What size are postcards?
When it comes to sending postcards, size really does matter. Whether you’re reaching out to customers with a promotional offer or sending a heartfelt message to loved ones, choosing the right postcard size can make all the difference. Postcards sent through regular mail are generally classified as standard or jumbo, with each category having its own specific dimensions and postage requirements. For instance, standard postcards, which range from 3-1/2″ x 5″ to 4-1/4″ x 6″, typically cost less to mail. On the other hand, jumbo postcards—up to 6″ x 11″—offer more space for your message but may require additional postage.
At Avery, we offer a variety of postcard sizes, from standard to jumbo, including popular 5″ x 7″ cardstock options. You can also choose from a variety of materials, like Kraft brown, pearlized white, and even printable ones with elegant gold borders. Whether you print them yourself or order custom-printed cards, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore the ins and outs of postcard size regulations, their various uses, and some free designs to inspire your next project.
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Standard postcard size guide
Choosing the right postcard size is essential for delivering your message effectively while adhering to postage regulations. At Avery, we offer a variety of standard sizes to meet your needs. The smallest option, 3-1/2″ x 5″, is perfect for quick notes or direct communication, making it ideal for personal messages or concise marketing pitches.
If you need a bit more space, a 4″ x 6″ card remains a popular choice. This size provides enough room to showcase your visuals or promotional details while still qualifying for standard postage. It’s a versatile option, great for both personal and professional use.
For those looking to add a touch of elegance, Avery also offers a printable 3-15/16″ x 5-3/16″ postcard with gold borders. This unique size combines style and sophistication, with the gold border adding a premium feel that helps your message stand out. You can also just order your cards custom printed with a border color of your choice.
Lastly, the 4-1/4″ x 5-1/2″ postcard is another excellent choice. This size strikes a perfect balance, providing plenty of room for creativity without being overwhelming. Whether you’re sending invitations, thank you cards, or promotional materials, Avery’s options ensure you’ll find the perfect fit for your project.
Jumbo 5″ x 7″ cardstock
If you really want your message to stand out, you can always go with the popular 5″x 7″ jumbo postcard size. This larger size offers ample space to showcase your content, making it perfect for eye-catching event invitations, detailed promotions, or eye-catching announcements. Its larger dimensions ensure your postcard won’t be overlooked while still being easy to handle and display.
Avery offers a range of custom-printed 5″ x 7″ cardstock options to help you create the perfect postcard. With WePrint, our professional printing service you’ll find the quality and flexibility you need to bring your vision to life. With a variety of finishes available, including matte and glossy white, your jumbo postcards will deliver a message that’s not only bold, but also beautifully presented.
Direct mail postcard sizes
In the world of direct mail marketing, postcards are a compelling way to promote products or services, generate leads, and build strong customer relationships. A significant advantage is the flexibility in size, especially with USPS Marketing Mail. With this service, all postcards are charged the same rate as letters, regardless of size. This means your cards can range from 3-1/2″ x 5″ to 6-1/4″ x 11-1/2″, giving you freedom to select the dimensions that best convey your message.
Sometimes, sending standard-size postcards via First Class Mail is the smarter choice, especially when fast delivery and a personal touch are critical to your campaign’s success. On the other hand, USPS Marketing Mail is often the better option for larger campaigns where cost efficiency is a priority. Understanding how to mail a postcard effectively can help you fine-tune your direct mail strategy and ensure your message reaches your audience in the most impactful way.
Whether you’re focusing on a targeted group or a broader audience, direct mail postcards are a versatile and cost-effective solution. By choosing the appropriate size and mailing option, you can deliver your message in a way that best aligns with your business objectives.
When to use USPS Marketing Mail
| USPS Marketing Mail | USPS First Class Mail |
|---|---|
| 200 postcards or more | Less than 200 postcards |
| Multiple or jumbo sizes | Standard postcard sizes |
| Target neighborhoods | Mailing lists with specific addresses |
| Domestic addresses only | First Class Mail International® |
EDDM vs EDDM-BMEU for direct mail
Navigating USPS Marketing Mail services for sending direct mail postcards can be tricky, especially when deciding between Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) and Every Door Direct Mail – Business Mail Entry Unit (EDDM-BMEU). Here’s a quick breakdown to help you understand the key differences:
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM)/EDDM-Retail: This option is ideal for small businesses looking to reach a local audience. EDDM allows you to send up to 5,000 postcards per day without needing a mailing permit. It’s a straightforward process that uses the USPS EDDM online portal, and you can drop off your mail at any local post office.
Every Door Direct Mail – Business Mail Entry Unit (EDDM-BMEU): If you’re managing a high-volume mailing campaign, EDDM-BMEU is the better choice. This service is designed for businesses that need to send more than 5,000 postcards per day. It requires a USPS permit, and the mail must be dropped off at a Business Mail Entry Unit, which is typically located at larger USPS facilities.
For small businesses, EDDM is usually the most convenient option unless you’re scaling up your efforts and need to handle a larger volume of mail. For those larger campaigns, EDDM-BMEU provides the efficiency and capacity required.
To dive deeper into the specifics and decide which service is right for your needs, read the full comparison here.
Postage for different postcard sizes
Understanding the cost of postage is crucial when planning a direct mail campaign. For standard postcards, which range from 3-1/2″ x 5″ to 4-1/4″ x 6″, the USPS First Class Mail rate applies. This is typically the most cost-effective option, making it a popular choice for businesses and individuals alike. If you’re wondering how much does it cost to mail a postcard, the current postcard postage rate is quite affordable, but it can vary, so it’s important to check the latest rates.
Jumbo postcards, on the other hand, offer more space for your message, but they come with a slightly higher postcard postage cost. These larger postcards, which can be as big as 6″ x 11″, still fall under the USPS First Class Mail category, but their size means they require more postage compared to standard sizes.
For direct mail campaigns, where you might be mailing thousands of postcards at once, the USPS Marketing Mail rate applies. This rate is flat and is charged at the same rate as letters, regardless of the postcard size, making it a cost-effective option for large-scale mailings.
Whether you’re using standard or jumbo postcards, the postcard postage rate for direct mail is designed to keep costs predictable and manageable. By understanding these postage differences, you can better plan your budget and choose the right postcard size to maximize your impact without overspending.
Uses for different postcard sizes
As mentioned earlier, choosing the right postcard size can have a significant impact on your marketing strategy or special event planning. Standard postcard sizes are ideal for direct marketing campaigns sent via First Class Mail, especially if you’re trying to keep postage costs down. These sizes are also perfect for large events like weddings, where you might be sending out hundreds of invitations. Beyond these uses, standard postcards can double as oversized business cards, packaging inserts, promotional cards, or even jewelry display cards, making them a versatile tool for various business needs.
On the other hand, jumbo postcard sizes are best suited for direct mail campaigns where the size doesn’t affect the postage costs. They’re also perfect for customized events, small batch marketing, or special occasions like party invitations and birthday cards. Jumbo postcards offer plenty of space for creative designs, making them a popular choice for artists selling prints of their work. They also work well as menu cards, promotional inserts, personal projects, or art prints.
For more ideas on how to use postcards for your business, check out this resource: Ways to Use Business Postcards.
How to design custom postcards
Designing custom postcards allows you to create a unique and impactful message that resonates with your audience. One of the best ways to ensure your design fits perfectly within your chosen postcard dimensions is by using blank templates in Avery Design & Print Online (ADPO). These templates are specifically tailored to the dimensions of each product, giving you a solid foundation to start your design.
Whether you’re creating your postcard from scratch or uploading a complete design from platforms like Canva® or Illustrator®, there are a few key principles to keep in mind. First, make sure you’re utilizing space effectively. This means balancing text and images in a way that guides the reader’s eye through the postcard without overwhelming them. Consider the size and placement of your text to ensure readability and clarity, especially for any critical information like dates, addresses, or offers.
Another important element is to include a clear call-to-action. Whether it’s an invitation to visit your website, a special discount code, or a request to RSVP, your call-to-action should stand out and be easy to follow.
By following these tips, you can create custom postcards that not only look professional but also effectively communicate your message and drive the desired response.
Postcard printing at any size
No matter the size of your postcard, getting them custom printed ensures a professional finish that leaves a lasting impression. With ADPO, you can easily create and order custom-printed postcards tailored to your exact specifications. The platform offers a seamless experience, allowing you to choose from a variety of templates, customize your design, and select the perfect size, all while ensuring your postcards look polished and professional.
If you prefer a more hands-on approach, DIY printing is also an option. For the best results, use high-quality cardstock that matches your printer’s capabilities, and make sure your design is formatted correctly for the specific postcard size you’ve chosen. Pay close attention to print settings to ensure the sharpest details and the most accurate color representation.
Whether you opt for custom printing or decide to print your postcards yourself, both methods offer flexibility and control over the final product. Custom printing gives you the advantage of professional quality with minimal effort, while DIY printing allows for quick adjustments and immediate results, making either option a viable choice depending on your needs.
Free postcard templates for different dimensions
Print this design on glossy white 4-1/4 x 5-1/2″ postcards (Avery 8383) that you can send in the mail.
Or, you can choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed matte white, glossy white, or pearlized postcards.
Get this design printed on 5” x 7” custom cardstock.
Looking to print this design yourself on a different size postcard? Open the template and make your changes. Save the design to your Avery account, and then you can apply it to any Avery product.
Print this design on Avery 3-15/16” x 5-3/16” postcards with gold borders (3329).
Or, you can order this design on custom-printed postcards in other sizes, shapes, and materials choose.
Personalize and print this design on Avery 3-1/2” x 5” postcards (5625).
To order this design on a custom-printed postcard, first save your edits, then apply the design to the WePrint product of your choice. Try a pearlized finish for a similarly elegant look.
Print this design on matte white 4” x 6” postcards (Avery 5389) that you can send in the mail.
Or, you can choose “Let Us Print for You” to order custom-printed postcards in different sizes, shapes, and materials.
Perfecting Your Postcard Strategy
Creating and sending the perfect postcard requires a thoughtful approach, from choosing the right size to designing an eye-catching layout and selecting the best printing options. By understanding the different postcard sizes, postage requirements, and design techniques, you can craft postcards that effectively communicate your message and resonate with your audience. Whether you’re planning a direct mail campaign, promoting an event, or simply reaching out to customers, your postcards should reflect the care and attention to detail that your business stands for.
For even more creative ideas for your small business, explore our Pinterest board and follow us on Instagram, where we share endless inspiration to help you create the perfect project. You can even use #averyproducts to share your own creations with us.
