Guide to Standard Magnet Sizes

Key Takeaways:

• Using standard magnet sizes for branding and promotion enables convenient, efficient distribution.
• The ideal size for your custom magnets depends primarily on the surface they will be displayed on (e.g., a car door, a filing cabinet, or a fridge).
• Standard magnet sizes are usually more affordable than custom-sized or uniquely shaped magnets because they are compatible with standard printing methods.

If there is one promotional or branded giveaway that sticks around (literally and figuratively), it would be a custom magnet with eye-catching designs. However, its effectiveness depends on the correct size, which is primarily determined by the intended application surface.

Other factors that determine the ideal standard magnet size include the design and content needs, target audience, distribution method, and budget.

If you’re unsure which size to choose, see the standard magnet size chart below.

Magnet Size Chart

Magnet Printing	Popular Size Options
Car Magnets	24″ x 18″ 3.24″ x 12″ 24″ x 24″ 18″ x 18”
Fridge Magnets	1.5″ ×2″ 3″ x 4″ 4″ x 6″ or Postcard Size 5″ x 7″ or Large Format
Business Card Magnets	2″ x 3.5 or Standard Business Card Size 1.75″ x 3.5″ or Slim Size 3″ x 3”

Standard Car Magnet Sizes

Car magnets typically show a logo with contact information, functioning as a reusable, mobile, and affordable form of advertising. They are great for small businesses and service-based companies that serve their local communities.

Since car magnets are designed to be readable from a distance, they rarely go smaller than 6″ x 12.”

Check out the standard car magnet sizes below:

24″ x 18″: This is the most popular standard size because it offers enough room for a business logo, contact information, and a simple slogan. It fits nicely on standard car doors without looking too large.

3.24″ x 12″: Think of this size as a bumper-sticker upgrade, as it offers more horizontal space. This orientation is ideal for long business names, short taglines, and designs with a sleek, horizontal layout.

24″ x 24″: Large square-shaped car magnets suit round and square logos, creating a clean and modern appearance.

18″ x 18″: This standard size also creates a clean and modern appearance for round and square logos. It’s perfect for the rear door or trunk.

Standard Fridge Magnet Sizes

Fridge magnets are excellent promotional giveaways and event freebies because they provide long-lasting, constant visibility. People often see them as functional items, using them to hold notes and photos.

Here are the most popular refrigerator magnet sizes:

1.5″ ×2″: As the smallest and most affordable standard magnet size, it’s ideal for mass distribution of branded giveaways and freebies.

3″ x 4″: Whether used in horizontal or vertical orientation, this size looks good on designs with contact details, a website, and social media links. This standard size also looks great in photo frame magnets, simple takeout menus, and schedules.

4″ x 6″: or Postcard Size: It’s perfect for framing photos and highlighting bold headlines. This popular size also works well for real estate listings and calendar magnets.

5″ x 7″: or Large Format: This size looks great for full-page calendars, designs with bold CTAs like “Call Now,” holiday greetings, and “contact info” magnets.

Standard Business Card Magnet Sizes

Magnetic business cards allow your logo and contact details to be visible in high-traffic areas like kitchens and offices. Unlike many promotional giveaways, which are often discarded or kept hidden, these magnets are usually displayed on fridges, filing cabinets, and metal doors.

Check out the most popular magnetic business card sizes below:

2″ x 3.5 or Standard Business Card Size: This is the go-to choice if you want your magnetic cards to look exactly like a business card. However, this size also works for designs with QR codes, appointment reminders, special event announcements, and miniaturized calendars.

1.75″ x 3.5″ or Slim Size: Its horizontal layout makes it perfect for long business names and minimalist, modern designs.

3″ x 3″: The square’s inherent symmetry is ideal for round logos and modern designs. Designers, artists, and brands in the creative industry often use square-shaped magnetic cards.

Custom-Sized Magnets: When to Use Them

Despite the many benefits of using standard magnet sizes, custom-sized and uniquely shaped magnets still have a place in branding and marketing.

Here are some reasons to use custom-sized magnets:

Match your visual brand identity: If your logo has a specific dimension or unique silhouette that may not look good in a standard size, choosing a custom size or shape ensures brand consistency.

Ensure visual impact: Consider larger magnetic signs if you want your logo and contact details to be visible from a distance.

Meet a specific functional purpose: Custom sizes are ideal when the magnets need to fit a specific location. For example, service trucks often need larger magnetic signs than compact cars.

How to Choose the Ideal Magnet Size

With so many standard magnet sizes, it can be confusing to pick the right one. However, key factors can help you choose the ideal size that offers a perfect balance between visibility, aesthetics, and affordability.

Here are the key factors you need to consider:

Intended Placement or Surface Area: This is the most important consideration when choosing a magnet size. Custom magnets intended for car doors and trunks will need to be significantly larger than those designed for magnetic boards, fridges, and filing cabinets.

Design and Content Needs: A design with minimal text and a bold logo generally suits smaller magnets, while a calendar, menu, or any complex design requires more space.

Visibility and Readability: Larger magnets ensure your message is legible from a distance. To further promote readability, use high-contrast colors and large, simple fonts.

Distribution Method: Custom magnets meant for mass distribution and mailing campaigns are generally compact and lightweight. A standard business card size is a popular, portable option for these purposes.

Budget: Your budget is also a key factor, especially for mass distribution, as larger magnets cost more than smaller ones.

 

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Whether you plan to use custom magnets as promotional signs, branded giveaways, or keepsakes, the right size ensures compatibility with the intended placement area, high visibility, and impactful brand message.

If you need custom fridge magnets, photo magnets, calendar magnets, Dry Erase board magnets, or magnetic car signs, NextDayFlyers is your go-to print service partner.

Our magnets are available in durable materials, fade-resistant inks, and custom shapes and sizes, so you’ll always find the right one for your needs.