SRA3 business-card yields by layout
SRA3 is 320 × 450 mm. The number of business cards that fit depends on the finished card size, the allowance for bleed, the gap between cards, and the space the press needs at the sheet edges. A count for unbleeded cards on a mathematical grid will change when a production shop adds its gripper margin and a cut path. The table below compares only uniform grids, with every card in the same orientation.
| Trim | Bleed per edge | Gap | Sheet edge margin | Best grid | Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 × 55 mm | 0 mm | 0 mm | 5 mm | 5 × 5 | 25 |
| 85 × 55 mm | 3 mm | 2 mm | 5 mm | 3 × 7 | 21 |
| 85 × 55 mm | 3 mm | 2 mm | 10 mm | 3 × 6 | 18 |
| 90 × 50 mm | 3 mm | 2 mm | 5 mm | 3 × 7 | 21 |
| 3.5 × 2 in | 3 mm | 2 mm | 5 mm | 3 × 7 | 21 |
Worked example for 500 European-size cards
Start with an 85 × 55 mm trim. Add 3 mm on each side to get a 91 × 61 mm bleed box. Subtract a 5 mm margin from both sides of both axes of the SRA3 sheet to get a usable width of 310 mm and a height of 440 mm. Add a 2 mm gap between adjacent bleed boxes.
Across the 310 mm width, three 91 mm boxes plus two 2 mm gaps take 277 mm. Four need 370 mm and will not fit. Down the 440 mm length, seven 61 mm boxes plus six gaps take 439 mm. That makes 21 cards. Rotating all the cards gives four columns by four rows, or 16. At 21 per sheet, 500 cards take 24 sheets before proof and spoilage allowances.
Calculate a layout for your own finishing method
Use the card dimensions from the approved order. The formula for one axis is the whole number of (usable length + gap) divided by (item dimension including bleed + gap). Adding the gap to the available length accounts for the fact that no gap follows the last item. Multiply the column count by the row count, repeat with the card dimensions swapped, then choose the grid that fits your cutting method.
Use actual press margins. A machine may require more room on the gripper edge than on the other three sides. This calculator uses a uniform edge margin. For unequal edges, measure the real usable rectangle and use the general imposition calculator with that rectangle as the sheet size and zero additional margin. Include any extra space for color bars, trim marks, and registration that falls outside the design grid.
Common layout mistakes
Check whether your imposition workflow measures gutters between trim boxes or bleed boxes. The calculator takes a gap between bleed boxes. If the production specification gives a trim-to-trim gap, subtract the bleed allowances between the two trim edges before using it here. Another common mistake is treating the front and back as two independent grids. For a duplex card, proof both sides and check alignment following the same sheet flip you will use on press.
Frequently asked questions
Can I fit more cards with a mixed rotation?
Sometimes. This calculator checks two uniform grids. Mixed layouts may affect cutting order and grain direction, so confirm with the operator before using one.
Is SRA3 the same as A3?
No. A3 is 297 × 420 mm. Recalculate for the actual sheet because the smaller usable width or length can change the yield.
Should I include the gap in the finished card size?
Enter the trim size only for the card, then enter bleed and the gap between bleed boxes separately.
How many extra sheets should I order?
Add the setup and spoilage allowance your press and finishing process typically require. Track sheets consumed on comparable jobs to choose that allowance.
Reference: Netprinter SRA3 business card production template.