Standard postcard sizes at PrintingCenterUSA are 4 x 6, 4.25 x 5.5, 4.25 x 6, 5 x 7, 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, and 6 x 11. The 4 x 6 is the most popular because it qualifies for the lowest USPS First Class postcard postage rate. Larger sizes like 5 x 7, 6 x 9, and 6 x 11 cost more to mail but give you significantly more design space and visual impact. Start your postcards today!

What are the Different Postcard Sizes?

Standard postcard sizes at PrintingCenterUSA: 4 x 6, 4.25 x 5.5, 4.25 x 6, 5 x 7, 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, 6 x 11
USPS First Class postcard rate sizes: 4 x 6, 4.25 x 5.5, 4.25 x 6
USPS First Class letter rate sizes: 5 x 7, 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, 6 x 11
Most popular size for direct mail: 4 x 6
Most popular size for event invitations: 5 x 7
Most popular size for high-impact marketing: 6 x 9
EDDM minimum size: Must exceed 6.125 inches in height or 11.5 inches in length
Most popular EDDM sizes: 6.25 x 9, 6.25 x 11, 8.5 x 11

Additional Helpful Information:

USPS postcard thickness requirement: 0.007 to 0.016 inches
USPS shape requirement: Must be rectangular to qualify for First Class Mail pricing
Recommended bleed for all postcard sizes: 0.125 inches on all sides
Recommended image resolution: 300 DPI minimum
Turnaround at PrintingCenterUSA: 3 to 4 business days after proof approval
Mailing prep time when using PrintingCenterUSA Address and Mail service: 2 additional business days after printing
First Class Mail minimum quantity: 500 pieces, delivery 3 to 9 days
Standard Mail minimum quantity: 200 pieces, delivery 4 to 20 days

Postcard Sizes by Use Case

Direct mail marketing: 4 x 6 for budget and volume efficiency, 6 x 9 for maximum stopping power
Event invitations and announcements: 5 x 7 for a premium feel, 4 x 6 for high-volume events on a tighter budget
Photography and art prints: 4 x 6 and 5 x 7 for standard print sizes
Wedding and personal announcements: 5 x 7 for the most popular and polished format
Product packaging inserts: 4 x 6 for compact inserts that fit neatly inside most packaging
EDDM local campaigns: 6.25 x 9 as the standard go-to, 6.25 x 11 for more content space
Restaurant and menu mailers: 6 x 11 for enough room to include menu items and offers
Real estate marketing: 6 x 9 or 6 x 11 for high-impact property showcases
Thank you and loyalty cards: 4 x 6 for cost-effective customer retention pieces

How to Choose the Right Postcard Sizes

Depending on the content of your postcard you will want to select the perfect size to accommodate all the information. Make a rough draft of your postcard design to get a good idea of what size to select and what content matters most. More information will need more space and a larger postcard size. Less, more direct information requires less space.

All Standard Postcard Sizes Explained

4 x 6 Postcards

The 4 x 6 is the most popular postcard size and is the most cost effective to both print and mail. 4 x 6 postcards qualify for USPS First Class postcard rate, which is the cheapest available postage. It does have less space but If you are sending many postcards 4 x 6 is going to be your best friend.
Best for high-volume direct mail, appointment reminders, flash sales, simple announcements, product inserts, thank you cards, loyalty and referral cards.

4.25 x 5.5 Postcards

The 4.25 x 5.5 is a bit larger and still qualifies for First Class postcard rate. More design space but same great rates!
Best for budget-conscious campaigns that need slightly more design room than a 4 x 6 allows.

4.25 x 6 Postcards

The 4.25 x 6 is the biggest size that qualifies for First Class postcard rate. Most design space available while staying at the lowest postage tier.
Best for campaigns where postage cost matters but you want to maximize the design space available at postcard rate.

5 x 7 Postcards

The 5 x 7 is noticeably larger in your layout and is 1 step above a standard mailer for marketing space.
Unfortunately postage for a 5 x 7 exceeds the USPS maximum for First Class postcard rate and mails at First Class letter rate. This costs more but for most campaigns the extra postage is worth the visual impact.
Best for event invitations, save the dates, wedding announcements, graduation announcements, photography prints, product showcases, and mid-budget direct mail campaigns where design quality matters.

5.5 x 8.5 Postcards

The 5.5 x 8.5 is a half-letter size that gives you substantial design space at a format that still feels like a postcard rather than a full-size flyer. Think political campaign mailers. 5.5 x 8.5 Postcards mail at First Class letter rate.
Best for detailed promotional campaigns, service listings, before-and-after showcases, and any project where you need more content than a 5 x 7 can hold.

6 x 9 Postcards

The 6 x 9 mails at First Class letter rate and is where postcards become hard to miss in a stack of mail. You have tons of marketing and design space to make a serious impact with the reader. It is the most popular size for campaigns where stopping power is the primary goal. Think real estate agents, restaurants, home service companies, and retail businesses because they all gravitate toward 6 x 9 due to the size. It signals importance before the recipient even reads a word.
Best for real estate marketing, restaurant promotions, retail campaigns, service business advertising, product launches, and any campaign where the postcard needs to dominate the mailbox.

6 x 11 Postcards

The 6 x 11 is the largest standard postcard size and mails at First Class letter rate. It is very large and nearly fits the size of a sheet of paper.
Best for menus, multi-service promotions, high-value offers, coupon mailers, and campaigns where maximum mailbox presence is worth the higher cost per piece.

Portrait vs Landscape Postcards

Portrait postcards are vertically orientated and makes the piece stand out in comparison to other letters in the mail. Landscape does the opposite; it mirrors the way people naturally read their mail. The main thing to consider when deciding orientation is the back of your postcard still needs to follow the USPS mailing requirements. Mailing in an envelope significantly increases the cost of the campaign. Postcards must also be rectangular to qualify for First Class Mail pricing. Non-rectangular shapes, whether custom die-cut formats or irregular sizes, do not qualify for standard mailing rates.

Here’s what to include on the back of your postcard:

• Return address: Place in the upper left corner
• Postage area: Upper right corner, leave space for a stamp or indicia
• Address block: Right two-thirds of the back must be kept clear for the recipient’s address
• Horizontal dividing line: Separates the message area on the left from the address area on the right
• Message area: Left one-third of the back is yours to use for a short note, tagline, or additional offer
• Barcode clearance zone: Bottom quarter inch of the back must remain clear for USPS barcode printing
• No UV coating: The address side cannot have UV coating per USPS requirements

Use PrintingCenterUSA’s free downloadable postcard templates to make sure your address and postage placement is correct before you finalize your design. Order a free sample packet to explore our paper options.

All About Postcard Sizes and Postage Costs

Here’s how USPS postage breaks down by postcard size.

First Class postcard Rate: Postcards between 3.5 x 5 and 4.25 x 6 inches with a thickness between 0.007 and 0.016 inches. This is the lowest postage rate and the main reason 4 x 6 is so dominant for high-volume campaigns. The sizes that qualify at PrintingCenterUSA are 4 x 6, 4.25 x 5.5, and 4.25 x 6.

First Class Letter Rate: All postcards larger than 4.25 x 6, which includes 5 x 7, 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, and 6 x 11. This rate is higher per piece and is worth factoring into your campaign budget upfront. Larger postcards are approximately $0.20 more per piece than standard sizes at the post office.

EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail): Separate USPS program with its own size requirements. EDDM pieces must exceed 6.125 inches in height or 11.5 inches in length. Standard postcards at 4 x 6 or 5 x 7 do not qualify for EDDM. The postage rate for EDDM is $0.26 per piece in 2026, making it one of the most cost-effective options for reaching a local audience at scale without a targeted mailing list. The most popular EDDM sizes are 6.25 x 9, 6.25 x 11, and 8.5 x 11.

If you are budget friendly, choose 4 x 6. If you need your design to land the message, choose 5 x 7. Stopping power? Use 6 x 9 or 6 x 11. Trying to saturate a neighborhood without a mailing list? Choose an EDDM-compliant size like 6.25 x 9 or 6.25 x 11.

Popular Ways to Use a Postcard

Here are some of the most popular uses beyond a standard direct mail campaign:

• Photography prints: Photographers use postcard-sized prints as portfolio samples, client gifts, event giveaways, and affordable art prints sold at markets or online shops
• Art and illustration prints: Artists and illustrators sell postcards as accessible, budget-friendly versions of their work that fans can collect, frame, or send
• Product packaging inserts: A postcard tucked inside an order with a thank you message, discount code, or QR code turns unboxing into a brand touchpoint
• Wedding and event stationery: Save the dates, ceremony details, rehearsal dinner invites, and thank you cards all work beautifully in postcard format
• Graduation and birth announcements: A well-designed postcard announcement feels more personal and memorable than a digital post
• Holiday and seasonal cards: Christmas cards, New Year greetings, and seasonal promotions are among the most popular personal and business uses for postcard printing
• Event programs and schedules: Smaller events use postcards as compact programs that guests can take home as a keepsake
• Menu cards: Restaurants use postcard-sized menu cards for specials, prix fixe menus, cocktail lists, and tasting notes
• Fundraising and nonprofit campaigns: Donation appeals, event invitations, and awareness campaigns all benefit from the tangible presence of a printed postcard
• Church and community bulletins: Postcards work well as weekly bulletins, event announcements, and outreach pieces for faith-based and community organizations
• Real estate just listed and just sold cards: Agents use postcards to announce new listings, recent sales, and open houses to targeted neighborhoods
• Trade show and event leave-behinds: A postcard with your contact info, QR code, and key message is more likely to survive a trade show bag than a business card
• Loyalty and referral cards: Reward programs, punch cards, and referral incentives printed on postcard stock feel more substantial and professional than a paper slip
• Recipe cards: Food brands, cooking instructors, and meal kit companies use recipe postcards as product inserts and promotional giveaways
• Band and music promotion: Musicians use postcard-sized show flyers, album art prints, and tour announcements as merch table items and venue handouts
• Travel and tourism marketing: Hotels, tourism boards, and attractions use postcards as takeaway marketing in lobbies, visitor centers, and transportation hubs

How to Set Up Your File for All Postcard Sizes

The setup requirements are the same regardless of the size you choose.

• Set your bleed to 0.125 inches on all four sides. Any background color or image that extends to the edge needs to go 0.125 inches beyond the trim line to prevent white edges after cutting.
• Set your color mode to CMYK before you start designing. RGB is for screens and produces unpredictable color shifts in print.
• All images should be at least 300 DPI.
• Export your final file as a print-ready PDF with fonts embedded and bleed included.

PrintingCenterUSA offers free downloadable Adobe templates for every standard postcard size with bleed, trim, safe zones, and correct USPS address and postage placement already configured. Download a free template and all the technical setup is done before you start designing or try our free online design tool for similar additions with drop and drag features.

Mailing Your Postcards Through PrintingCenterUSA

PrintingCenterUSA offers an Address and Mail service so you can handle printing and mailing in one place. At checkout, select Address and Mail and upload your mailing list. It takes 2 additional business days after your postcards have printed to prepare your items for mailing.

First Class Mail requires a minimum quantity of 500 pieces and has an estimated delivery time of 3 to 9 days. Standard Mail requires a minimum quantity of 200 pieces and has an estimated delivery time of 4 to 20 days. Keep in mind that delays caused by weather or seasonal mail volumes may affect delivery dates.

*Please Note: delays caused by weather or seasonal volumes may delay your delivery dates. USPS® will be liable for any delays after we tender the product to them for distribution.

You also have the option to print your postcards and handle mailing yourself. PrintingCenterUSA ships your finished postcards to you in three to four business days after proof approval so you can take it from there on your own timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular postcard size?
The 4 x 6 is the most widely used postcard size because it qualifies for the lowest USPS First Class postcard rate and is the most cost-effective size to print at high volumes.

What postcard sizes qualify for First Class postcard rate?
The sizes that qualify for First Class postcard rate at PrintingCenterUSA are 4 x 6, 4.25 x 5.5, and 4.25 x 6. All must be rectangular and between 0.007 and 0.016 inches thick.

What postcard sizes mail at letter rate?
Sizes larger than 4.25 x 6 mail at First Class letter rate. At PrintingCenterUSA those sizes are 5 x 7, 5.5 x 8.5, 6 x 9, and 6 x 11. They cost approximately $0.20 more per piece than standard postcard rate sizes.

Can my postcard be portrait orientation?
Yes. Your postcard can be either landscape or portrait orientation. The back of the card still needs to follow USPS mailing requirements regardless of orientation.

Does a 5 x 7 postcard qualify for standard postcard rate?
No. A 5 x 7 postcard exceeds the USPS maximum for standard postcard rate and mails at First Class letter rate.

What is the largest standard postcard size?
The largest standard postcard size at PrintingCenterUSA is 6 x 11. It mails at First Class letter rate and is one of the most impactful formats for direct mail campaigns.

What is EDDM postcard printing?
EDDM stands for Every Door Direct Mail. It is a USPS program that lets you mail to every address on a carrier route without a targeted mailing list. EDDM pieces must exceed 6.125 inches in height or 11.5 inches in length. Postage is $0.26 per piece in 2026.

What bleed do I need for postcard printing?
Set your bleed to 0.125 inches on all four sides regardless of postcard size.

What resolution do images need to be for postcard printing?
All images should be at least 300 DPI. Images from social media or email are typically 72 DPI and will print blurry.

How long does postcard printing and mailing take?
Postcards print in three to four business days after proof approval. If you use PrintingCenterUSA’s Address and Mail service, add 2 additional business days for mailing preparation. First Class Mail delivery is estimated at 3 to 9 days. Standard Mail delivery is estimated at 4 to 20 days.

Do postcards need to be rectangular to qualify for First Class Mail pricing?
Yes. Postcards must be rectangular to qualify for First Class Mail pricing. Non-rectangular shapes do not qualify for standard mailing rates.

Ready to Print Your Postcards?

Not sure how to get your file print-ready? Download a free Adobe postcard template with bleed, safe zones, and USPS address placement already configured, use our free online design tool, or connect with a professional through our Find a Designer service. Our automated 43-point file inspection checks every file before it goes to press. Start your postcards today!

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