If you want a marketing material that’s both practical and effective, postcards are a fantastic choice. They strike the perfect balance between being compact yet impactful, making them ideal for everything from direct mail campaigns to in-store promotions and event handouts.
Postcards offer a unique way to connect with your audience. Whether you’re sharing discounts, event invitations, or special announcements, these print pieces are designed to grab attention and deliver your message clearly. Their versatility makes them a popular choice for businesses aiming to stand out.
To help you make the most of this marketing material, we’ve put together a guide on postcard dimensions, including the standard postcard size and the different measurements available to fit your needs.
What is the standard postcard size?
The standard postcard size is 4” x 6” or 102 mm x 152 mm. This popular option is budget-friendly and qualifies for First-Class Mail rates, making it perfect for budget-conscious marketing campaigns. It’s an excellent choice for delivering concise, attention-grabbing messages without overspending.
What are the dimensions for mailing postcards?
For mailing postcards, the size matters. To be eligible for USPS rates, postcards need to fall within the range of 4” x 6” to 6” x 11”. Sizes within this range are eligible for various postage options.
Postcards sized 4” x 6” or 4.25” x 6” can take advantage of First-Class Card rates. Larger postcards from 4.5” x 6” to 6” x 11” are eligible for either First-Class Letter rates or Standard Bulk rates. For more details, check out the USPS guidelines for postcards.
If your postcard doesn’t meet these requirements, you can still mail it, but it might cost more. You can choose to send postcards in an envelope, or you can apply stamps and drop them off at the post office for self-mailing.
What are the most commonly used postcard dimensions?
The most commonly used postcard dimensions are:
- 3” x 4”
- 3.5” x 8.5”
- 4.25” x 5.5”
- 4” x 6” (the standard postcard size)
- 5” x 7”
- 5.5” x 8.5”
- 6” x 9”
- 6.5” x 9.5”
- 6” x 11”
Which postcard size is right for your campaign?
The most common and recommended postcard dimension for marketing campaigns is 4 inches by 6 inches, as it’s considered the standard and cost-effective option for mailing. Here are other popular postcard measurements:
3” x 4” Postcard (Extra Small)
- In millimeters: 76.2 x 101.6
- In pixels: 540 x 720 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Not mailable
- Use case: Ideal for a minimalist design, such as an oversized business card or branding with a simple call to action.
3.5” x 8.5” Postcard (Standard)
- In millimeters: 88.9 x 215.9
- In pixels: 630 x 1530 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Mailable (Standard)
- Use case: A longer, narrow format that allows for additional messaging. Perfect for lists, pricing details, or QR codes.
4.25” x 5.5” Postcard (Standard)
- In millimeters: 107.95 x 139.7
- In pixels: 1275 x 1650 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Mailable (First Class)
- Use case: A compact and versatile size, great for invitations, announcements, and promotional materials.
4” x 6” Postcard (Standard)
- In millimeters: 101.6 x 152.4
- In pixels: 1200 x 1800 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Mailable (Standard)
- Use case: The most popular and cost-effective size for general marketing, allowing creative design and messaging.
5” x 7” Postcard (Standard Plus)
- In millimeters: 127 x 177.8
- In pixels: 1500 x 2100 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Mailable (Standard or First Class)
- Use case: Offers extra space for visuals and branding. Ideal for event invitations or promotions.
5.5” x 8.5” Postcard (Standard Plus)
- In millimeters: 127 x 228.6
- In pixels: 1500 x 2700 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Mailable (First Class)
- Use case: Great for designs that need more space without being overwhelming, ideal for detailed promotions.
6” x 9” Postcard (Large)
- In millimeters: 152.4 x 228.6
- In pixels: 1800 x 2700 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Mailable (First Class)
- Use case: Ample space for visuals, text, and call-to-action elements. Excellent for advertisements and product promotions.
6.5” x 9.5” Postcard (XL)
- In millimeters: 152.4 x 241.3
- In pixels: 1800 x 2850 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: Mailable (Standard or First Class)
- Use case: Perfect for attention-grabbing campaigns with a lot of information and design elements.
6” x 11” Postcard (XXL)
- In millimeters: 152.4 x 279.4
- In pixels: 1800 x 3300 at 300 dpi
- Mailing: EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) option
- Use case: A large format perfect for bold designs and detailed messaging, ideal for direct mail campaigns that need to stand out.
Design guidelines for all postcard dimensions
Uploading your design is as easy as selecting a file on your computer, but here are some key points to keep in mind:
Bleed Area:
- Extend your background color or design 0.15 inches beyond each edge of the postcard—top, bottom, left, and right.
- This ensures your design covers the entire card, even if there’s a slight misalignment during cutting.
Safety Margin:
- Keep all important text and design elements at least 0.15 inches away from the edges on all sides.
- This prevents anything essential from being accidentally trimmed during production.
These guidelines apply to standard 4” x 6” postcards as well as other sizes available.
Postcard design tips
- Keep it clear and focused. Postcards have limited space, so avoid overloading them with too much text or details. Highlight the key information you want your audience to know, and include a direct call to action, such as visiting your website, connecting on social media, or booking a service.
- Use eye-catching visuals. Your postcard might be competing for attention, whether it’s in a mailbox or displayed on a community board. Bold colors, striking images, or your business logo can make your design stand out. High-quality visuals are key to capturing interest.
- Add value with the back. Make the reverse side of your postcard functional. Use it for appointment reminders, rewards programs, or a short message about your business. This added utility ensures your card is more than just a one-time read.
- Choose the right finish and materials. Select a finish that complements your message. Glossy paper makes images vibrant, textured stock adds an elegant touch, and waterproof materials are perfect for durability.
- Stick with readable fonts. Opt for clean, easy-to-read text styles. Overly decorative fonts can be distracting and reduce the impact of your message.
- Maintain consistent branding. Incorporate your brand’s colors, logo, and fonts to ensure the postcard aligns with your overall marketing materials. This consistency builds recognition and reinforces your professional image.
What are some postcard marketing ideas for different postcard sizes?
Once your postcard design is ready, it’s time to make it work for you. Here are some effective marketing ideas:
- Sales and promotions: Spread the word about your latest offers by handing out or mailing postcards locally.
- Loyalty rewards: Add a stamp or punch to encourage repeat customers with a loyalty program.
- Event invitations: Promote special events or grand openings by using postcards as both invitations and advertisements.
- Package inserts: Include postcards in your shipments to strengthen brand identity, request reviews, or invite customers to follow you on social media.
- Appointment reminders: Hand out postcards after appointments to keep customers coming back for future services.
How Print To Brand can help
Designing postcards is an art that requires careful attention to detail. To make your design stand out, it’s essential to follow best practices to ensure it’s both visually appealing and functional.
At Print To Brand, we’ve helped numerous clients craft the perfect postcard designs. From choosing the right size to selecting the ideal font and imagery, our expert guidance ensures your postcards not only look great but also effectively communicate your message. Let us help you create postcards that deliver results tailored to your needs.
Answering your questions
The most common postcard dimensions include 4" x 6", 5" x 7", 6" x 9", and 6" x 11", but custom sizes are also available.
Most standard postcards are mailable, including 4" x 6", 5" x 7", and 6" x 9", but USPS rates depend on the size and mailing class.
Every Door Direct Mail postcards must meet USPS-approved dimensions such as 6.25" x 9", 6.25" x 11", 8.5" x 11", and 4.25" x 11".
Yes, but it may need an envelope. If your design doesn’t follow USPS guidelines, mailing it in an envelope ensures delivery.
