity in a powerful way.

With Cardynale connected cards, you have an innovative and practical solution to combine impact, technology and ecology.


Bonus: Top 3 ultra-creative business cards to make an impression! 💥✨

To stand out, nothing better than a business card that perfectly illustrates the activity of its owner while making an impression. Here are three ideas that cleverly combine utility, surprise, and creativity:

1. The “Décapsuleur” business card 🍻
For bars, breweries, and microbreweries, a business card that also serves as a bottle opener is a real stroke of genius!

Made of metal, this card is practical and sturdy — it lasts over time, which means that your contact will often have it on hand (and will think of you every time you open it!). A perfect nod to the job, while being useful on a daily basis.

the "décapsuleur" business card

2. The “Cheese Grater” business card 🧀
Cheese lovers will love it! Designed by a Brazilian cheese factory, this metal card also acts as a cheese grater.

Not only is it perfectly in line with the profession, but it is so popular that the initial 1,000 copies were sold out in record time! A subtle and effective way to incorporate the passion for cheese directly into the business card.

the cheese rater business card

3. The business card with seeds to grow 🌱
For an ecological and lively touch, why not include seeds in your business card?

Water it for a few days and a small plant will grow out of it!

It's the original idea of designer Jamie Wieck, and it leaves a lasting impression — a great way to symbolize growth and eco-responsibility, ideal for jobs related to sustainable development, horticulture, or any field that focuses on nature.

business cards with seeds to grow

These business cards prove that an original format can transform a simple piece of paper into an interactive and memorable object.

So why not opt for a concept that will really get you talking about?

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