A Guide to Standard Postcard Sizes for Mailing

by PrintPlace - Published on August 1, 2017 - Updated on August 31, 2023



Standard Postcard Sizes for Mailing


Choosing the right size for your postcards is essential to communicating and delivering your message. You need enough space to highlight your business' big announcement or greet your customers for the season. The size should also follow the USPS requirements for affordable and convenient mailing to your target market.

With the number of sizes available for postcard printing, it's easy to get overwhelmed and confused. This guide helps you sift through the details and find the best postcard size for your direct mail marketing.

First Things First – What Is the Standard Postcard Size?


The 4” x 6” postcard is the go-to choice of most marketers because aside from being handy, it qualifies as USPS First Class Mail. If you plan on signing up for direct mail services for your custom 4” x 6” postcards, you are allowed to customize not just the number of pieces and the type of postage, but also the recipient list and the mailing date.

Standard Postcard Sizes and Their Best Uses


Without further ado, let’s break down your options for standard postcard sizes here at PrintPlace, along with expert advice on where they are best applied.
If you plan on sending quick thank you notes, exclusive promos like discounts or coupons, or just targeting readers who are either always on-the-go or have short attention spans, these postcard sizes will do the job.

Size Description
4.25" x 5.5" This is our smallest size offering for custom postcards. It has just enough space for one large image and call-to-action.
4" x 6" This is slightly larger than the first one so there’s more space for visuals.
4.25" x 6" If you require more breathing room for your copy, this option offers more width and length to accommodate it.


First-Class Mail ® is USPS’ solution for marketers and business owners who want to send out postcards in bulk without breaking the bank. To enjoy this service, you would need to order your custom postcards in any of the following sizes, for a minimum of 250 pieces:

Size Description
5" x 7" This option is just a bit bigger than our smaller postcard offerings, but it’s still compact enough compared to our larger alternatives.
4" x 9" If the focal point of your postcard design is a stunning artwork or if you have a lot of information to share with your recipients, this size is perfect for you. It offers enough landscape space for text and graphics, so your layout does not end up looking crowded.
6" x 8" or 6" x 9" If you want to stand out right off the mailbox, you’ll never go wrong with these size options. Your postcards will surely stick out from the pile and are more likely to catch the attention of your target customers.
5.5" x 8.5" This option is for marketers or business owners who want to discuss their products or services in full detail. This postcard is as big as a letter-sized page folded in half.
6" x 11" Our largest postcard size that’s eligible for First-Class Mail ®. This takes up almost as much space as a letter-sized sheet of paper.


If you need to extend your reach and target a specific community, you can deliver EDDM® postcards based on a list filtered according to income, age, or household size. You're likely communicating with these individuals for the first time, so you'll need enough space to provide specific details. Consider these extra-large options:

A Few Tips on Designing Your Custom Postcard


Once you have chosen a standard postcard size, the next step is to layout your design properly so the finished product comes out the exact way you want it. To ensure an accurate print job, take note of these areas:

Safe Zone – This encompasses all the essential elements of your postcard design. Do not leave out anything integral outside this area.
Trim Line – This indicates the sides we'll cut to achieve your chosen postcard size.
Bleed – This is where you will extend the postcard's background color or image. It goes beyond the trim line so that the final print does not show any white edges.

If you want a file that shows where the above areas start and stop, download any of the templates below and open it in your preferred software application:

Choosing the Perfect Postcard Size With PrintPlace


Sending a message through postcards holds a timeless charm, but selecting the appropriate size is integral for effective communication. Our comprehensive guide has navigated you through our array of standard postcard sizes, highlighting their benefits and suitability for various marketing campaigns. From the compact 4" x 6" postcard to the attention-grabbing 6" x 11", PrintPlace has you covered.

Not sure which size is right for you? Experiment with both small and large dimensions to gauge your audience's response. Order your custom postcards from PrintPlace today and make every message a delight to receive!

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