Last Updated on August 3, 2024 by Carlos Alonso

Your Guide to Standard Postcard Sizes and Dimensions

Ever received a postcard that caught your eye immediately? Chances are, its size played a significant role in its appeal. Whether you’re a business owner, a marketer, or a designer, understanding postcard sizes and dimensions is crucial for crafting compelling postcards.  This article is specific to postcard sizes but we have another article that discusses the common direct mail sizes Let’s dive into the world of postcard sizes and see how they can make a difference in your marketing campaigns.

Standard Postcard Sizes

Postcards come in a variety of sizes, each with its unique postcard dimensions advantages. Here are the most common ones we print:

4″x6″ Postcards The original OG, 4″x6″ postcards are cost-effective and perfect for quick, impactful messages. Their compact size makes them ideal for personal notes and short marketing messages. They fit easily into standard mail slots and are also great for handing out at events or placing on bulletin boards. We have even seen clients use them as business cards

Verdict: Best for Direct Mail and Handing Out

5″x7″ Postcards A bit larger, 5″x7″ postcards offer more space for design and information. They stand out more in a pile of mail and are great for invitations, announcements, and promotional offers. Their larger size allows for more creative freedom without being overwhelming.

Verdict: Best for Direct Mail and Handing Out

6″x9″ Postcards The 6″x9″ size is excellent for making a bold statement. These postcards provide ample space for detailed graphics and text, making them perfect for promoting events, showcasing products, or detailed service descriptions. Their size ensures they won’t be missed in the mail, but they’re still easy to distribute by hand.

Verdict: Best for Direct Mail

6″x11″ Postcards The 6″x11″ postcard size is perfect for creating a powerful visual impact. Its larger size allows for more comprehensive information, eye-catching graphics, and bold calls-to-action. These postcards are ideal for high-impact marketing campaigns, such as special promotions or detailed product launches.

Verdict: Best for Direct Mail & EDDM Mail

Custom Postcard Sizes

Sometimes, standard sizes just don’t cut it. Custom postcard sizes allow you to get creative and tailor your postcards to specific needs. Whether it’s a unique shape or an unconventional size, custom postcards can help you stand out and leave a lasting impression. For example, you might opt for a square postcard or a panoramic layout to showcase stunning visuals.

Custom Sizes for Direct Mail

• Ensure the size is USPS compliant to avoid additional postage.
• Great for standout marketing campaigns where uniqueness is key.

Custom Sizes for Handing Out

• Perfect for events and trade shows where unique shapes can attract attention.
• Ideal for branded content that needs to be memorable.

Square Postcards Square postcards are visually striking and can make a strong impact. However, they are not ideal for mailing due to higher postage costs and potential issues with automated sorting machines. Despite this, they are very cool and perfect for handing out at events or including in packages.

Impact of Postcard Size on Mailing Costs

Size matters not just for aesthetics but also for your budget. Larger postcards typically cost more to mail, so it’s essential to balance the visual impact with postage costs. Here’s why:

• Postage Rates by Size: Postal services, like the United States Postal Service (USPS), categorize mail by size and weight. Standard-sized postcards (like 4″x6″) usually fall into the lower pricing bracket, while larger postcards (like 6″x9″) may fall into a higher pricing category due to their size. For example, as of the latest rates, USPS charges $0.51 for a standard 4″x6″ postcard. Larger postcards up to 6″x9″ and meeting certain criteria are charged at letter rates, which are typically higher (e.g., $0.63 for a one-ounce letter).
• Additional Handling: Larger postcards may require more handling and processing, contributing to higher postcard printing costs. Non-standard sizes might not fit into automated sorting machines, necessitating manual processing for first class mail postcard delivery.
• Weight Considerations: Larger postcards might be heavier, especially if printed on high-quality paper or with additional inserts. Increased weight can lead to higher first class mail postcard postage costs.
• Visibility and Impact: Larger postcards are more noticeable and can have a greater impact on recipients, but this increased visibility often comes with higher production and mailing costs.

If you’re unsure about which size to choose, Catdi Printing can assist in making the best decision for your postage needs. They can help you navigate the complexities of postal regulations and ensure you get the most out of your mailing budget.

4″x6″ Postcards

• Most cost-effective for direct mail.
• Lower postage rates, making it ideal for mass mailings.

5″x7″ Postcards

• Slightly higher postage costs but better visual impact.
• Great balance between cost and design space.

6″x9″ Postcards

• Higher postage rates but maximized impact.
• Best for targeted, high-impact campaigns where the cost is justified by the results.

6″x11″ Postcards

• Higher postage rates but provides extensive space for information and graphics.
• Ideal for detailed product launches, special promotions, and high-impact campaigns.
• Great for EDDM Mailers.

Design Tips & Ideas for Different Sizes

Designing postcards requires a keen eye for detail, especially when considering size. Here are some tips for designing effective postcards based on their size:

4″x6″ Postcards

• Keep your message concise.
• Use bold, attention-grabbing images.
• Ensure text is legible at a glance.
• Ideal for brief announcements, promotions, and personal messages.

5″x7″ Postcards

• Take advantage of the extra space for detailed information.
• Use high-quality images to enhance appeal in your postcard printing.
• Balance text and visuals to avoid clutter.
• Perfect for invitations, announcements, and promotional offers with more content.

6″x9″ Postcards

• Highlight key information prominently.
• Use large, striking images.
• Consider adding a call-to-action that’s easy to spot.
• Best for detailed promotions, product showcases, and event advertisements.

6″x11″ Postcards

• Utilize the extensive space for comprehensive content.
• Include bold graphics and clear calls-to-action.
• Perfect for campaigns that require more detailed information and impactful visuals.

Custom Postcard Sizes

• Ensure the design fits the unique dimensions.
• Use shapes and layouts that complement your message to optimize the postcard rate.
• Be mindful of postal regulations for direct mail.
• Great for innovative marketing pieces that need to stand out.

Postcard Use Cases Marketing Ideas

To illustrate the impact of postcard sizes, let’s look at a couple of successful postcard printing campaigns:

Local Bakery Promotion A local bakery used 4″x6″ postcards to announce a new product line. The small, colorful postcards were easy to distribute and resulted in a significant increase in foot traffic. The compact size made it cost-effective for both mailing and handing out in-store.

Event Invitation A non-profit organization used 6″x9″ postcards for event invitations. The larger size allowed them to include detailed information and beautiful graphics, leading to a higher RSVP rate. The size ensured the postcards were noticed in the mail and conveyed the importance of the event.

Product Launch A tech company used 5″x7″ postcards to launch a new product. The postcards were mailed to a targeted list of potential customers and included a QR code for more information. The size provided enough space for compelling images and a brief product overview, resulting in a high conversion rate.

Choosing the right postcard size is essential for the success of your marketing campaign. From cost considerations to design impact, each size has its unique benefits. By understanding these nuances, you can make informed decisions that enhance your postcard’s effectiveness and overall postcard rate. So next time you’re planning a postcard campaign, remember: size matters!

In the world of postcard marketing, a little attention to detail can go a long way. Whether you’re mailing them out or handing them out, the right postcard size can make all the difference in capturing your audience’s attention and delivering your message effectively. If you need assistance navigating postage size decisions, Catdi Printing is here to help. Happy Postcarding!