How Thick Is a Metal Business Card?
Everything You Need to Know (Without the Wall of Text)
Thinking about getting metal business cards? Wondering, “How thick should they be?” Let’s talk real numbers, what thickness means in practice, and how your choices shape the vibe you send out.
Typical Metal Business Card Thickness
Standard: About 0.3–0.6 mm (12–24 mils)
Premium: Around 0.5–0.8 mm (20–32 mils)
Extra finishes or coatings can nudge the final thickness up a bit.
> Quick Tip:
> Thicker doesn’t always mean “better” it’s about the impression you want to make!
What Actually Defines Thickness?
Think of thickness in two ways:
Nominal thickness:
The “official” thickness, before any finishing touches.
Finished thickness:
The realworld number after things like polishing, deburring, or adding coatings.
Why care?
Even tiny changes matter! If your cards are too thick, they might not fit in wallets. Too thin and they feel flimsy, not premium. To learn more about the different options and industry standards, check out this guide on metal card thickness.
Decoding Metal Gauge Standards
Ever see “24 gauge” or “0.5 mm” on a spec sheet and wonder what it means?
Gauge = thickness measurement.
The lower the number, the thicker the metal (but it depends on the standard so doublecheck!).
Material density:
Not all metals weigh the same at the same thickness.
Pro tip:
Always ask your supplier for caliper measurements or samples. Don’t just trust the numbers!
Why Thickness Matters for Durability & Feel
So, what’s the big deal about a fraction of a millimeter?
Thicker cards:
Feel solid, resist bending, and scream “premium.”
But, too thick can make them clunky or even awkward to handle.
Thinner cards:
Sleek, modern, and fit easily in wallets.
Might bend or scratch more easily, though.
Bottom line:
Pick a thickness that feels right when you hand it over first impressions count!
Cost & Practicality: Is Thicker Always Pricier?
Here’s what goes into the price tag:
Material cost:
More metal = more money.
Production process:
Thicker cards might cost more to cut, etch, or finish.
Shipping:
Heavier cards can bump up costs, especially for big orders.
Think about:
Will the card fit in standard card holders?
Is it easy to hand out or does it feel like a mini weapon?
Are you paying for “premium” thickness you don’t need?
Weight: The Unsung Hero (or Villain)
Heavier = more “wow”
…but also more hassle to carry a stack!
Lighter = more practical
…but might not feel as special.
Rule of thumb:
Balance the “wow” factor with realworld usability.
How Finishes Affect Perceived Thickness
Fun fact: the finish can trick your senses!
Glossy or mirror finishes make edges pop cards might look chunkier.
Matte or satin can make cards seem thinner.
Textures (like brushed or anodized) change how light plays on the edge, affecting how thick the card “feels” to the eye.
> Color matters too!
> Darker finishes often seem denser and more substantial.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Brand
Ask yourself:
Are you a luxury brand wanting to impress with heft?
Or do you value sleekness, modernity, and ease of use?
What are your competitors doing? (Seriously ask for their cards and feel them!)
Pro tip:
Mock up a few samples and ask friends or colleagues for their gut reaction.
Metal Card Thickness in the Real World
Let’s compare:
Credit card:
~0.76 mm (pretty standard reference point)
Metal business card (average):
Slightly thinner or about the same as a credit card
Too thick:
Hard to fit, heavy in the wallet, might get left behind
Too thin:
Not much different from a regular card misses the point of metal!
Try this:
Stack your sample with your everyday cards. Does it play nice, or stand out (for better or worse)?
Final Thoughts
Don’t go overboard: Thicker isn’t always better.
Think about your brand, your budget, and how the card will be used.
Ask for samples and compare!
> Remember:
> The feel of your card is part of your brand handshake. Make it count!
Ready to design your own? Thickness is just one detail but it’s one your clients will notice the moment you hand it over.
