Card Sizes & Layering Guide

One of the questions we get asked most often is: “What size should my card be?”
There are so many fun options, but we’ve put together our favorite card sizes and the layer (or mat) measurements we use most often.

This guide is especially helpful if you’re new to cardmaking — but even experienced crafters love having these quick references handy!

Whether you’re just starting your creative journey or brushing up on the basics, this guide will help you cut your cardstock to the perfect size every time.

✂️ Before We Get Started

Here are a few terms you’ll want to know:

  • Card Base: The folded piece of cardstock that forms the foundation of your card.
  • Layers or Mats: Pieces of paper cut slightly smaller than your card base or card front. You can add as many as you like for depth and contrast.
  • Focal Point: The main part of your card you want to draw attention to — usually your stamped image or main design.

🪄 Standard A2 Card

This is your average, go-to card size — perfect for most occasions and fits standard envelopes.

Take one 8½” x 11” sheet of cardstock and cut it:

  • Portrait fold: Cut in half at 5½” → two 5½” x 8½” pieces
  • Landscape fold: Cut in half at 4¼” → two 4¼” x 11” pieces

👉 We personally prefer the 4¼” x 11” size — they stand a little better when displayed!

Fold one piece in half to create your card base.
Then, use these measurements for your layers (they work for either direction):

Layer Size (inches)
1 5¼” x 4”
2 5” x 3¾”
3 4¾” x 3½”
4 4½” x 3¼”

 

🧡 Tip: Try skipping a layer or tilting one slightly off-center for extra dimension and personality! 


🟪 Square Cards

Square cards are great for larger images or scene-style designs.
Our favorite size is 5½” x 5½”, but many crafters also love 6” x 6”.

5½” x 5½” Card

Cut an 8½” x 11” sheet on the 8½” side at 5½”.
You’ll only need to cut once — fold the piece in half for your card base.

Layer Size (inches)
1 5¼” x 5¼”
2 5” x 5”
3 4¾” x 4¾”
4 4½” x 4½”

 

✨ Isn’t it nifty when things work out perfectly like that?

 

6” x 6” Card

For this one, you’ll need 12” x 12” cardstock.
Cut in half at 6” and fold to make your card base — one sheet gives you two bases!

Layer Size (inches)
1 5¾” x 5¾”
2 5½” x 5½”
3 5¼” x 5¼”
4 5” x 5”

 

✨ Other Common Card Sizes

There are lots of fun card sizes and shapes to explore!

Here are a few others you might enjoy trying:

Card Type Base Size (inches)
A1 3½” x 4⅞”
A2 4¼” x 5½”
A6 4½” x 6¼”
A7 5⅛” x 7”
A7.5 5⅜” x 7¼”
A9 5½” x 8½”

 

We hope this guide helps you create cards that come together beautifully — one layer at a time! 💌