What Size Font Should You Use on a Business Card?
If you’re designing your own cards, you may be wondering what size font should you use on a business card? There isn’t one size that works for every element, but readability should always come before trying to fit as much information as possible into the available space.
As a general guide, around 8pt to 11pt works well for many contact details, while names, company names and other important information can be larger depending on the design.
What Is a Good Font Size for a Business Card?
For a standard UK business card measuring 85mm × 55mm, a useful starting point is:
- Name: Approximately 10pt to 14pt
- Job title: Approximately 8pt to 11pt
- Telephone and email: Approximately 8pt to 10pt
- Website: Approximately 8pt to 10pt
- Small secondary information: Ideally no smaller than around 7pt where possible
These are guidelines rather than fixed rules because different typefaces can appear very different at the same point size.
How Small Is Too Small?
Very small text can look readable while you’re viewing the artwork enlarged on a computer monitor but become difficult to read once printed at actual business-card size.
As a practical guide, we’d avoid making important information smaller than approximately 7pt where possible.
Should Your Name Be the Largest Text?
Often, but not always.
If the card represents an individual, the person’s name may be one of the most prominent elements. On a more brand-led card, the company name or logo may take priority.
Does the Typeface Affect Font Size?
Yes. Different fonts have different letter shapes, proportions, weights and spacing.
A simple sans-serif font may remain easy to read at a relatively small size, whereas a thin or decorative typeface could become difficult to read at exactly the same point size.
Are Thin Fonts Suitable for Business Cards?
They can be, but use them carefully.
Very fine typography may look elegant while the artwork is enlarged but can become less distinct at actual printed size.
If you’re using a light font weight, consider whether important contact information needs to be slightly larger or heavier.
How Much Information Should You Fit on the Card?
Don’t reduce the font size simply because you’re trying to fit too much information onto the card.
If your contact details only fit when the type becomes uncomfortably small, it’s usually better to remove less important information.
Our guide on what you should put on a business card explains which details are normally worth prioritising.
You can also use the reverse for additional information. See whether business cards should be single or double sided.
Don’t Forget the Safe Area
Readable typography can still look poorly positioned if it’s too close to the edge.
For our business cards, we recommend keeping important text and logos around 5mm inside the finished trim edge where possible.
What Size Is a Standard UK Business Card?
The standard UK business card size is 85mm × 55mm.
It’s important to judge your typography within a document set to the actual finished dimensions rather than designing at an arbitrary larger size.
Read our guide to the standard business card size in the UK for the full artwork dimensions.
Print Your Design at Actual Size Before Ordering
One simple way to check typography is to print your design at 100% actual size using an office or home printer.
The output won’t necessarily represent the finished commercial print, but it can help you judge the physical scale of the text and layout.
Business Card Printing in London
Once your artwork is prepared, Printpal London offers professional business card printing in London with different stocks, finishes and turnaround options.
Final Thoughts
So, what size font should you use on a business card? Around 8pt to 11pt is a useful range for many contact details, while names and other important information can usually be larger. We’d generally avoid going below approximately 7pt for essential text where possible.
The font itself, weight, spacing and amount of information all influence readability, so always judge the final design at its actual 85mm × 55mm size.
Explore our business card printing in London options when your artwork is ready.