In this guide, I’ll show you exact place card dimensions, how to set them up in Canva, and pro tips to avoid printing mistakes.
By the end, you’ll know how to design place cards that look polished and professional—no guesswork needed!
Key Takeaways
- Standard Sizes Across Events:
- Weddings: 3.5 × 2 in (classic) or 2.5 × 1.5 in (mini) with a recommended 0.25 in bleed for professional printing.
- Corporate events: 4 × 3 in for flat cards or 4 × 6 in for tent‑fold styles.
- Holiday parties: playful 4 × 4 in squares or circles.
What You’ll Learn:
- ✅ Standard place card sizes for weddings, parties, and events
- ✅ How to set custom dimensions in Canva (step-by-step)
- ✅ Free Canva templates with pre-sized designs
- ✅ Fixes for common sizing mistakes (like blurry text or cut-off edges)
Standard Place Card Dimensions in Canva
Most place cards are 3.5 x 2 inches or 8.9 x 5 cm. This size fits neatly on tables and holds 2-3 lines of text. But here’s the twist: your event type might need a different size. Let’s break it down:
1. Wedding Place Cards
- Classic Size: 3.5” x 2” (fits calligraphy fonts and floral designs)
- Mini Cards: 2.5” x 1.5” (for rustic or minimalist weddings)
Pro Tip: Add a 0.25-inch bleed area if printing professionally. This prevents edges from getting cut off.
2. Corporate Event Place Cards
- Standard Size: 4” x 3” (more space for job titles or logos)
- Tent-Fold Cards: 4” x 6” (folded to stand upright)
3. Holiday Party Place Cards
- Fun Shapes: 4” x 4” squares or circles (great for Christmas or birthdays)
How to Set Place Card Dimensions in Canva
I’ll walk you through setting up your design—it takes less than 2 minutes!
Step 1: Open Canva & Start a New Project
- Click “Create a design” in the top-left corner.
- Select “Custom size”.
Step 2: Enter Your Place Card Size
- For a 3.5 x 2 inch card: Type 3.5” in width and 2” in height.
- Choose “inches” or “centimeters” based on your printer’s settings.
Pro Tip: If printing at home, match the dimensions to your paper size. For example, use 8.5 x 11-inch paper and fit 10 cards per sheet.
Step 3: Design Your Place Card
- Use the “Text” tool for names and table numbers.
- Drag photos or icons into the “Uploads” section.
- Click “Resize” to adjust elements without losing quality.
Free Canva Templates for Perfectly Sized Place Cards
Don’t start from scratch! I’ve tested these templates for size accuracy:
1. Elegant Wedding Place Card Template
- Size: 3.5” x 2”
- Best for: Gold foil designs, cursive fonts
2. Modern Corporate Place Card Template
- Size: 4” x 3”
- Best for: Logos, minimalist layouts
3. Holiday-Themed Place Card Template
- Size: 4” x 4”
- Best for: Christmas, birthdays, or baby showers
How to use them: Search “place card” + your event type in Canva, then filter by “Free”.
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen these errors ruin hundreds of place cards. Here’s how to dodge them:
Mistake 1: Tiny Text
- Fix: Use font size 14pt or larger.
Mistake 2: Low-Resolution Files
- Fix: Download designs as PDF (Print) or PNG (300 DPI).
Mistake 3: Ignoring Printer Margins
- Fix: Keep text 0.5 inches away from edges.
FAQ: Place Card Sizes in Canva
Yes! Use the “Circle” shape tool and set the same width and height (e.g., 4” x 4”).
Use cardstock paper (80-100 lb weight) and select “Borderless printing” in your printer settings.
Most are, but always double-check under “File” → “View settings”.
Ready to Design Your Place Cards?
Now you know the exact dimensions, how to set them up, and my favorite time-saving templates. Whether it’s a wedding, holiday party, or work event, you’ve got this! Need more help? Drop a comment below—I’ll reply ASAP. 🎨
Last modified: April 24, 2025
