Note Card Size

When it comes to stationery, note cards serve a variety of personal and professional needs. . From heartfelt thank you cards, to client outreach,  formal event invitations, and more, note cards reinforce personal and professional connections.

When designing and printing your own note cards, the first step is choosing your preferred note card size. Understanding the dimensions and uses of different note cards can help you select the best option for your specific purpose.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the size options, this is the article for you! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about notecard size.

Why Note Card Size Matters

Choosing the best size is more than just a stylistic choice. Here’s why size matters:

  • Functionality. Certain messages work better on specific card sizes. Large cards, for example, provide space for longer messages, while smaller cards are better for brief notes or reminders.
  • Readability. Larger cards offer more room for text and are easier to read, which can be important for invitations and announcements.
  • Aesthetic appeal. Your card size also influences its design and layout. A large design on a small card may look cramped, while a small design on a large design can look empty.

On the whole, selecting the right size can make your card look well-balanced and visually appealing.

5 Types of Note Card Size

There are several standard note card size options that are used for different purposes, each with unique characteristics and ideal uses. Here’s a look at the most popular dimensions and their common applications.

3x5 Note Card

A 3x5 note card is small but mighty. It is one of the smallest standard notecard sizes, commonly used for brief messages or reminders. Its compact size makes it ideal for study cards, quick thank you notes, and flashcards. The 3x5 note card is perfect if you’re looking to convey quick, concise messages or use your cards for educational purposes.

3x5 is the size of a typical index card, so printing your own 3x5 cards is a good study technique. You can print lined cards and write on them by hand, or you can print fully-customized cards with text, diagrams, and images. This is a great strategy for effective learning.

This is the size of a typical index card, so consider printing your own custom-made index cards for studying!

To make effective notecards for studying, print the back side of your 3x5 note card in a different color. This will help you differentiate and remember the contents of each side of the card.

A2 Note Card

A2 note cards are small enough to feel artisanal but large enough to be useful. A horizontal A2 note card is 5.5x4.25 inches, and a vertical one is 4.25x5.5 inches. This size is perfect for greeting cards and thank you cards. These cards have more room for text than 3x5 cards and are ideal for more detailed notes or personal use.

4x6 Note Card

A 4x6 note card gives you some extra space to spread out. This size is perfect for recipe cards and event invitations. Printing on both sides of an unfolded card gives you even more space to add ingredient specifications, dress code explanations, or other important details.

A6 Note Card

A6 note cards give you space to include ample information without being overwhelming. A horizontal A6 card is 6.25x4.5 inches, and a vertical card is 4.5x6.25 inches.

This size is quite flexible, with the feel of a smaller card but with the ability to contain lots of information and design elements. An A6 note card works well for event invitations and holiday cards. This size is ideal for anyone who wants a little extra room for messages without committing to a larger card. It also offers space for graphics and photos, making it a popular choice for those who want a decorative touch.

A7 Note Card

A7 note cards are the largest of the bunch. At 5x7 inches, this note card size gives you the ability to say everything you want to say. As one of the largest commonly used note card sizes, it offers plenty of space for elaborate designs and longer messages.  

In addition to personal cards, this size is perfect for save the date cards. You can include lots of text and images, letting you go into detail about an event or client opportunity. A7 cards’ larger surface allows for a more impactful design that grabs attention, making them perfect for high-end, professional-looking cards that make a statement.

Choosing Between Flat and Folded Note Cards

In addition to all the information above, you can also choose between flat and folded note cards. Each has its own strengths:

  • Flat cards. These are ideal for quick, straightforward messages. They have a minimalist appeal and are easy to print in bulk. Flat cards are often used for postcards, announcements, and brief thank-you notes.
  • Folded cards. Folded cards have a front and inside section, offering more room for text and design. This style is perfect for greeting cards, longer notes, or formal invitations. The folded design allows for extra space for creativity, making it a popular choice for special occasions.

Flat note cards can be printed in color on the front and back, the back side can be printed in black ink, or the back side can be blank.

If you want to include a lot of information in your card, or if you tend to write long notes, consider printing on a folded card, which will give you twice the amount of writing space.

Horizontal and Vertical Note Cards

All note cards have either a horizontal or a vertical orientation, and the orientation of your card can affect its overall look and functionality.

Horizontal note cards, also called landscape note cards, are wider than they are tall. These types of cards are perfect for horizontal designs, which can include a business logo, artwork, or—you guessed it!—a landscape. This type of card is also great for logos and images that span the width of the card. A folded horizontal note card opens from the bottom.

Vertical note cards, or portrait note cards, are taller than they are wide. They are appropriate for vertical designs, such as event invitations or photographs with a more traditional, upright layout. A folded vertical note card opens from the right, just like a book.

ZoePrint Can Print Your Note Cards!

Hopefully now you have a better understanding of note card size. When you’re ready to print your own note cards, ZoePrint is here to help! We’re happy to advise you about notecard size , and we can print and ship your cards typically within two days of your order. We can even design your card for you! Order your own note cards or receive a custom quote today.