Place Card Sizes: Standard Dimensions, Avery 5302 and Print Layouts
Quick answer: a common finished place card is 3.5 x 2 inches (89 x 51 mm). A flat card uses that size as-is; a tent card starts as a 3.5 x 4 inch (89 x 102 mm) blank and folds to 3.5 x 2 inches. Print on the paper size named by the template—usually US Letter or A4—at 100% / Actual Size.
There is no single worldwide place card size. The best choice depends on whether the card stands on the table, sits in a holder, or doubles as an escort card. This guide separates the finished card size from the paper or sheet layout, so you can choose a template without guessing.
If you already know the format, browse the free place card templates library or download a printable PDF place card. If you need typed names for a larger guest list, use the place card maker.
Common finished place card sizes
The dimensions below are practical event-printing conventions, not a mandatory international standard. Always compare the template dimensions with the paper or product you plan to buy.
| Format | Finished card size | Blank size before folding | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folded tent card | 3.5 x 2 in (89 x 51 mm) | 3.5 x 4 in (89 x 102 mm) | Weddings, formal dinners, and cards that stand by themselves |
| Flat place card | 3.5 x 2 in (89 x 51 mm) | Not applicable | Card holders, buffet tables, and compact name cards |
| Small folded card | 2.5 x 1.5 in (64 x 38 mm) | 2.5 x 3 in (64 x 76 mm) | Small tables or short names |
| Wide flat card | 4 x 1.5 in (102 x 38 mm) | Not applicable | Modern holders and corporate dinners |
| Escort card / large name card | 4 x 6 in (102 x 152 mm) | Not applicable | Escort-card tables, table numbers, or prominent signage |
The most common choice: 3.5 x 2 inches
The 3.5 x 2 inch finished size is a useful default because it is easy to read and works for both flat cards and folded tent cards. For a tent card, the unfolded design is normally 3.5 x 4 inches and folds across the middle. Do not confuse the unfolded sheet size with the finished card size.
Avery 5302, 4-up, and 6-up sheet layouts
Avery 5302 is a product-specific tent-card layout, not a universal place card standard. Avery lists each finished small tent card as 2 x 3.5 inches, with four cards on a US Letter sheet. Use the manufacturer's 5302 template and confirm the product number on your package before printing a full batch.
| Template or paper | Finished card | Cards per sheet | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avery 5302 | 3.5 x 2 in folded | 4 | Product number, feed direction, fold, and alignment |
| Generic 6-up flat layout | Often 3.5 x 2 in | 6 | Card width, side margins, and the actual PDF page size |
| Business-card style 10-up sheet | Often 3.5 x 2 in flat | 10 | Vendor template and perforation spacing |
| Custom cardstock | Any size | Depends on the sheet | Printable area, bleed, and cutting method |
The number of cards per sheet is a layout choice, not a card dimension. A 4-up sheet commonly refers to four tent cards such as Avery 5302. A 6-up sheet commonly refers to six flat cards, but its exact card dimensions still depend on the PDF margins and grid. Never choose a template from “4 per sheet” or “6 per sheet” alone.
US Letter, A4, and metric paper
Paper size is separate from card size. US Letter is 8.5 x 11 inches (216 x 279 mm); A4 is 210 x 297 mm. A PDF made for Letter can shift on A4 if the print dialog scales it automatically, so choose the correct paper setting before printing.
| Paper standard | Exact size | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| US Letter | 8.5 x 11 in (216 x 279 mm) | Avery products and many US 4-up or 6-up PDFs |
| A4 | 210 x 297 mm (8.27 x 11.69 in) | Home and office printing in most countries outside North America |
| A7 paper | 74 x 105 mm | Small folded or flat cards when the printer and design support the format |
| A6 paper | 105 x 148 mm | Larger folded cards, menus, or table signage |
A-series dimensions come from the ISO 216 paper-size system. They describe the sheet, not a required place card design.
Which size should you choose?
- Wedding or formal dinner: Start with a 3.5 x 2 inch folded tent card. It is readable at the table and works with common Avery-style layouts.
- Small dinner party: Use a 2.5 x 1.5 inch folded card only when names are short and table space is tight.
- Card holder: Choose a flat 3.5 x 2 inch or 4 x 1.5 inch card and measure the holder opening first.
- Escort-card table: Use a larger 4 x 6 inch card when the guest also needs a table name or number.
- Children's event or classroom: Consider a larger flat card so names and seat numbers remain easy to read.
Printing checklist
- Set the document and printer to the same paper size: Letter or A4.
- Print at 100% / Actual size. Turn off “Fit to page” or “Scale to fit.”
- Print one calibration sheet on ordinary paper. Measure a card with a ruler; for pre-cut stock, hold the test behind the sheet against a light and compare every edge and fold.
- Use at least 65 lb cardstock (about 175 gsm) for a standing tent card; heavier stock may require a rear feed or manual-feed setting.
- Score the fold before bending the card. A ruler and bone folder produce a cleaner edge than folding directly against the printed line.
If the test is uniformly too small, scaling is still enabled. If it is the correct size but shifted, check Letter versus A4, page orientation, feed direction, and the printer's unprintable margins before moving individual card elements.
Sources and product references
- Avery 5302 templates and product information — verify the current product dimensions and sheet layout before ordering.
- ISO 216 paper sizes — reference for A4, A6, and A7 sheet dimensions.
- Paper size overview — background on Letter and international paper conventions.
These references describe paper and product specifications. Finished place card dimensions remain a design decision, so verify the exact template and printer settings before producing the full guest list.
Create cards in the size you chose
The place card maker supports common flat and folded formats, spreadsheet import, and print-ready PDF export. Choose the finished card size first, then add names and select Letter or A4 for the output sheet.