Postcard Sizes: We’ll Help You Pick the Right One
Compare standard and jumbo postcard sizes, postage requirements, printing options, and more to choose the right postcard size for your project.
What size are postcards?
Postcards come in a range of sizes, but standard postcards generally range from 3-1/2″ x 5″ to 4-1/4″ x 6″. Whether you’re reaching out to customers with a promotional offer or sending a heartfelt message to loved ones, choosing the right postcard size can help you make the most of your message and mailing budget.
At Avery, we offer a variety of postcard sizes, from standard options to popular 5″ x 7″ cardstock. You can also choose from materials like Kraft brown, pearlized white, and printable postcards with elegant gold borders. Whether you want to print postcards yourself or order them custom printed, this guide will help you compare postcard sizes, mailing requirements, and uses to find the right fit for your project.
Standard postcard size guide
To qualify for the USPS First-Class Mail postcard price, a postcard must be at least 3-1/2″ high x 5″ long and no more than 4-1/4″ high x 6″ long. It must also be rectangular and between 0.007″ and 0.016″ thick.
At 3-1/2″ x 5″, the smallest standard postcard size is great for quick notes, personal messages, or concise marketing messages. If you need a little more space, 4″ x 6″ is a popular choice. This size gives you more room for visuals or promotional details while still fitting within standard postcard dimensions.
Avery also offers 3-15/16″ x 5-3/16″ printable postcards with gold borders for projects that call for a decorative touch. Or, you can order custom-printed cards with a border color of your choice. The 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ size is another option for invitations, thank-you cards, promotional materials, and other projects while staying within standard postcard dimensions.
Jumbo 5″ x 7″ cardstock
If you need more room for your message or design, 5″ x 7″ cardstock gives you additional space for event invitations, detailed promotions, announcements, and other projects. Keep in mind that 5″ x 7″ cards exceed the maximum dimensions for the USPS First-Class Mail postcard price, so additional postage may be required.
Avery offers a range of custom-printed 5″ x 7″ cardstock options. Choose from finishes including matte and glossy white to match your project.
Direct mail postcard sizes
For direct mail marketing, postcard size can depend on the mailing service you choose. USPS Marketing Mail does not have a separate postcard price, so postcard-style pieces are generally mailed at letter prices. Letter-size pieces can measure up to 6-1/8″ high x 11-1/2″ long, giving you more room for your message than postcards sent at the First-Class Mail postcard price.
For smaller mailings, standard postcards may be a better fit, especially if you want to qualify for the First-Class Mail postcard price. For larger campaigns, USPS Marketing Mail can provide more flexibility in size and mailing options.
When to use USPS Marketing Mail
| USPS Marketing Mail | First-Class Mail | |
| Mailing quantity | 200+ pieces or 50+ pounds | No minimum for single-piece mail |
| Best for | Advertising and promotional mail | Smaller mailings and personal correspondence |
| Postcard size | More size flexibility; postcards are priced as letters or flats | Standard postcards can qualify for postcard pricing |
| Destination | Domestic | Domestic or international options |
EDDM vs EDDM-BMEU for direct mail
Navigating USPS Marketing Mail services for sending direct mail postcards can be tricky, especially when deciding between Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM®) Retail and Every Door Direct Mail – Business Mail Entry Unit (EDDM BMEU). Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences:
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)/EDDM-Retail: This option is ideal for smaller local mailings. EDDM Retail allows you to send up to 5,000 pieces per day per ZIP Code without a mailing permit. Mail must be dropped off at the Post Office serving your selected routes.
Every Door Direct Mail – Business Mail Entry Unit (EDDM-BMEU): This option is designed for larger mailings and does not have the same 5,000-piece daily limit. It requires a USPS Marketing Mail permit, and mail is entered through a Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU).
For smaller local mailings, EDDM Retail may be the simpler option. For larger-volume campaigns, EDDM BMEU provides more flexibility.
To dive deeper into the specifics and decide which service is right for your needs, read the full comparison here.
Postage for different postcard sizes
Understanding the cost of postage is crucial when planning a direct mail campaign. For standard postcards, which range from 3-1/2″ x 5″ to 4-1/4″ x 6″, the USPS First-Class Mail postcard price applies. This is typically the most cost-effective option, making it a popular choice for businesses and individuals alike. Check USPS for current postage rates before mailing.
Jumbo postcards, on the other hand, offer more space for your message, but they may require more postage. Larger sizes, such as 5″ x 7″, exceed the maximum dimensions for the USPS
For larger direct mail campaigns, USPS Marketing Mail may be an option. Marketing Mail does not have a separate postcard price, and postage can vary based on factors such as size and preparation.
Uses for different postcard sizes
Choosing the right postcard size can help you make the most of your marketing strategy or special event planning. Standard postcard sizes are ideal for direct marketing campaigns sent via First-Class Mail, especially if you’re trying to keep postage costs down. These sizes also work well for large events like weddings, where you might be sending out hundreds of invitations. Beyond these uses, standard postcards can double as oversized business cards, packaging inserts, promotional cards, or even jewelry display cards.
Jumbo postcards offer more room for your message and design, making them useful for direct mail campaigns, customized events, small-batch marketing, or special occasions like party invitations and birthday cards. They also work well as menu cards, promotional inserts, personal projects, or art prints.
For more ideas on how to use postcards for your business, check out this resource: Ways to Use Business Postcards.
How to design custom postcards
Designing custom postcards allows you to create a unique and impactful message that resonates with your audience. To make sure your design fits your chosen postcard dimensions, use our free online postcard maker. Avery Design & Print works with free templates sized specifically for each product, giving you a solid foundation for your design.
Whether you’re creating your postcard from scratch or uploading a complete design from platforms like Canva® or Illustrator®, there are a few key principles to keep in mind. First, make sure you’re utilizing space effectively. This means balancing text and images in a way that guides the reader’s eye through the postcard without overwhelming them. Consider the size and placement of your text to ensure readability and clarity, especially for any critical information like dates, addresses, or offers. Keep important text and design elements within the template margins to help prevent them from being cut off when printed.
Another important element is to include a clear call-to-action. Whether it’s an invitation to visit your website, a special discount code, or a request to RSVP, your call-to-action should stand out and be easy to follow.
These simple design tips can help you create postcards that look polished and communicate your message clearly.
Postcard printing at any size
Custom printing is an option for any postcard size. With our postcard maker, you can create and order custom-printed postcards to your specifications. Choose from a variety of templates, customize your design, and select the size that works for your project.
If you prefer to print your own postcards, you can use a home or office printer that supports your chosen cardstock. For the best results, check your printer’s specifications for supported paper types and weights, and make sure your design is formatted for the postcard size you’ve chosen. Pay close attention to your print settings to help ensure accurate color and sharp details.
Whether you opt for custom printing or decide to print your postcards yourself, both methods offer flexibility and control over the final product. Custom printing handles the printing for you, while DIY printing allows for quick adjustments and immediate results, making either option a viable choice depending on your needs.
Free postcard templates for different dimensions
Print this design on glossy white 4-1/4 x 5-1/2″ postcards (Avery 8383) that you can send in the mail.
Or, you can choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed matte white, glossy white, or pearlized postcards.
Get this design printed on 5” x 7” custom cardstock.
Looking to print this design yourself on a different size postcard? Open the template and make your changes. Save the design to your Avery account, and then you can apply it to any Avery product.
Print this design on Avery 3-15/16” x 5-3/16” postcards with gold borders (3329).
Or, you can order this design on custom-printed postcards in other sizes, shapes, and materials.
Personalize and print this design on Avery 3-1/2” x 5” postcards (5625).
To order this design on a custom-printed postcard, first save your edits, then apply the design to the custom printed product of your choice. Try a pearlized finish for a similarly elegant look.
Print this design on matte white 4” x 6” postcards (Avery 5389) that you can send in the mail.
Or, you can choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed postcards in different sizes, shapes, and materials.
Choose the right postcard size for your project
Choosing the right postcard size comes down to what you’re creating, how much space your design needs, and how you plan to mail it. Standard postcard sizes can help you keep postage costs down, while larger sizes give you more room for your message and design. Whether you print your postcards yourself or order them custom printed, Avery offers options to help you create the right postcard for your project.
For even more creative ideas for your small business, explore our Pinterest board and follow us on Instagram, where we share endless inspiration to help you create the perfect project. You can even use #averyproducts to share your own creations with us.
