Business Cards & Stationery Introduction to 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)
- 3.37 x 2.125 inches
- 4 x 2.5 inches
- 3 x 1.75 inches
Correct answer: 3.5 x 2 inches
The standard US business card measures 3.5 x 2 inches.
Question 2: What does 'bleed' refer to in business card printing?
- Ink smudging after printing
- Extra printed area beyond the trim line that gets cut off (Correct answer)
- Color fading over time
- Overlapping text elements
Correct answer: Extra printed area beyond the trim line that gets cut off
Bleed is the extra printed margin beyond the trim edge that ensures color extends fully to the cut line.
Question 3: Which paper weight is most commonly used for standard business cards?
- 80 lb text
- 14 pt to 16 pt cardstock (Correct answer)
- 20 lb bond
- 300 lb watercolor
Correct answer: 14 pt to 16 pt cardstock
Most standard business cards are printed on 14 pt to 16 pt cardstock for durability and a quality feel.
Question 4: What is the 'safe zone' on a business card layout?
- The area where the card is held
- The inner margin where important text should stay to avoid being trimmed (Correct answer)
- The back side of the card
- The space reserved for a logo only
Correct answer: The inner margin where important text should stay to avoid being trimmed
The safe zone is the inner area, typically about 1/8 inch from the trim line, where critical content must stay to avoid cutting errors.
Question 5: Which color model should artwork use when preparing a business card for professional printing?
- RGB
- HSL
- CMYK (Correct answer)
- Hex codes only
Correct answer: CMYK
Professional printing presses use CMYK inks, so files should be built or converted to CMYK for accurate color.
Question 6: What is the main purpose of a business card?
- To serve as legal identification
- To share contact information and make a memorable professional impression (Correct answer)
- To replace a resume
- To act as a loyalty coupon
Correct answer: To share contact information and make a memorable professional impression
A business card's core purpose is to convey contact details while reinforcing a professional brand impression.
Question 7: What minimum resolution is generally recommended for images on a business card?
- 72 DPI
- 150 DPI
- 300 DPI (Correct answer)
- 1200 DPI
Correct answer: 300 DPI
300 DPI is the standard minimum resolution for crisp print quality on business cards.
Business Cards & Stationery Introduction to Business Cards 2
What is the standard business card size in the United States?