Rack card size: standard rack card dimensions and design tips

The standard rack card size is 4 x 9 inches. Rack cards are the tall, narrow cards in display racks at hotels, visitor centers, restaurants, real estate offices and shop counters. They summarize a business, attraction or event, and visitors take them with them.

Rack card sizes

• 4 x 9 in: the standard size. It fits most brochure racks and also fits a #10 business envelope.
• 3.5 x 8.5 in: a slightly smaller card that fits most of the same racks.
• Custom sizes: for your own display holder or counter stand.

A tri-fold brochure printed on 8.5 x 11 in paper folds to about 3.67 x 8.5 in, so rack cards and folded brochures fit the same racks. Our flyer and brochure size guide covers folded sizes.

File setup

• Build the file at 4 x 9 in.
• Add 0.125 in of bleed on every side, so the file measures 4.25 x 9.25 in.
• Keep text and logos at least 0.125 in inside the trim line.
• Use 300 ppi images at the printed size.

Our guide to bleed in printing explains trim and safe area.

Paper and finishes

Rack cards need to stand upright in a rack and survive handling, so they are printed on heavy cover stock, such as 14pt to 16pt or 100 lb to 130 lb cover. Uncoated and matte finishes are easy to read under lobby lighting. A satin finish adds color depth for photographs. Most rack cards are printed on both sides.

How to design a rack card

• Use the top third. In many racks only the top two or three inches show, so put your name and a strong image there.
• Keep the front simple: a headline, one image and a short line about what you offer.
• Use the back for details: hours, prices, a map, a short list of services or a QR code.
• Give a reason to keep it, such as an offer, a map or a schedule.
• Include a clear next step: a phone number, website or address.

Where rack cards work

Hotels, visitor centers and chambers of commerce use rack cards to point visitors to restaurants, tours, attractions and shops. Real estate offices use them for listings and services. Restaurants and shops keep them by the register. In Northeast Florida, rack cards are a common way to reach visitors in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra Beach and the Jacksonville beaches.

To price a run, see our custom rack cards.

Common questions

What is the standard rack card size?

The standard rack card size is 4 x 9 inches, which fits most brochure display racks.

What size is a rack card with bleed?

A 4 x 9 inch rack card is set up at 4.25 x 9.25 inches with 0.125 inch of bleed on every side.

What paper is best for rack cards?

A heavy cover stock, such as 14pt to 16pt or 100 lb to 130 lb cover, keeps a rack card upright in a display.

What is the difference between a rack card and a brochure?

A rack card is a single flat card printed on one or both sides. A brochure is folded into panels and holds more information.