Business Card Sheet Layout Calculator
See how many business cards fit on a sheet with your margins and gutters, and how many sheets a print run needs.
How it works
Across = ⌊(usable width + gutter) ÷ (card + gutter)⌋ · Cards/sheet = across × down (best of both orientations) · Sheets = ⌈qty ÷ cards-per-sheet⌉
Gang-printing many small cards on one large sheet is far cheaper than printing them individually, so the key number is how many tile into the usable area after edge margins. Adding a gutter formula (card + gutter, then one fewer gutter counted via the +gutter offset) leaves room to cut cleanly between cards. Rotating the card 90° often fits more per sheet, so both orientations are tested and the better one is used.
Worked example
On a 12×18 in sheet with 0.25 in margins, the usable area is 11.5×17.5 in. Standard 3.5×2 in cards fit 3 across and 8 down = 24 per sheet, so a run of 500 cards needs 21 sheets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard business card size?
In the US and Canada it is 3.5 × 2 inches. Europe commonly uses 85 × 55 mm, and many countries use 90 × 55 mm or 90 × 50 mm.
Why leave a gutter between cards?
The gutter gives the cutter room to separate cards without slicing into the next one, and it lets each card carry its own bleed if the design runs to the edge.
Does rotating the cards help?
Often, yes. Turning cards 90° can fit an extra row or column into the same sheet, cutting waste — this tool checks both layouts automatically.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.