Best Postcard Sizes

There are a few postcard sizes that are commonly used and the one selected usually depends on the your budget, goals, and preference. Below are a few of the standard options, others are available but they are typically more expensive and may not meet USPS requirements.

4x6: This is typically the smallest size we would recommend. This is the most cost effective, but the real advantage of using a card this is size is if you are sending the card first class. There is a special postcard rates for this size cards that is almost the same as the standard mail rate. These are great for time sensitive notifications, but they are small so it is difficult to put much content on them and they also may get lost in the mailbox.

8.5x5.5: This is the same size as a half sheet of paper. This is the most common size we see as the postcard is big enough to be noticed in the mailbox but the size also allows for cost effective printing.

6x9: This card sticks out a bit more in mail boxes but is quite a bit more costly to print based on the number of cards we can get on a single sheet. The postage will remain the same as a 8.5x5.5. These are often use to stand out from the typical 8.5x5.5 cards.

6x11: These are much longer and tend to stick out even more than a 6x9 but they are even more expensive to print. The 6x11 cards also give you some more space to add additional information to your card. Postage for these size cards is the same.

8.5x11: A full sheet. These qualify for a different postage rate which is much higher. The printing and postage cost is significantly higher. We typically only see these in campaigns where an entire area is saturated, as the postage costs can be reduced, but the printing is still significantly higher.

The size of your postcard should depend on your budget, the amount of content you would like to include, how you would like the card to stand out in the mail box, and how quickly you need it delivered. Typically we see 8.5x5.5 postcards but it all depends on preference.

Direct Mail Postcard Size

There are multiple takes on postcards.  Here are a few:

First class card – You can mail a piece that is no larger than 4.25”x6” and no smaller than 3.5”x5” for 34 cents as of the date of this writing.  Bulk rates are as low as 25.3 cents per card.  The minimum quantity for first class bulk mailing is 500 pieces.  Delivery normally takes 1-3 days.

Large postcards – Pieces up to 6.125”x11” are considered “letter mail”.  The full first class rate is 49 cents.  Bulk rates for first class mail can be as low as 37.3 cents.  Bulk rates for Standard Mail service, which takes a little longer to deliver and doesn’t include forwarding or return service, can vary from 28.8 cents down to as low as 15.5 cents each.  This postcard size does qualify for discounts if delivered to a local post office

“Jumbo” postcards – These are postcards that are too big to qualify for letter rates, typically 8.5”x11” or as large as 12”x15”, which is the maximum size.  These are termed “Flats” by the U.S.P.S. and postage rates can vary from $44.6 cents to 75 cents for first class mail.  For standard mail jumbo postcards postage can vary from 15.5 if sent to every address from a local post office to 55 cents.

A variety of factors can affect postal rates, and what is the best size postcard to use.  Postage is a large factor in deciding the card size but the questions below can help determine what will be the best postcard size for your direct mail campaign.

How many pieces are being mailed?

What is the geographic concentration of the recipients? The more concentrated the recipients, the lower the rates.

Which post office are you entering the mail at?  The closer you enter mail to the recipients, the lower the postage cost.  Postage savings have to be weighed against trucking costs.

Do you qualify for lower non-profit rates?

How quickly do you need the postcards delivered?

What is your budget for postage and printing?

How much area do you need for your copy and design, and how large do you want the piece to look in the mailbox?

By asking some of these questions you direct mail house can help determine what would be the best size for your next direct mail postcard campaign.

What are the best sizes for postcards

Size makes a big difference in the rates you pay for direct mail.  It can be a bit confusing given the number of choices you face.   In this article we will be focusing on postcards and letters.

There are multiple takes on size for postcards.  Here are a few:

• Smaller size faster more cost effective printing and delivery – You can mail a postcard that is no larger than 4.25”x6” and no smaller than 3.5”x5” at first class postcard rates that are similar in price to standard mail letter rates.  The minimum quantity for first class bulk mailing is 500 pieces.  Delivery normally takes 1-3 days, and printing is less expensive, but there is much less space for your message.  These smaller size postcards are best for simple notifications that need to be delivered as soon as possible.  

• Large postcards – Pieces up to 6.125”x11” are considered “letter mail”.  The full first class rate is 49 cents, but standard mail rates are much more affordable and are around $0.27.  Typical effective postcard sizes are 8.5"x5.5" (the equivalent of a half sheet of 8.5"x11" paper), 6"x9" or 6"x11"

•  “Jumbo” postcards – These are postcards that are too big to qualify for letter rates, typically 8.5”x11” or as large as 12”x15”, which is the maximum size.  These are termed “Flats” by the U.S.P.S. and postage rates are usually around $0.54.  If you saturate an area and mail to everyone in a postal carrier route you can get similar postage rates as letter size pieces.

Each postcard size has it advantages and disadvantages.  For your direct mail campaign it is helpful to weigh the pros and cons of cost, presence in the mailbox, and speed of delivery to select the best postcard size