What are standard postcard dimensions?

Standard postcard dimensions are 4x6 inches (the most common size), 5x7 inches (provides 40% more design space), and 6x9 inches (jumbo size for maximum impact). All three sizes mail at the same Marketing Mail rate of $0.43 with presorting. First-Class rates are $0.74 each, or $0.68 with presorted First-Class (500 piece minimum).

What's the difference between 4x6 and 5x7 postcards?

4x6 postcards are more economical to print and offer a compact format ideal for simple messages. 5x7 postcards offer 40% more design space for photos and messaging, making them better for showcasing products or detailed offers. With presorted Marketing Mail, both sizes cost the same to mail ($0.43). First-Class is $0.74 each, or $0.68 presorted (500 piece minimum). Choose 4x6 for high-volume cost efficiency; choose 5x7 when design impact matters more than per-piece savings.

What size postcard is best for EDDM?

The most popular EDDM postcard size is 6.25x9 inches - it meets the minimum EDDM requirement (must exceed 6.125 inches on one dimension) while keeping printing costs reasonable. Other EDDM-eligible sizes include 6.25x11, 8.5x11, and 9x12 inches. Standard 4x6 and 5x7 postcards do NOT qualify for EDDM. EDDM postage is just $0.26 per piece with no mailing list required.

Does USPS have postcard size requirements?

Yes, USPS has strict postcard requirements. For First-Class postcard rates: minimum 3.5x5 inches, maximum 4.25x6 inches, thickness 0.007-0.016 inches. Postcards up to 6x11 inches mail at letter rates. For EDDM: must exceed 6.125 inches high OR 11.5 inches long, maximum 12x15 inches. All postcards must be rectangular with at least 0.007 inch thickness (14pt cardstock minimum).

Are postcards 4x6 or 5x7?

Both 4x6 and 5x7 are standard postcard sizes. The 4x6 is the most common size for direct mail campaigns. The 5x7 provides 40% more design space. With Marketing Mail presorting, both mail at $0.43 each. First-Class rates are $0.74 each, or $0.68 presorted (500 piece minimum).

Which postcard size has the best response rate?

Larger postcards (6x9, 6x11) typically generate 20-30% higher response rates than standard 4x6 postcards because they stand out in the mailbox. However, 4x6 postcards offer the best cost-per-piece for high-volume campaigns. The ideal size depends on your budget and campaign goals.

How much does it cost to mail a postcard?

With MPA presorting, any postcard up to 6x11 mails at $0.43 each (Marketing Mail). EDDM rate is $0.26 per piece (no mailing list required, minimum 6.25x9 size). First-Class is $0.74 each, or $0.68 presorted (500 piece minimum).

What is the minimum thickness for postcards?

USPS requires postcards to be at least 0.007 inches thick (approximately 14pt cardstock). For EDDM mailers over 4.25x6 inches, the minimum thickness is 0.009 inches. Maximum thickness for all postcards is 0.016 inches.

Can I use a 5x7 postcard for EDDM?

No. 5x7 postcards do not meet EDDM size requirements. EDDM requires postcards to be larger than 6.125 inches high OR 11.5 inches long. You would need at least a 6.25x9 inch postcard for EDDM.

What DPI should my postcard design be?

Use 300 DPI (dots per inch) for print-quality images. Lower resolution images will appear pixelated or blurry when printed. Also use CMYK color mode, not RGB, for accurate color reproduction.

Postcard Dimensions & Sizes | Standard to EDDM

Quick Answer

Standard postcards are either 4x6 or 5x7 inches. With MPA's presorting, any postcard up to 6x11 mails at just $0.43 each (Marketing Mail). For EDDM campaigns reaching entire neighborhoods, postcards must be 6.25x9 or larger, with postage at $0.26/piece.

Key Takeaways

All sizes up to 6x11 = $0.43 postage with MPA presorting
4x6 = lowest printing cost, best for high-volume campaigns
5x7, 6x9 = more space, same postage rate
EDDM postage: $0.26/piece - requires 6.25x9 minimum, no mailing list needed
Larger postcards get 20-30% higher response rates

Choosing the right postcard size can make or break your direct mail campaign. Too small and your message gets lost. Too large and you're paying premium postage for wasted space. This guide covers every postcard size option - from standard 4x6 to jumbo EDDM formats - so you can maximize impact while minimizing cost.

Whether you're sending 500 postcards or 50,000, understanding USPS size requirements, postage rates, and design specifications will help you get the best results. At Mail Processing Associates, we've printed and mailed millions of postcards for Florida businesses since 1989, and we're sharing everything we've learned.

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MPA

MPA Editorial Team

Direct Mail Specialists · Mail Processing Associates

Postcard Dimensions: Complete Size Guide for Standard, Jumbo & EDDM Postcards

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