A Complete Guide to Standard Card Sizes
- Leo Xia
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
Standard card sizes differ depending on their intended purpose. Poker playing cards typically measure 2.5 × 3.5 inches (63.5 × 89 mm) and tarot cards are larger at 2.75 × 4.75 inches (70 × 120 mm). Business cards in the U.S. are usually 3.5 × 2 inches with bleed and safe printing areas defined slightly larger to ensure clean. Common greeting-card formats include A2 (4.25 × 5.5 in), A6 (4.63 × 6.25 in) and A7 (5 × 7 in), while standard postcards range between 4 × 6 in and 6 × 11. Understanding these sizes and the accompanying bleed and safe zones will help you design cards that print accurately and meet postal regulations.
Quick Content Reach:
Why Does Card Size Really Matter?
Card dimensions influence functionality, cost, usability and the customer experience. For playing cards, the standard poker size (2.5 × 3.5 in) was adopted because it fits easily in card sleeves and allows detailed artwork while remaining comfortable to hold. Tarot and oracle cards are larger to accommodate intricate illustrations and additional symbolism. Business cards at 3.5 × 2 in slide neatly into wallets or credit‑card slots, making them easy to store and remember.
From a production standpoint, card size affects printing efficiency and postal rates. USPS requires postcards to be at least 3.5 × 5 inches and no more than 4.25 × 6 inches to qualify for postcard postage; larger mail pieces are classified as letters or flats and cost more. Standardizing card sizes also allows suppliers to manufacture protective sleeves, envelopes and display boxes at scale, reducing costs for B2B buyers.
If you’re unsure which card dimensions fit your application, contact us at Leoxia@lion-paper.com or WhatsApp +86 137 5075 6354. Our consultants can recommend sizes, paper stocks and binding that fit your brand and budget.
Common Card Types and Their Standard Sizes
Playing cards
The poker card is the most recognised playing-card size at 2.5 × 3.5 inches (63.5 × 89 mm). This dimension offers a comfortable grip, readability and compatibility with card sleeves. Poker cards typically have a corner radius of 1/8 inch, an aspect ratio of 5:7 and a bleed area of 1/8 inch to ensure ink extends beyond the final trim. Bridge cards are slightly narrower—2.25 × 3.5 inches (57 × 89 mm)—making them easier to hold in games like bridge or spades where players fan large hands. Mini cards shrink further to 1.75 × 2.5 inches and are often used for travel games or promotional decks. Jumbo-index cards maintain the 2.5 × 3.5‑inch outline but feature oversized indices for easier viewing, while jumbo-sized cards measure 3.5 × 5 inches, adding impact for magic tricks or teaching aids.
Tarot cards
Tarot cards support divination and storytelling, so they are larger to display detailed artwork. Standard tarot cards measure 2.75 × 4.75 inches, with a corner radius of roughly 1/8 inch, card thickness between 12 and 16 pt, and an aspect ratio of 11:19. The larger canvas accommodates 78 cards (major and minor arcana) and intricate illustrations. Oracle cards—another spiritual deck—are usually 3 × 5 inches with similar bleed and safe zones but use freer design format.
Trading cards
Modern trading cards—including baseball, football and collectible card games like Pokémon—follow the same dimensions as poker cards: 2.5 × 3.5 inches. This size became standard because it fits easily into card‑collecting albums or protective sleeves, balances artwork and text, and allows efficient printing and cutting. The uniform size simplifies storing, grading and showcasing collections.
Flashcards
Flashcards are larger to enhance readability and educational value. Spingold’s printing guide lists flash cards at 4.1 × 5.8 inches (105 × 148.5 mm, A6 size). Educational cards, similar to flashcards, are often 3.5 × 5.75 inches (89 × 146 mm), providing more space for detailed content. These dimensions improve visibility during study sessions and work well for training or classroom exercises.
Business cards
In North America, standard business cards measure 3.5 × 2 inches (88.9 × 50.8 mm). VistaPrint’s design guidelines recommend adding a bleed area of 3.61 × 2.11 inches, trimming to 3.5 × 2 inches, and keeping critical text within a safe printing area of 3.36 × 1.86 inches. Square business cards at 2.5 × 2.5 inches and rounded‑corner cards at 3.5 × 2 inches (with a quarter‑inch corner radius) offer distinctive alternatives. When designing business cards, ensure that logos and contact details remain within the safe area and that any background colour or pattern bleeds beyond the trim size.
Greeting cards
Greeting cards come in many sizes. Red River Paper lists these folded dimensions:
A2 – 4.25 × 5.5 inches; produced from a 5.5 × 8.5 inch sheet.
A6 – 4.5 × 6.25 inches; from a 6.25 × 9 inch sheet.
A7 – 5 × 7 inches; from a 7 × 10 inch sheet.
Pano/DL – 4 × 9 inches; from an 8 × 9 inch sheet.
Half‑Letter – 5.5 × 8.5 inches; from an 8.5 × 11 inch sheet.
Square – 5.25 × 5.25 inches folded, cut from a 5.25 × 10.5 inch sheet.
Industry standards also recognise A2, A6, A7, 5×5, 5×7, 6×9, DL and square sizes like 4×4, 6×6 and 8×8 inches as common formats. These dimensions offer varying degrees of canvas for artwork and messages. Choose a size based on envelope availability, postal class and the amount of content you need to convey.
Postcards
USPS defines a postcard as any rectangular mailpiece at least 3.5 × 5 inches and no more than 4.25 × 6 inches with a thickness between 0.007 in and 0.016 in. Larger cards—up to 6.125 × 11.5 inches—are allowed under marketing mail but are billed at letter or flat rates. U.S. Press notes that common postcard sizes include 4 × 6 in, 5 × 7 in, 6 × 8 in, 6 × 9 in, 6 × 11 in and 8.5 × 11 in. Smaller postcards qualify for lower postage and are ideal for event invitations and coupons, while larger sizes provide a bigger visual impact for marketing campaigns.
Square cards
Square cards are modern and eye‑catching, often used for invitations or thank‑you notes. Typical finished sizes include 5 × 5 inches, 6 × 6 inches and 8 × 8 inches. From a production perspective, square cards require slightly larger envelopes and may incur additional postage because they are considered “non‑machinable.” Square card template uses a 5.25 × 10.5 inch sheet scored at the halfway point to create a 5.25 × 5.25 inch card.
Understanding Card Size Measurements
Length and width basics
In card design, width refers to the shorter side of a card when held upright, while height refers to the longer side. The standard poker card width is 2.5 inches, with a height of 3.5 inches, and this ratio (5:7) ensures comfortable handling and visual balance. Bridge cards retain the 3.5‑inch height but narrow the width to 2.25 inches. When specifying sizes, always list width × height in inches or millimetres.
Bleed areas explained
A bleed is the extra margin of artwork extending beyond the final cut size. Bleed prevents unwanted white borders and allows for slight cutting variations. For playing cards, both Spingold and CPP Boxes recommend a 1/8‑inch (3 mm) bleed around all edges. A business‑card guidelines specify a bleed area of 3.61 × 2.11 inches on a 3.5 × 2‑inch card. Always ensure backgrounds and design elements extend through the bleed area.
Safe zones for printing
The safe zone (or live area) is the margin inside the trim line where critical text and images should be placed. Anything outside this area may be cut off during trimming. A safe zone of 1/8 inch inside the card’s finished size, while a safe printing area of 3.36 × 1.86 inches for standard business cards. Keeping essential information within this zone ensures legibility and avoids accidental trimming.
Choosing the Right Card Size
Selecting an appropriate card dimension depends on the card’s purpose, design complexity and distribution method:
Usage: Poker, bridge and trading cards conform to established standards for game play. Tarot or oracle decks require larger sizes for symbolic artwork, while flashcards and educational cards use bigger formats for readability.
Content: The amount of text or imagery determines how much space you need. A minimalist business card can stick to 3.5 × 2 inches, whereas a marketing postcard with photos might benefit from 6 × 9 inches or larger.
Mailing and storage: Postcards must meet USPS requirements to qualify for lower postage. Greeting cards should match readily available envelope sizes like A2, A6 or A7.
Brand identity: Square and panoramic cards stand out and can reinforce a modern or artistic brand image.
Budget: Larger or unusual sizes cost more to print and mail. Standard dimensions reduce waste and allow you to leverage pre‑made templates.
Not sure which size suits your project? Contact Leo Xia at Leoxia@lion-paper.com or WhatsApp +86 137 5075 6354 with your application, and our team will suggest optimal sizes, quantities and materials.
Card Size Design Tips
Layout Optimization
A well‑planned layout maximises visual impact without overcrowding. Use a grid based on the card’s aspect ratio (for example, 5:7 for poker cards or 3:5 for oracle cards). Place the most important element—such as a logo or main illustration—in the top half, where the eye naturally lands. For cards with multiple panels (such as greeting cards or business cards with fold‑out panels), ensure that each panel has a clear focal point and enough white space to avoid clutter. Maintain consistent margins around edges and between elements.
Content Placement
Keep critical information—names, addresses, calls‑to‑action—within the safe zone to prevent trimming. Align text to the left or centre for readability, and use fonts that reflect your brand personality. Consider hierarchy: headlines should be larger and bolder; secondary text can be smaller but still legible. If using images or patterns, make sure they bleed beyond the final size to avoid unwanted white borders.
Visual Hierarchy
Visual hierarchy guides the reader through your card. Use size, colour and contrast to emphasise key elements. For example, highlight your company name in a bold typeface, then support it with a tagline in a lighter weight. Choose colours that contrast against the background to enhance legibility. When designing double‑sided cards, remember that the back should reinforce your brand rather than overload the user with details. For specialty cards like tarot or oracle decks, maintain consistent illustration styles and numbering to support intuitive reading.
Need design assistance? Send us your sketches or digital files. We’ll review your layout, ensure bleed and safe areas are correct, and provide feedback before printing.
Conclusion
Understanding standard card sizes helps businesses select the right format for their message, maintain professional presentation and control costs. Poker and trading cards follow a familiar 2.5 × 3.5‑inch template, while tarot and oracle decks require larger dimensions to showcase detailed art. Business cards are typically 3.5 × 2 inches but can vary with square or rounded‑corner style; greeting cards and postcards offer an array of sizes tailored to content and mailing requirements. Regardless of the format, always include appropriate bleed and safe zones to ensure clean, professional prints.
Lion Paper Products has decades of experience producing custom cards, journals and stationery. With in‑house design, printing and finishing capabilities across our factories in China, Cambodia and Korea, we can deliver high‑quality, compliant products at competitive prices. Our team is ready to help you choose the right card sizes, materials and finishes to elevate your brand.
—Leo Xia, CEO, Lion Paper Products
You design, we deliver.
FAQs:
Q1: What are the common sizes for greeting cards?
A: Popular folded sizes include A2 (4.25 × 5.5 in), A6 (4.5 × 6.25 in) and A7 (5 × 7 in).
Q2: What is the minimum and maximum size for a USPS postcard?
A: To mail at postcard rates, the card must be at least 3.5 × 5 inches and no more than 4.25 × 6 inches.
Q3: Why do business cards use a 3.5 × 2 inch format?
A: This size fits neatly into wallets and card slots and aligns with credit‑card dimensions.
Q4: What is a safe zone in card design?
A: The safe zone is a 1/8‑inch margin inside the trim line where important text and images should reside to avoid being cut off.
Q5: Can I customise card sizes beyond standard dimensions?
A: Absolutely. Our factory can produce custom sizes, adjust corner radii and select premium stocks to match your branding. Please reach out with your specifications.
Q6: How do I choose between glossy and matte finishes?
A: Glossy finishes enhance colour vibrancy but show fingerprints; matte finishes offer a sophisticated, non‑reflective look. We can send samples to help you decide.
Are you looking for a reliable manufacturer? Reach out to Lion Paper for a free quote and consultation. Let’s collaborate on creating custom writing paper products that will set your brand apart from the competition!
About Lion Paper
Company Name: Lion Paper Products
Office Address: 20th floor, Chuangyedasha Building, No. 135, Jinsui Road, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang Province, China
Factory Address: No.135, Xuri Road, Jiaxing City, Zhejiang, China
Email: Leoxia@lion-paper.com
Audit Certifications: ISO9001:2015/FSC/SEDEX SMETA/Disney FAMA/GSV/SQP
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