A custom postcard is a versatile marketing tool. Whether you’re printing artwork, coupons, product photos, or menu specials, a well-designed postcard can increase both sales and brand awareness. To start designing, you’ll first need to find postcard dimensions that best match your advertising needs. Your postcard size will determine multiple factors: what information you share, how detailed your design is, how much it costs, and which distribution method you choose.
Design-wise, the size will determine how detailed your postcard layout it. You can always choose between a horizontal and vertical orientation for rectangular postcards. There are also options for single and double-sided postcard printing, so you can have extra space for your important business details. If you’re planning on mailing postcards to customers, then your design needs extra space for postage or indicia (a marking that shows postage has been prepaid). Check out USPS’s design requirements to ensure your postcards qualify.
GotPrint offers a wide variety of postcard sizes and shapes. But don’t worry—this guide will help you send the best postcard for your promotions.
Standard Postcard Size
When people think of a postcard, they’re likely picturing a 4×6 postcard. This print product is spacious enough for your important marketing information. It’s traditional for a reason—it’s cost-effective and just big enough to share important information. It’s typically used for invitations, promotions, and brand awareness. This size fits all the USPS mailing requirements, so you can drop it off at the post office with ease.
Standard Postcard Dimensions:
Small Postcard Sizes
Share short thank you notes or concise marketing messages on small prints. Ideal for promotions with minimal text or information to convey, small postcards are concise and effective.
Small Postcard Dimensions:
Large Postcard Sizes
You took the time to prepare an eye-catching design, and you want it to stand out. The larger size offers more space to capture viewers’ attention with stunning visuals and thoughtful copy. Showcase detailed designs and photos that might not look as appealing on a smaller postcard. Extra large postcards can also act as signs, menus, and art prints. The unconventional size also helps it stand out in a stack of mail compared to the standard postcard.
Large Postcard Dimensions:
Square Postcards
Step outside the box with a custom square postcard. This is ideal for artists and other creatives looking for a modern marketing tool. It’s also the perfect shape to share a QR code, which you can use to link to further information about your business, menu, or products.
Square Postcard Dimensions
What Postcard Sizes Can I Mail?
If you’re wondering how to send a postcard, USPS has a number of requirements for mailing postcards. They must be rectangular in shape, which means mailing a round postcard will need an envelope. The smallest size for First Class Postcard Rate is 3.5” x 5.5” and the largest is 6” x 9.” Obviously, the standard postcard size perfectly fits these requirements. But so do the popular 5” x 7” and 5.5” x 8.5” postcards. Big postcards can be mailed at the Standard Letter rate or the First Class Letter rate.
Mailer Friendly Sizes:
What are EDDM Requirements?
Every Door Direct Mail ®, also known as EDDM ®, is a simple yet effective way to expand your reach. Just select delivery zip codes and postal carrier routes, then they will be delivered to the homes in that area. This means you can make geographic or income-based targets without having to create your own mailing list. We’ll generate the postage statement and facing slips, bundle your cards, and deliver them to the post office.
- 4 x 11
- 4.25 x 11
- 4.5 x 11
- 6.5 x 8
- 6.5 x 9
- 6.5 x 12
- 8×10
- 8.5 x 11
- 9 x 11
- 9 x 12
Postcard Design Requirements
Now that you’ve selected your postcard dimensions, it’s time to work on your design. You want it to be visually intriguing. Share graphic designs or high-definition promotional photos to advertise services, products, or menu items. Use bold typography that matches your brand’s marketing aesthetic and is easy to read. Don’t get too complicated—your postcard should be direct and to the point. Or get started with our free postcard templates, which were created by our professional designers to be easily edited in our online postcard maker.
Besides leaving space for postage and addresses, your postcards need to incorporate room for bleed and trimming. Use our templates to make sure your entire design fits perfectly onto the blank space.
Then, find the right postcard paper stock. If you plan on adding a handwritten message, then 14 pt. Uncoated or 16 pt. Premium Matte would work best. If you’re looking for a sleek, shiny finish, then select 14 pt. Gloss. Order our Free Sample Kit to feel our different paper stocks and test our postcards. When you print postcards with GotPrint, you know that we’ll deliver exceptional quality and premium prints.