Marketing Print

Standard Postcard Sizes

Postcards are one of the most cost-effective formats for direct mail campaigns, event announcements, and promotional offers. The size you choose affects postage costs, how much content fits, and how much the piece stands out in a mailbox.

Common Postcard Sizes

4″ × 6″

Most affordable

The standard USPS postcard size. Qualifies for First-Class postcard rates. Best for simple messages — a single offer, an event reminder, or a thank-you note.

5″ × 7″

Premium feel

More room for imagery and copy without the extra postage of a large format. Popular for invitations, real estate, and restaurant promotions. Mails as a standard First-Class letter.

6″ × 9″

High-visibility

USPS "large postcard" format that qualifies for Marketing Mail rates when mailed in bulk. Stands out in a mail stack. Good for retail coupons, service area mailers, and seasonal campaigns.

6″ × 11″

Oversized / jumbo

Maximum visual impact. This format commands attention and has room for a photo, headline, offer, and contact details. Higher postage, but studies consistently show higher response rates for oversized mail.

Which Size Should You Use?

A 4×6 makes sense when the message is simple and volume is high — think appointment reminders, "we've moved" notices, or a single coupon code. Step up to 5×7 or 6×9 when you need room for a photo or multiple pieces of information. Use 6×11 when you want the piece to be the first thing someone notices when they open the mailbox.

Mailing Considerations

USPS postcard rates are cheaper than letter rates, but only for pieces within certain dimensions. Currently, USPS standard postcard rates apply to cards between 3.5″–4.25″ tall and 5″–6″ wide. Anything larger mails at First-Class letter or flat rates. If you're doing a large mailing, ask your mail house about Marketing Mail (formerly Bulk Mail) rates — the per-piece cost drops significantly at scale.

Check before you print. USPS postage rates and size requirements can change. Confirm current rates with USPS.com or your mail house before finalizing your quantity and size — postage on a large mailing is often more than the printing cost.

Bleed & Safe Margins

If your design has any color or image that extends to the edge of the postcard, add ⅛″ (0.125″) bleed on all sides. Your canvas should be 0.25″ wider and taller than the finished size — for example, a 4×6 postcard needs a 4.25″ × 6.25″ document.

Keep text, phone numbers, and logos at least ⅛″ inside the trim edge. On the mailing side, USPS requires a clear zone in the lower-right area for the address block and barcode — leave that area free of dark backgrounds or important design elements.

→ Full explanation of bleed, trim, and safe zones

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most common postcard size?

4×6 is the most ordered size because it hits the lowest USPS postcard rate and is quick to design. For marketing mailers where standing out matters, 6×9 is the most popular step up.

Can I design the front and back of a postcard in the same file?

Yes, but keep them as separate pages or separate files — not side by side on the same canvas. Label them clearly (Front / Back) when you send the file. See our file setup guide for export tips.

Do I need to leave space for the address on the back?

Yes. USPS requires a clear space in the lower-right area of the mailing side for the address block. Keep the right half of the back panel free of dark colors or design elements that would make addressing difficult to read.

What paper is postcards printed on?

Most postcards are printed on 100–130 lb gloss or matte cover stock — thick enough to mail without an envelope and substantial enough to feel premium in hand. Ask us when you request a quote.

Want to print postcards? Get a quote and we'll confirm the right size and paper for your mailing.

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