Use this business card size in pixels calculator to prepare standard US business cards, print-ready artwork, and design files.
Business Card Size - Inches
Business Card Size Dimensions
The physical size for business card size is 3.5 x 2 inches, or about 8.89 x 5.08 cm. In millimeters, that is approximately 89 x 51 mm.
Business Card Pixel Dimensions
A standard US business card is small, so every pixel and margin matters. Logos, names, QR codes, and contact details need to stay readable after trimming.
- business cards
- networking cards
- appointment cards
- loyalty cards
Business Card Size Pixels Chart
Use this chart to compare business card size pixel dimensions at common DPI settings. For most sharp prints viewed up close, 300 DPI is a common target.
| DPI / PPI | Pixel Width | Pixel Height | Pixel Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 DPI | 252 px | 144 px | 252 x 144 px |
| 96 DPI | 336 px | 192 px | 336 x 192 px |
| 150 DPI | 525 px | 300 px | 525 x 300 px |
| 300 DPI | 1050 px | 600 px | 1050 x 600 px |
| 600 DPI | 2100 px | 1200 px | 2100 x 1200 px |
How to Calculate Pixels from DPI
To calculate pixel dimensions, multiply the size in inches by the DPI. If the width is 3.5 inches and the resolution is 300 DPI, the pixel width is 3.5 x 300 = 1050 pixels.
pixels = inches x DPI inches = pixels / DPI Which DPI Should You Use?
For quick screen previews, 72 or 96 DPI is often enough. For everyday printing, 150 DPI can work for items viewed from a little distance. For sharp photos, documents, and design work viewed up close, 300 DPI is a common target.
Higher DPI values such as 600 DPI create larger image files and are usually used when the printer, artwork, or production workflow needs extra detail.
Business Card Print Setup
Business cards usually need bleed and a safe area. Keep important text away from the edges, export sharp logos, and ask your printer whether they want CMYK, PDF, PNG, or another production format.
Pixel dimensions alone do not guarantee print quality. The original image or artwork must have enough real detail at the final print size; simply enlarging a small file increases the numbers but does not add true sharpness.
Business Card Bleed and Safe Area
A business card is trimmed after printing, so the design should not stop exactly at the final card edge. Printers usually ask for bleed outside the trim line and a safe area inside it. This protects text, logos, QR codes, and contact details from being cut off.
- Keep important text and logos inside the safe area, away from the final trim edge.
- Extend background colors or images into the bleed area if the design touches the edge.
- Use vector logos when possible so small details stay sharp on the printed card.
Business Card Text and QR Code Tips
Small cards leave little room for mistakes. Use readable font sizes, strong contrast, and enough white space around QR codes. Before ordering a large batch, print one test card at actual size and scan the QR code from the printed copy.
Best DPI Use Guide
The right DPI depends on how the file will be used. A web preview, home print, photo print, and professional file do not always need the same pixel dimensions.
| DPI / PPI | Best Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 72-96 DPI | Screen preview and web layout | Useful for digital viewing, but usually too low for sharp close-up printing. |
| 150 DPI | Basic prints and larger items viewed from a distance | Can work for posters or drafts, but fine text and photos may look softer. |
| 300 DPI | Sharp photos, documents, cards, and close-viewed prints | A common target for high-quality print files and photo printing. |
| 600 DPI | High-detail scanning, line art, and production workflows | Creates larger files and is not always needed for normal photo prints. |
Common Print Size Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not assume changing DPI alone improves quality. The image needs enough real pixels and detail.
- Do not confuse screen size with print size. Pixels describe the file; inches, cm, and mm describe the physical print.
- Do not forget bleed, margins, and safe areas when preparing files for professional printing.
- Do not upscale a very small image and expect it to become sharp. Resizing can increase dimensions, but not true detail.
- Do not submit a final print file without checking the printer's required file type, color mode, and resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is business card size at 300 DPI?
Business Card Size at 300 DPI is 1050 x 600 pixels. This is calculated by multiplying the width and height in inches by 300.
Is DPI the same as PPI?
DPI and PPI are often used together in print-size calculators. PPI usually describes image pixels per inch, while DPI can describe printer dots per inch. For simple print-size planning, the same number is commonly used in the calculation.
Is 300 DPI good for printing?
Yes, 300 DPI is a common target for sharp prints viewed up close, including photos, documents, cards, and many design projects.
Can I print with fewer pixels?
Sometimes. A lower pixel count may still look acceptable for posters or prints viewed from farther away. For close viewing, use a higher DPI target when possible.
Related Print Size Calculators
These calculators can help when you need a different paper, photo, or DPI conversion.