Plan your next postcard printing project with our helpful size guide
As a printing company that values excellent print design, we often get questions from designers about the best postcard sizes to use for their project. When you’re brainstorming ahead of a project, it can be hard to conceptualize all of the different common postcard sizes you can use and how they’ll look when printed. To make it easier, we created this helpful guide for you to consult along the way. In it, you’ll find:
- Photos of all of the standard postcard sizes photographed in relation to one another, for scale.
- Photos of each standard postcard size photographed separately next to an egg for scale
- Dimensions of each standard postcard size in inches, pixels and millimeters
- Information on whether or not a specific postcard size is mailable under standard mail or every door direct mail
- Free starter files in each postcard size, available for download in InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Canva to let you focus on great design without worrying about the technical details, like properly setting bleed or CMYK color space!
We hope this resource includes everything you need to produce an awesome run of postcards, and when you’re done designing, we hope you’ll consider printing your postcards with us. We offer free ground shipping nationwide on every order and our experienced press team is here to ensure your postcard printing job rolls off the press right the first time around!
Postcard Sizes Made Simple
The most common postcard sizes offered include:
- 3 X 4
- 3.5 x 8.5
- 4.25 x 5.5
- 4 X 6
- 5 X 7
- 5.5 X 8.5
- 6 X 9
- 6.5 X 9.5
- 6 X 11
Of these sizes, Thomas Group Printing is here to explain why you would use certain sizes to send or share your message with clients. The way you capture the attention of your client or potential client will depend on how the space of the postcard is used. You will need to be cognizant of the postcard size while designing and laying out the artwork, securing enough space for branding as well as the graphics for that particular event, showcase, artist offering, marketing campaign or promotion. Other considerations for postcard sizes include the budget, type of messaging, and the overall goal of the campaign.
In order to ensure optimal printing of your postcard, you will need to take into account the safe area, and if you are mailing, space for the USPS stamps and indicia.
- Postcard safe area: All design elements such as copy and branding should stay within this area in order to be printed.
- Postcard trimming area: The postcard will be cut around the edges and this area indicates that trim space.
- Postcard bleed area: You should bleed your artwork to the edges to ensure that the artwork continuously flows and is not cut off during the trimming.
Choose the Best Postcard Size For Your Promotion
4” x 3” Postcard Size
- In millimeters: 76.2 X 101.6
- In pixels: 540 x 720 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Not mailable
The smallest size of postcards is perfect for an oversized business card, or striking branding with a simple call-to-action. You will want to keep the copy minimal to non-existent.
3.5” x 8.5” Postcard Size
- In millimeters: 88.9 X 215.9
- In pixels: 630 x 1530 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Standard postcard, mailable Standard
Much longer than it is wide, this offbeat postcard size allows for more messaging for your campaign or promotion. You can ensure you include contact information or pricing details or a QR code if you keep the design simple. This size is perfect for lists. You should consider the space needed for the postage and indicia and design vertically since the horizontal space is still quite small.
4.25″ x 5.5″ Postcard Size
- In millimeters: 107.95 x 139.7
- In pixels: 1275 x 1650 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Standard postcard, mailable First Class
Slightly taller than the average postcard, this size offers a compact and versatile canvas for your message. It provides enough space to showcase a captivating image alongside a concise and impactful message. Ideal for invitations, announcements, or promotional materials, this size can easily fit into standard envelopes, making it suitable for both personal and business correspondence.
6” x 4” Postcard Size
- In millimeters: 101.6 X 152.4
- In pixels: 1200 x 1800 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Standard postcard, mailable Standard
The default standard size for postcards is the most cost-efficient size. You can convey your message to your clients or potential clients while saving on printing and postage costs. Get creative with the artwork, using the space to promote your brand vividly.
5” x 7” Postcard Size
- In millimeters: 127 X 177.8
- In pixels: 1500 x 2100 pixels at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Standard postcard, mailable Standard or First Class
A good option between cost-savings on printing while garnering the attention of your audience with enough space for artwork and a design that fits all your needs including branding, event information or a QR code. You have enough room to express the brand messaging you want to convey, but you should keep in mind that your design will need to incorporate space for the postage and indicia at the top.
5″ x 9″ Postcard Size
- In millimeters: 127 x 228.6
- In pixels: 1500 x 2700 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Standard postcard, mailable First Class
With its elongated shape, this postcard size allows you to make a bold statement. Whether you’re promoting an event, advertising a product, or sharing updates with your audience, this size offers ample space for engaging visuals and informative content. Its elongated form can capture attention and make your message stand out among other mail items.
8.5″ x 5.5″ Postcard Size
- In millimeters: 215.9 x 139.7
- In pixels: 2550 x 1650 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Standard postcard, mailable First Class
The classic and widely recognized postcard size, this dimension offers a balanced canvas for your design. With enough room to include captivating images, compelling text, and essential contact details, this size is ideal for various promotional or informational purposes. It provides a familiar format that recipients are accustomed to, ensuring your message is easily understood and appreciated.
6.5″ x 9.5″ Postcard Size
- In millimeters: 152.4 X 228.6
- In pixels: 1800 x 2700 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Standard postcard, mailable Standard or First Class
This size stands out and can be perfect for a direct mail marketing campaign that needs to include contact information, messaging, pricing and stunning artwork. Almost letter size, you can incorporate more messaging while easily being able to mail Standard, if you are mailing. Considering mailing should be part of your design since you will need space for the postage and indicia.
11” x 6” Postcard Size
- In millimeters: 152.4 X 279.4
- In pixels: 1080 x 1980 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: EDDM option
Grab the attention of your audience with the largest postcard that will allow for enough room for messaging as well as art and a CTA that demands your potential clients or clients engage with your crafted postcard. This size works great as a mailer since you can leave enough room in the design for mailing requirements as well as your message and promotion.
Mailing Postcards
If you are interested in mailing your postcards, you will need to know the mailing options and sizes that are considered standard and oversized by USPS. Most sizes are mailable, but may not fall into the postcard rate classification by USPS.
In order to qualify to mail your postcard via First-Class Mail, with the postage added, it must be:
- Rectangular
- At least 3.5” high x 5” long x 0.007” thick
- No more than 4.125” high x 6” long x 0.016 inches thick
The maximum size for mailing postcards can be up to:
- 9” long
- 6” high
- 0.016” thick
The standard size of postcards used by USPS is usually 4” X 6”. Other standard postcard sizes include 3” X 4”, 4.25” X 5.5”, 4.25” X 6” and 5” X 7”. Jumbo postcards begin at the size of 6” X 11”. Jumbo postcards are considered letter-size and have a different mailing rate with USPS than standard postcards.
Options for Mailing Your Postcards
Standard Mail is mostly used for bulk mailing and direct mail marketing efforts since it is delivered within 3-21 days.
First Class Mail is delivered within 1-5 business days. A non-presort option is offered so you can mail up to 500 postcards, however, First Class Mail is usually for single-piece mailing.
Every Door Direct Mail or EDDM is even more affordable than standard mail and can include up to 5,000 pieces per day to any 5-digit zip code. EDDM postcards are delivered within 2 to 15 days. EDDM sizes include 6.25″ x 9″, 6” x 11″, 8.5” x 11”, and 11” x 14”.
When deciding to create mailable postcards, consider if you need the larger sizes to leave a lasting impression.
Whether you are printing or mailing your postcards, make sure you keep in mind space and allow breathing room for designs, CTAs, and pricing details. With oversized postcards, you are able to reach your audience with a custom piece that makes a bigger impact.
As such, anyone looking to mail a postcard should reference USPS and a mailpiece design analyst to ensure that the design is mailable. These postal service employees can answer any specific questions or concerns you may have about mailing your postcards.
Work With An Experienced Commercial Printer on Your Postcard Printing Project
When you’re working on a printed piece for your company, the quality of the work should reflect the quality of your brand. Thomas Group Printing has a deep understanding of the demands of commercial printing and exists to ensure your entire printing experience is fast, seamless and error-free. We’re trusted by some of the world’s largest brands and by independent print designers alike.
Thomas Group Printing is located in New York City and offers fast and convenient shipping nationwide. If you’re seeking an experienced and high quality printer for your next postcard printing job, consider reaching out to us for a custom quote. Our seasoned print production team is here to help.
Follow Thomas Group Printing for More Print Design Education & Inspiration
We believe in taking the time to serve as a resource to our clients and help them navigate the often confusing process of print production for high volume, high-visibility print jobs, or to just help them brush up on their print design skills. If you’ve found this resource helpful, here are a few other ways to keep learning and stay inspired:
- Thomas Group Print Education Blog: Access free print design and production resources to help you level-up your print design skills. View the blog here or subscribe for email updates to get our best educational resources delivered monthly.
- Thomas Group Print Inspiration Blog: Check out the coolest designs rolling off of our press. As an NYC-based printer, we’re privileged to produce print work for some of the most creative minds in the industry. We photograph and share unique print work we’ve helped to produce and spill the details on the specs of the jobs to help you take inspiration from other clients. View the blog here or subscribe for email updates to get our best educational resources delivered monthly.
