Postcard sizes: standard dimensions and USPS rules

The most common postcard size is 4 x 6 inches. In the United States, only cards up to 4.25 x 6 inches mail at the lower postcard rate. Larger cards, such as 5 x 7 and 6 x 9 inches, are mailed at the letter rate, so the size you choose affects postage as well as printing.

For printing, see our eco friendly postcards on recycled stock.

Common postcard sizes

• 4 x 6 in: the standard postcard. It qualifies for the postcard rate.
• 4.25 x 6 in: the largest size that still mails at the postcard rate.
• A6, 4.5 x 6.25 in: slightly larger than 4 x 6 and efficient to print, because more cards fit on a press sheet. It mails at the letter rate.
• 5 x 7 in: popular for announcements, invitations and promotions. Letter rate.
• 5.5 x 8.5 in: a half letter sheet, with room for more copy. Letter rate.
• 6 x 9 in: a common direct mail size that stands out in the mailbox. Letter rate.
• 6 x 11 in: close to the largest card that mails as a letter. Letter rate.

For Every Door Direct Mail, cards must be large enough to count as flats, for example 6.25 x 9 in or larger. Check the current USPS requirements before you design an EDDM piece.

USPS size rules for postcards

• Postcard rate: at least 3.5 x 5 in and 0.007 in thick, and no larger than 4.25 x 6 in and 0.016 in thick.
• Letter rate: up to 6.125 x 11.5 in and 0.25 in thick.
• Shape: the length divided by the height should be between 1.3 and 2.5 for automated sorting. Square cards carry a nonmachinable surcharge.

Postage rates and rules change, so confirm them with the USPS before a large mailing.

Postcard dimensions with bleed and pixels

• 4 x 6 in: 4.25 x 6.25 in with bleed. 1200 x 1800 px at 300 ppi, or 1275 x 1875 px with bleed.
• 5 x 7 in: 5.25 x 7.25 in with bleed. 1500 x 2100 px, or 1575 x 2175 px with bleed.
• 6 x 9 in: 6.25 x 9.25 in with bleed. 1800 x 2700 px, or 1875 x 2775 px with bleed.
• 6 x 11 in: 6.25 x 11.25 in with bleed. 1800 x 3300 px, or 1875 x 3375 px with bleed.

Keep text 0.125 in inside the trim. Our guide to print-ready files explains bleed and export settings.

Setting up the mailing side

Leave the right side of the back clear for the address and postage, and keep the strip along the bottom edge free for the USPS barcode. Avoid dark backgrounds and busy images behind the address. If your cards will be mailed, tell us when you request a quote and we will set up a USPS-compliant mailing panel.

Paper for postcards

Postcards are usually printed on 14pt or 16pt card. Uncoated stock is easy to write on, which suits thank you cards and notes. Recycled stocks up to 100% post-consumer waste are available. Our paper weight guide explains card thickness.

Choosing a size that keeps costs down

On a mailing, postage often costs more than printing, so the size decision matters. A 4 x 6 card mails at the lowest rate. If you need more room, an A6 card fits more cards on a press sheet than a 5 x 7 card, which lowers the printing cost of each card. Standard sizes also cut efficiently and leave less paper waste than custom sizes.

Common questions

What is the standard postcard size?

4 x 6 inches is the most common postcard size in the United States.

What is the largest postcard that mails at the postcard rate?

4.25 x 6 inches. Anything larger mails at the letter rate.

Is 5 x 7 a postcard size?

Yes, 5 x 7 is a common postcard size, but it mails at the letter rate rather than the postcard rate.

How thick does a postcard need to be?

At least 0.007 inches to mail. Most printed postcards are 14pt or 16pt card, which is 0.014 to 0.016 inches.

To price postcards on recycled stock, request a quote and tell us whether they will be mailed.