Even with WhatsApp and LinkedIn, a good business card still opens doors. It’s the quickest way to leave your details at a meeting, a market stall or a networking event. This guide covers the standard South African size, how to set up your file, and what makes a card people actually keep.
What is the standard business card size in South Africa?
| Unit | Size |
|---|---|
| Millimetres | 90 × 50 mm |
| Centimetres | 9 × 5 cm |
| Pixels at 300 dpi | 1063 × 591 px |
| With 3 mm bleed | 96 × 56 mm |
South Africa uses 90 × 50 mm, which is slightly different from the US size (about 89 × 51 mm) and the 85 × 55 mm common in Europe. If you download a template from an overseas website, check the size first.
Bleed and safe zone
Set up your file at 96 × 56 mm so the background extends 3 mm past each edge. That stops thin white lines appearing after the cards are cut. Keep your text and logo at least 3 mm inside the finished edge so nothing gets trimmed.
7 design tips for a card people keep
- Keep it simple. Name, title, phone, email, website and logo. Leave out anything a client won’t use.
- Make the phone number easy to read. At least 8 pt, in a clear font with good contrast.
- Add a QR code on the back that opens your website, WhatsApp or portfolio.
- Use the back. Double-sided cards give you room for your logo on one side and details on the other, for only a little more.
- Match your brand. Use the same colours and fonts as your signage, website and letterheads.
- Pick the right finish. Gloss makes colours pop; matte feels premium and is easier to write on.
- Consider round corners. They feel modern and stand out in a pile of square cards.
Common mistakes we see
- Logos copied from a website or WhatsApp that print blurry. Use the original file or a 300 dpi version.
- Text placed right on the edge and trimmed off.
- Thin, light-grey fonts that are impossible to read.
- Typos in the phone number or email. Always check twice before approving your proof.
How many business cards should I order?
If you’re testing a new design or role, start with 50 or 100. If you network often or hand cards to every customer, 500 gives you the lowest price per card.
Order business cards in Midrand
We print full-colour business cards from R150 for 50, single or double sided, gloss or matte, with square or round corners. See all the prices on our business card printing page. No design yet? Our team can design your card, and if you need a logo first, see our logo design and branding service.