U.S. Press Postcard Guide

The Ultimate Postcard Size Guide

Not sure what postcard size to choose? Compare the most common postcard dimensions, understand USPS mailing classifications, and find the right size for your budget, message and campaign.

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6" × 11"

6" × 9"

4" × 6"

When you're mailing postcards, determining the right size can be tricky. The most standard postcard size is 4" × 6", which meets USPS retail postcard regulations and is affordable to print. However, many businesses choose to mail larger postcard sizes — and with good reason.

Postcards remain one of the most effective and versatile tools in direct mail marketing. Unlike emails that compete in crowded inboxes, postcards put your message directly in front of the recipient with no envelope to open and no subject line standing between your customer and your offer.

Ordering postcards in bulk can also significantly reduce your printing cost per piece, allowing you to reach more customers without stretching your marketing budget. Whether you're running a seasonal promotion, launching a new product or building brand awareness through a multi-touch campaign, bulk postcard printing gives you the flexibility to mail consistently.

Here's a look at the most common postcard sizes, why businesses choose each one, and how to make the best decision for your printing and mailing goals.

Quick answer: The most common postcard sizes are 4" × 6", 5" × 7", 6" × 8", 6" × 9", 6" × 11" and 8.5" × 11". The best size depends on how you're mailing it, how much design space you need and your overall campaign budget.

Postcard Dimensions

Standard Postcard Sizes

From compact, budget-friendly postcards to oversized pieces designed to dominate the mailbox, there's a size for nearly every direct mail campaign.

Classic

4" × 6"

The traditional postcard size. Compact, affordable and ideal for simple promotions, reminders and announcements.

More Room

5" × 7"

A familiar card size with additional room for photography, branding and promotional messaging.

Popular

6" × 8"

More visual impact than a traditional postcard while remaining compact enough for efficient mailing campaigns.

Sweet Spot

6" × 9"

A popular direct mail size that provides generous creative space without becoming an oversized mailpiece.

High Impact

6" × 11"

Large enough to command attention and provide plenty of room for offers, imagery, maps, coupons and calls to action.

Oversized

8.5" × 11"

Maximum creative real estate for campaigns where visibility and message space are the top priorities.

Quick Decision Guide

What Size Postcard Should I Pick?

You don't necessarily need the biggest postcard. Start with what matters most to your campaign.

01 / SAVE

Keeping Costs Down?

Try 4" × 6"

A great fit for straightforward offers and announcements when controlling printing and mailing costs is the priority.

02 / BALANCE

Want More Space?

Try 6" × 8" or 6" × 9"

More room for strong visuals and messaging without jumping all the way to an oversized format.

03 / IMPACT

Want to Stand Out?

Try 6" × 11"

The larger footprint gives your campaign serious mailbox presence and room for a more detailed message.

USPS Mailing Guide

Mailable Postcard Sizes

Many different postcard dimensions are mailable, but USPS does not price every postcard the same way. Size, thickness, mailing class, quantity and preparation can all affect the final postage cost.

One important distinction is that USPS requirements differ between retail postcard pricing and certain commercial mailing programs.

Retail Postcard

Up to 4.25" high × 6" long when the piece meets applicable USPS postcard requirements.

Commercial Postcard

Eligible commercial First-Class Mail postcards can be as large as 6" high × 9" long when all applicable requirements are met.

Letter Size

Larger postcard-style pieces may instead be classified and priced as letters depending on their dimensions and mailing method.

Flat / Oversized

Pieces exceeding letter-size standards may fall into a different USPS size classification and postage structure.

USPS rates and requirements can change. Your exact postage depends on the dimensions, quantity, mail class, address list and preparation of your campaign. U.S. Press can help determine the appropriate mailing specifications before production.

4" × 6" Postcards: The Classic, Affordable Option

The 4" × 6" postcard is commonly considered the standard postcard size. It falls within USPS retail postcard dimensions when the piece also meets applicable thickness and design requirements.

Because the piece is smaller, a 4" × 6" postcard is also typically less expensive to print than larger postcard sizes. That combination makes it an excellent option for businesses trying to reach a large audience efficiently.

Best for: appointment reminders, sale announcements, simple offers, save-the-dates, thank-you cards and campaigns with a concise message.

The tradeoff is space. A 4" × 6" postcard requires disciplined design: one strong headline, one compelling visual, a concise offer and an obvious call to action generally work better than trying to squeeze too much information onto the card.

Print 4" × 6" Postcards

6" × 8" Postcards: A Happy Medium Between Savings and Impact

A 4" × 6" card is useful, but marketers often want something larger that has a better chance of standing out in a stack of mail. That's where the 6" × 8" postcard becomes especially useful.

The additional space gives designers room for larger photography, stronger typography, multiple benefits or offers and a more prominent call to action.

Best for: retail promotions, real estate, healthcare marketing, home services, event promotion and other campaigns that benefit from more visual space.

For commercial mailings, postcard dimensions larger than the traditional retail 4.25" × 6" maximum may still qualify for commercial postcard pricing when the mailing meets applicable USPS requirements.

Print 6" × 8" Postcards

6" × 9" Postcards: More Room for Your Message

The 6" × 9" postcard is a popular choice for direct mail because it gives marketers substantially more room than a traditional postcard without feeling excessively large.

That extra real estate can accommodate product photography, testimonials, multiple service offerings, coupons, QR codes, contact information and a stronger visual hierarchy.

Best for: campaigns that need more explanation than a 4" × 6" allows, while still maintaining a streamlined postcard format.

Under current USPS standards, qualifying commercial First-Class Mail postcards can measure up to 6" high × 9" long. Mailing eligibility depends on the complete specifications and preparation of the campaign.

Print 6" × 9" Postcards

6" × 11" Postcards: Big Cards, Big Impact

Another common postcard size is 6" × 11". This format is popular for campaigns that need a large canvas to communicate a business's message and make an immediate visual impression.

The additional space makes it easier to combine bold photography, detailed messaging and a strong offer without making the design feel crowded.

Best for: high-value offers, grand openings, political and nonprofit outreach, home services, automotive, healthcare, real estate and campaigns where mailbox visibility is especially important.

A 6" × 11" piece is larger than USPS postcard-rate dimensions, so its exact postage treatment depends on the mailing class and preparation. For many campaigns, the extra visual impact can make the larger format worthwhile.

Print 6" × 11" Postcards

Every Door Direct Mail

EDDM Postcard Sizes

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a USPS mailing option designed for geographically targeted campaigns. Instead of starting with an individual mailing list, businesses can select qualifying carrier routes and reach addresses throughout those routes.

Because EDDM has its own dimensional and preparation requirements, larger mailpieces are commonly used for these campaigns.

Learn About EDDM

6" × 11" Compact EDDM Option

8.5" × 11" More Message Space

11" × 14" Maximum Visual Impact

Postcard FAQs

Postcard Size Questions, Answered

What is the standard postcard size?

4" × 6" is one of the most common standard postcard sizes and falls within USPS retail postcard dimensions when all applicable requirements are met.

What are the most common postcard sizes?

Common postcard dimensions include 4" × 6", 5" × 7", 6" × 8", 6" × 9", 6" × 11" and 8.5" × 11".

Can a postcard be bigger than 4" × 6"?

Yes. Businesses frequently use larger postcard formats. The mailing classification and postage can change depending on the exact dimensions and mailing method.

What is the largest USPS postcard size?

For retail First-Class Mail postcard pricing, the maximum dimensions are 4.25" high × 6" long. Qualifying commercial First-Class Mail postcards can be as large as 6" high × 9" long under current USPS standards.

What postcard size is best for direct mail?

It depends on the campaign. A 4" × 6" postcard is useful when budget and simplicity matter most. Sizes such as 6" × 8" and 6" × 9" provide additional design space, while 6" × 11" postcards offer significantly more mailbox presence.

Does postcard size affect postage?

Yes. USPS pricing and classification can depend on dimensions, thickness, weight, mail class, quantity and how the mailing is prepared. It's important to determine mailing specifications before designing and printing a large campaign.

Ready to Start?

Turn the Right Postcard Size Into the Right Campaign.

Choose your size, upload your artwork and let U.S. Press handle the printing — and, if you need it, the mailing too.

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