Business card sizes

Initially, small visiting cards were given out when someone wanted to pay a visit to a member of the upper class. Visiting cards served as a polite form of introduction, so the first impression that they created was very important. Houses used to have special trays in the hallways so that the guests could leave their cards in them, giving the lord or lady some time to familiarise themselves with the information provided.

In the 20th century, to the utter disgust of the aristocrats, lower classes adopted the idea of cards and started to use them for business purposes, much like we do today.

At present, despite the expansion of social media, business cards are still in common use. Business card sizes may vary from a country to another but there are two standard sizes:

Did you know?

Meishi is the name for a Japanese business card. Exchange of meishi cards is a celebrated tradition: the way in which you hand your card is very important for your image and the further relationship with the recipient. You need to bow and offer your meishi with both hands held at the level of your chest. Also, the card should be taken out of a special card case, as giving a card warmed by the  touch of your hand is considered rude.