Index Cards: Sizes, Uses & Free Printable 3x5, 4x6
What are index cards? Learn index card sizes (3x5, 4x6), uses for study and notes. Free printable index cards. Download PDF.
Index cards (also called notecards) are small, stiff rectangles of paper used for study notes, flashcards, recipes, and quick reference. Standard index card sizes include 3×5 inches and 4×6 inches—the same dimensions as notecards. They fit easily in pockets and binders, making them ideal for portable note-taking and spaced repetition.
What are index cards used for?
Index cards are versatile. Common uses include:
- Flashcards for vocabulary, definitions, or exam prep
- Study notes when each topic fits on one card
- Recipe cards in a kitchen file box
- To-do lists or project task cards
- Presentation cue cards for talks
The small format forces you to distill information, which helps retention.
Standard index card sizes (notecard sizes)
| Size | Dimensions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 3×5 in | 76 × 127 mm | Flashcards, short notes |
| 4×6 in | 102 × 152 mm | Recipes, longer notes |
| 5×8 in | 127 × 203 mm | Large cue cards |
3 by 5 index card and 4×6 are the most common. US sizes match ANSI standards; international equivalents exist in A-series (e.g. A7 is close to 5×7).
Printable index cards: 3x5 and 4x6
You can print index cards on letter-size paper and cut them out. Multiple cards fit on one sheet.
- 4×6 index cards on Letter: index-cards-4x6-letter
- 3×5 index cards on Letter: index-cards-3x5-letter
Download the PDF, print at 100% scale, then cut along the dashed lines. Use cardstock (65–80 lb) for durability.
How to use index cards for studying
- One concept per card—front and back if needed
- Write a question on one side, answer on the other
- Shuffle and review for active recall
- Separate cards you know vs. need more practice
Spaced repetition (reviewing at increasing intervals) works well with index cards.
Printing tip
Print at Actual Size / 100%. Scaling will change the cut dimensions. Choose the correct paper size (Letter or A4) in your print dialog.
For more on paper sizes: A4 vs Letter.
Related articles
- How to choose notebook paper—compare ruled, dot grid, and graph
- Best line spacing for notes—college vs wide vs narrow ruled