Business Cards & Stationery Business Card Layout 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard business card size in the United States?
- 3.5 x 2 inches (Correct answer)
- 3.375 x 2.125 inches
- 4 x 2.5 inches
- 3 x 2 inches
Correct answer: 3.5 x 2 inches
The standard US business card measures 3.5 x 2 inches.
Question 2: What is the recommended minimum safe margin to keep text away from the trim edge of a business card?
- 0.5 inch
- 0.125 inch (Correct answer)
- 0.01 inch
- 1 inch
Correct answer: 0.125 inch
A safe zone of about 0.125 inch (1/8 inch) prevents text from being cut off during trimming.
Question 3: Why is bleed added to a business card design?
- To make the file smaller
- To ensure color extends past the trim line so no white edges appear after cutting (Correct answer)
- To increase font legibility
- To reserve space for a barcode
Correct answer: To ensure color extends past the trim line so no white edges appear after cutting
Bleed extends artwork beyond the trim line so slight cutting variance never leaves white slivers.
Question 4: Which element should typically be the most visually prominent on a business card?
- The fax number
- The mailing address
- The name or logo, depending on brand priority (Correct answer)
- The legal disclaimer
Correct answer: The name or logo, depending on brand priority
Visual hierarchy should emphasize the name or logo since they carry the primary identity.
Question 5: What is the smallest font size generally considered readable for body text on a business card?
- 3 pt
- 7-8 pt (Correct answer)
- 14 pt
- 18 pt
Correct answer: 7-8 pt
Text below about 7 points becomes difficult to read and risky to print cleanly.
Question 6: In layout terms, what does alignment refer to on a business card?
- Matching ink colors to the logo
- Positioning elements along common edges or axes to create order (Correct answer)
- Printing on both sides
- Using only capital letters
Correct answer: Positioning elements along common edges or axes to create order
Alignment lines elements up along shared edges or axes, creating a clean and organized look.
Question 7: Which file resolution is standard for print-ready business card artwork?
- 72 DPI
- 150 DPI
- 300 DPI (Correct answer)
- 1200 DPI
Correct answer: 300 DPI
300 DPI is the industry standard for crisp printed output.
Business Cards & Stationery Business Card Layout 2
What is the standard business card size in the United States?