Google Docs doesn’t include a business card template in its template gallery, but you can make your own sheet of standard 3.5 x 2 inch cards in a few minutes with a table. Set small page margins, insert a 2 x 5 table, set each column to 3.5 inches wide and each row to 2 inches tall in Table properties, and fill in the first card. Copy it into the other cells, then print on card stock or perforated business card sheets.
Below are the exact settings, a faster option with a ready-made template, and printing tips.
How to make business cards in Google Docs
Step 1: Set up the page
- Create a new blank document.
- Click File > Page setup.
- Set Paper size to Letter (8.5″ x 11″).
- Set margins to 0.5 inch on the top and bottom and 0.75 inch on the left and right, then click OK. These match the most common 10-card perforated sheets. Check your sheet’s package for exact measurements.
Step 2: Insert and size the table
- Click Insert > Table and choose 2 x 5.
- Right-click the table and choose Table properties.
- Set Column width to 3.5 in and Minimum row height to 2 in.
- Set Cell padding to about 0.15 in so text isn’t too close to the edges.
- Set the table border to 0 pt if you don’t want lines printed.
Step 3: Design one card and copy it
- In the first cell, type your name, title, phone, email, and website. Use Insert > Image to add a logo.
- Format the text, keeping important details at least 8 or 9 points.
- Select everything in the cell, copy it with Ctrl + C, and paste it into each other cell with Ctrl + V.
Faster option: use a ready-made template
- Avery Design & Print: Avery’s free online tool has templates matched to its card sheets. You can design there, or export and open the file in Google Docs.
- Add-ons: Some Google Workspace add-ons, like label and card makers, create card layouts inside Docs. Review the permissions before installing.
- Google Slides or Drawings: For a single card design, set File > Page setup to Custom 3.5 x 2 inches and design freely with shapes and images.
Printing tips
- Print one test page on plain paper and hold it against your card sheet to check alignment.
- In the print dialog, set scale to 100% or Actual size, not Fit to page.
- Choose your printer’s card stock or heavy paper setting.
- For a professional finish, download the document as a PDF (File > Download > PDF) and send it to a print shop.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a standard business card?
3.5 x 2 inches in the US and Canada. In many other countries, it’s 85 x 55 mm.
Why don’t my cards line up with the perforations?
Check the page margins against your sheet’s measurements, and make sure printing is set to 100% scale.
Can I print double-sided business cards?
Yes. Make a second page with the back design, mirroring the column order so each back lines up with its front, then print double-sided.
Does Google Docs have an Avery business card template?
Not built in, but Avery’s online tool offers matching templates, and the table method above works with most Avery 10-per-sheet cards.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.