Address Label Sizes: A Guide to Help You Find the Right One
Not sure what address label size you need? Compare standard sizes, shapes and printer options, plus tips for postcards and return addresses.
How do I figure out what address label size I need?
Choosing the right address label size starts with what you’re mailing and how much room you have for the address. Your label needs enough space for a complete address in a font that is easy to read without taking up more room than necessary. If you just need to quickly grab one address label for everything, you can’t go wrong with 1″ × 2-5/8″. I’ve addressed thousands of envelopes and cards over the years, both personally and professionally, and 1″ × 2-5/8″ is the size I come back to again and again.
1″ × 2-5/8″ labels work perfectly for the three to four lines of text needed for addresses or return addresses and fit on standard envelope and postcard sizes. It’s also the exact size of popular Avery 5160 address labels, which have thousands of free templates available.
That being said, there’s definitely wiggle room to explore different address labels sizes and shapes depending on your project.
What is a standard address label size?
A standard address label size is 1″ × 2-5/8″. Not because some label monarch declares what a label size is, but because address labels have a job to do. This size works for the stuff you’re most likely going to need to mail.
In other words, 1″ × 2-5/8″ is the standard address label size because it has enough room for address information in a font that’s easy to read. And it still fits comfortably on mail pieces like envelopes and postcards. Sticking with a standard size takes out some of the guesswork because you know it will work for most everyday mailing projects.
Of course, you can experiment with different sizes and shapes when your project calls for it. Just keep function in mind. A label that’s too small can make the address difficult to read. One that’s too large may not fit the available addressing space.
What is the most versatile address label size to have at home?
If you want one address label size that can handle a wide variety of projects, 1″ × 2-5/8″ is the one I’d keep on hand. Avery 5160 labels are our best-known 1″ × 2-5/8″ address labels, but we offer this same size in several different products and materials.
Working at Avery, I’ve seen people use this size for just about everything. It works for regular addresses and return addresses on envelopes, cards and postcards, but mailing is really only the beginning. People also use 1″ × 2-5/8″ labels for product labels, ID labels, organizing, classroom projects and all kinds of everyday labeling.
I’ve even used them for my own small business. Picture it: I’m in a rush packaging everything I need for an upcoming convention. Suddenly, I realize I forgot to add instructions to some product packaging. Now I unexpectedly need instruction labels, but I’m quickly running out of time. I already had Avery 5160 address labels around the house for mailing, and they were the perfect size. Let me tell you, those 5160s really saved the day. That’s the real advantage of keeping such a versatile size on hand. You may buy them for addressing mail, but they can come in handy for all kinds of other projects.
Avery 5160 vs. 8160: Choosing labels for your printer
Avery 5160 and 8160 labels are both 1″ × 2-5/8″. The difference is printer compatibility: 5160 labels are made for laser printers, while 8160 labels are made for inkjet printers. That distinction is key when it comes to print quality and avoiding smeared ink.
If you’d rather have labels that work with either printer type, Avery 18160 labels are the same size and compatible with both.
Not sure which type of printer you have or which one works best for labels? Read our guide to choosing a printer for labels.
Address label vs. return address label sizes
Traditionally, return address labels are smaller than regular address labels, but there’s no functional reason for the size difference. It’s simply customary to use a smaller label for the sender’s address in the upper-left corner of an envelope. For example, Avery 5167 return address labels measure 1/2″ × 1-3/4″, compared with the 1″ × 2-5/8″ size of Avery 5160 address labels.
The smaller size works well for a simple, compact return address. The larger size gives you more flexibility for recipient addresses that need additional information. But there’s literally no rule that says you can’t also use the larger size for your return address, especially if you want room to add a logo or decorative element. And let’s be honest, using one size for both is often more convenient.
What size address label should I use for a postcard?
The best size for address labels you want to use on a postcard is 1″ tall × 2-5/8″ wide. This size accommodates a standard address with three or four lines in a font that is big enough to be easily read.
Understandably, postcards are one place where you might consider using a smaller address label. The back of a postcard often has to share space between the recipient’s address and your message, so a smaller label can leave you more room to write more.
Despite that, 1″ × 2-5/8″ labels are still my go-to size because they work well across different postcard sizes. Standard postcards range from 3-1/2″ × 5″ to 4-1/4″ × 6″, while larger “jumbo” postcards can range from 5″ × 7″ to 6″ × 11″. However, these larger sizes require more postage to mail.
Tip: Whichever address label size you choose, make sure it fits comfortably in the addressing area without interfering with the stamp or your message.
Can I use a round or square label for a postcard address?
Yes. You can use rectangular, oval, round or square address labels on postcards, so you’re free to choose the shape that works best for your design.
There is no rule for mailing postcards that says you have to use a rectangle. The shape itself doesn’t matter. As long as the label fits comfortably in the addressing area and has enough room for the complete address, you’re good to go.
When choosing a different shape, size is more important than shape. Look for a label with enough width to comfortably fit each line of the address. Staying in the ballpark of 2-5/8″ wide gives you a good starting point, whether the label is rectangular, oval, round or square.
Best address label sizes for different shapes
| Shape | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| Rectangle | 1″ × 2-5/8″ |
| Oval | 1-1/2″ × 2-1/2″ |
| Round | 2-1/2″ diameter |
| Square | 2-3/4″ × 2-3/4″ |
What to do after choosing your address label size
Once you know what size and shape you need, you’re ready to start making your labels. If you’re using Avery labels, start with your product number or label size to find a compatible template. Then use Avery Design & Print Online (our free software) to customize a blank or predesigned template.
If you’re creating labels for multiple recipients, mail merge can save you from entering every address individually. Import your address list into our free software to automatically populate your labels for holiday cards, invitations, customer mailings and more.
With your labels designed and personalized, the next step is deciding whether to print them yourself or have them professionally printed. Printing at home gives you the flexibility to print what you need when you need it, while custom printing lets you skip the printer setup and have finished labels delivered to you.
If you decide to print at home, printer settings, alignment, and test prints can make a big difference in the final result. Our step-by-step guide walks you through the process and helps you avoid common printing problems.
The right size makes addressing easier
After addressing thousands of envelopes and cards over the years, 1″ × 2-5/8″ is still the address label size I reach for most often. It has enough room for most addresses, works across common mail pieces and can even pull double duty for return addresses and other labeling projects. But as we’ve seen, there’s no rule that says every address label has to be the same size or shape. The right choice is simply one that gives your address enough room to be easy to read and fits comfortably on what you’re mailing.
Once you have that figured out, you’re ready to design, personalize and print your labels—or have them printed for you.
Have more mailing or shipping questions? Explore our mailing and shipping resources for help with everything from addressing mail to getting packages out the door.
