The best business card is easy to read, consistent with your brand and appropriate for how you meet customers. In Ireland, 85 × 55 mm is the familiar standard size. Stock, finish, printed sides and quantity then determine how the card feels and what it can carry.
What is the standard business card size in Ireland?
A standard finished business card is 85 × 55 mm. It fits comfortably in wallets and card holders and gives enough room for essential details without encouraging a crowded design. Portrait cards use the same dimensions turned vertically.
Artwork with a background that reaches the edge should normally be supplied at 91 × 61 mm, which includes 3 mm bleed on every side. Keep names, contact details and logos at least 5 mm inside the finished edge.
What should a business card include?
- Your name and role, where relevant.
- Business or organisation name and a clear logo.
- The best phone number and email address for enquiries.
- Your website or a concise social profile if customers use it.
- A short description only when the business name does not explain the service.
- An optional QR code that leads to a useful, mobile-friendly page.
Prioritise information instead of shrinking everything to fit. A card should be understandable in a few seconds. If a QR code is included, print a sample at actual size and test it on more than one phone.
Choosing card stock and finish
Heavier card feels more substantial, but finish also changes the result. Current options can be reviewed on the business card product page because available combinations and prices can change.
| Finish | Appearance and feel | Useful for |
|---|---|---|
| Non-laminated | Natural paper surface | Cards that may need to be written on |
| Matt laminated | Smooth, restrained finish | Photography, dark colours and understated brands |
| Gloss laminated | Shinier surface with strong colour | Bright imagery and high-impact designs |
| Soft-touch laminated | Velvety premium feel | Presentation-led and luxury services |
There is no universally “best” finish. Choose one that suits the way the card will be handled and the impression your brand should make.
Quantity, orientation and printed sides
Order enough for the period in which the information will remain accurate. A larger quantity lowers the unit cost, but it is poor value if a phone number, employee, price or service changes. New businesses may prefer a smaller first run while their details settle.
Double-sided printing gives breathing room: the front can carry the brand while the reverse holds contact details, services or a QR code. A single-sided card can be effective when the information is minimal or the back needs to remain writable.
Preparing business card artwork
- Create the document at 85 × 55 mm plus 3 mm bleed.
- Use CMYK colour where possible and images around 300 dpi at final size.
- Keep text and logos within the safe area.
- Export a high-quality PDF with fonts embedded.
- Check spelling, numbers and QR codes in the exported file.
Read our supplying artwork guide for more detail. If you need help with the design, contact us before placing the order.
Ordering business cards in Ireland
Kinsella Sign & Print has produced print and signage in Gorey since 1986. You can configure and order business cards online, upload artwork and choose delivery or local collection. Current pricing, VAT treatment and available options are shown on the product page so the guide does not become misleading when a price changes.
For a wider online printing range, visit Printhouse.ie. Orders over €150 qualify for free delivery under the current store policy.