Standard Postcard Size Information for Printing, Design & Mailing

Printing postcards is not just a matter of picking the right designs and paper. Size matter. Choosing the right postcard dimensions for your marketing strategies is important. Select wisely, because it could make or break your campaigns.

We'd like to help you pick the postcard size that best fits your plans and budget. To do that, we've posted some common customer questions on how to make a postcard that you might find useful:

Q: What are the standard postcard sizes you offer?

A: For flat standard postcards, available sizes are as follows: 4" x 6", 4.25" x 6", 5" x 7", 5.5" x 8.5", 6" x 9", and 6" x 11".





Folded postcards have 2 kinds: half-folds and tri-folds.

Half-fold postcard sizes: 8.5" x 6" (folds to 4.25” x 6”), 10" x 7" (folds to 5” x 7”), 11" x 8.5" (folds to 5.5” x 8.5”), 12" x 9" (folds to 6” x 9”), 12" x 11" (folds to 6” x 11”).







Tri-fold postcard sizes: 12.75" x 6" (folds to 4.25” x 6”), 15" x 7" (folds to 5” x 7”), and 16.5" x 8.5" (folds to 5.5” x 8.5”).



Q: Do the postcard sizes have to be in a landscape orientation?

A: No they don’t. You can have your prints in either a landscape or portrait orientation depending on your design file. If your purpose is to mail them without envelopes, make sure that the back side adheres to mailing requirements. You can check the postal guide below for these requirements







Q: What are the postcard sizes that can be mailed in bulk and those that comply with the mailing regulations?

A: All standard postcard sizes, from 4” x 6” up to 6” x 11” (flat or folded to size), can be mailed. Sizes should fit within the requirements of the United States Postal Service (USPS).





Q: What are the postage rates that apply to mailed postcards?

A: Rates will vary depending on the postcard size of your choice. For example, a 4” x 6” and 4.25” x 6” sized postcard can qualify for First Class Card rate. Meanwhile, 4.5” x 6” up to 6” x 11” postcards, whether flat or folded, qualify for either First Class Letter rate or Standard Bulk rate. Check out our postcard page’s mailing tab for more details.

Q: Is there no way to mail out my cards if they don't follow the USPS mailing condition?

A: If clients cannot change the layout of their design and comply with the USPS requirements, then they can opt for envelopes. Postcards mailed with envelopes will cost more. This is also applicable for folded cards and brochures.

You can also choose to do a self-mailer. This is the act of manually stamping each postcard and dropping it off in the post office yourself themselves.





Q: How many days would it take for the postcards to be prepared and mailed?

A: After printing, it takes 2 to 3 business days for the mailing preparation. For folded postcards, there's an added 2 business days for the tabbing. It takes 3-5 business days nationwide for First Class. While Standard Bulk mails will take 5-14 business days nationwide.

* Seasonal volume and adverse weather conditions may affect the timeliness of delivery. We cannot guarantee the arrival of mail pieces by a certain date.

Q: Is there a specific format to follow in creating a design or layout for a standard postcard size that’s to be mailed?

A: Customers are free to create any postcard design, but we set specific requirements for the layout. Check out our mailing templates. It can help you with the address, postal markings, and indicia placing.





If you need help with your postcard printing and mailing, feel free to contact us through Live Chat or dial 1-888-888-4211.



