Business Card Types

Generally, business cards are rather standard in their basic. Different countries have their own standards, but business cards in the United States usually measure 2 x 3.5 inches. Some cards can be folded, creating a “tent” and they measure 4 x 3.5 inches. Most cards are produced on the same kind of card stock, but it is possible to obtain specially-made cards on different material and different sizes.

Business Card Magnets

Some business cards are created as magnets and are intended to be placed on the side of a filing cabinet or a refrigerator door. They do not have to be card-like at all, but can be created in the form of an animal or other design that is representative of a particular business. Usually, this design incorporates the business logo, or be closely connected to the service the business provides. A handy man or construction business might have a “business card” in the shape of a hammer, for example. These special cards are called
Business Card Magnets

Raised Print Cards

The typical business card will either be printed with a raised print on a white background, or have glossy colors. The nature of the process used to create the raised print prevents a glossy card from having any raised print. Unless a business is willing to find a printer who can and is willing to create a one-of-a kind card, at a one-of-a kind price, one of the first decisions to be made about new cards is whether color or raised print is most desirable. Color cards will be more expensive, but raised print cards may be more appropriate for some businesses.

Double Sided Cards

Though most people think of a business card as having only one useful side, both sides of a card can be used. Different styles and prints can be used on both sides of a card. A card might have a glossy front, but it may have a map on the back of the card in black raised print. A card could have color on both sides. These same possibilities exist for the folded cards.

Folded Cards

Folded cards can be considered mini-brochures, with a colorful cover and text information about a business on the inside and the back. As with the standard card, the front can be glossy, with the inside “pages” printed in raised letters. The raised print on all cards can be frequently printed in different colors, but, most usually, printing is done in black, brown, blue or red.

Cards can be described as 4/0 (which is read as “Four over zero”) which means that the front of the card has a four color, glossy front, but a blank back. A 4/1 card (A Four over One) card has a glossy front with a single color print on a white back. There is also the 4/4 (Four over Four) card that has glossy color on each side.

When getting ready to purchase a business card, think about the nature of the business and how the cards will be distributed. Obviously, the fancier the card, the more expensive it will be. An expensive, glossy card will be useless, if no one keeps it. If effectively planned, a simple card can produce as much business as a more expensive card.

Free Business Card Specifications

Paper stock: Premium, 80lb (215 gsm) matte card stock with glossy upgrade available
Document trim size: 3.43" X 1.93", 87mm x 49mm, 1028 x 579 pixels
Full Bleed Size :3.54" x 2.05", 90mm x 52 mm, 1062 x 615 Pixels
These specifications are the standard sizes of business cards. If you want to opt for a double sided card you can select the premium business card for more options.