Business Cards & Stationery Business Cards 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard business card size in the United States?
- 3.5 x 2 inches (Correct answer)
- 3.346 x 2.165 inches
- 4 x 2.5 inches
- 3 x 1.75 inches
Correct answer: 3.5 x 2 inches
The US standard business card size is 3.5 x 2 inches (89 x 51 mm).
Question 2: What does 'bleed' refer to in business card printing?
- Ink smearing during printing
- Artwork extending beyond the trim line to avoid white edges (Correct answer)
- Color fading over time
- Text placed too close to the edge
Correct answer: Artwork extending beyond the trim line to avoid white edges
Bleed is the extra artwork area (typically 1/8 inch) beyond the trim line that gets cut off, preventing unprinted white edges.
Question 3: Which paper weight is most commonly used for standard business cards?
- 80 lb text
- 14–16 pt cardstock (Correct answer)
- 24 lb bond
- 60 lb offset
Correct answer: 14–16 pt cardstock
Most business cards are printed on 14–16 pt cardstock for durability and a premium feel.
Question 4: What is the 'safe zone' on a business card layout?
- The area where the logo must go
- The inner margin where important text stays to avoid being trimmed (Correct answer)
- The blank back side of the card
- The area reserved for a QR code
Correct answer: The inner margin where important text stays to avoid being trimmed
The safe zone is the inner margin (usually 1/8 inch from trim) where critical text and logos must stay so they aren't cut off.
Question 5: Which color mode should artwork be set to for professional business card printing?
- RGB
- CMYK (Correct answer)
- HSL
- Grayscale only
Correct answer: CMYK
Commercial printing uses CMYK inks, so designing in CMYK prevents unexpected color shifts.
Question 6: What resolution is recommended for business card artwork to ensure sharp printing?
- 72 DPI
- 150 DPI
- 300 DPI (Correct answer)
- 1200 DPI minimum
Correct answer: 300 DPI
300 DPI is the industry standard resolution for crisp, professional print output.
Question 7: What finish gives a business card a shiny, reflective surface?
- Matte
- Gloss (Correct answer)
- Uncoated
- Linen
Correct answer: Gloss
A gloss finish creates a shiny, reflective coating that makes colors appear more vibrant.
Business Cards & Stationery Business Cards 2
What is the standard business card size in the United States?