Postcards are no longer just a means of sending greetings to your grandma from summer camp. They have evolved into a versatile canvas for various promotional and marketing purposes. From direct mail to mini-artworks, menus, and event handouts, these cards can be a powerful tool in your campaigns.
However, choosing the right postcard size can be critical for effectively promoting your brand. To help you make the right decision, here is everything you need to know about our postcard dimensions.
The most commonly used and standard postcard size is 4" x 6". This size fits well within budget constraints and meets the requirements for the First-Class Mail rate, making it an ideal choice for cost-effective campaigns.
Postcard Dimensions: Overview
At Print Cartel, we understand that every business has unique advertising needs. That's why we offer a diverse range of postcard sizes, so you can select the perfect size that complements your message and style. Whether you want something small and simple or large and eye-catching, such as a direct mail piece, we've got you covered.
With these options, you have the freedom to get creative with your marketing in a way that works best for you. While 4" x 6" and 5" x 7" are popular postcard dimensions, they can be as small as 3.5″ x 5″ to as large as 6.125″ x 11.5″ and everything in between. Below are some of the most common sizes:
- 2.75” x 4.25”
- 3" x 4"
- 3” x 5”
- 4” x 6”
- 4.72" x 4.72"
- 4” x 9”
- 4.25 X 6
- 5” x 7”
- 5.5” x 8.5”
- 6" x 8"
- 6" x 9"
- 6.5" x 9.5"
- 6" x 11"
Standard Postcard Size
The standard postcard size, often 4" x 6", is incredibly handy, especially for businesses. Whether launching a new product, announcing a sale, or keeping in touch with customers, these postcards are the right size for getting the message across.
Note: The standard postcard size in mm: 102mm x 152mm
Their compact size saves on postage costs and makes it easy for recipients to keep them at hand, be it on their fridge or office bulletin board. And it's not just businesses that find them useful—anyone can use them for personal greetings, invitations, or as a charming way to share exciting news.
Postcards really shine when it comes to getting your message across, whether it's a heartfelt note or an eye-catching advertisement. They're like little canvases that work for just about anything you want to say.
Common Uses
The standard 4x6 inch postcard provides ample space for various purposes, including:
- Personal Greetings
- Event Invitations
- Real Estate Showcasing
- Announcement Cards
- Artwork or Photography Displays
The size is versatile and suitable for personal and professional use. It provides just the right amount of creative space without being too bulky, resulting in the best postcard design.
Rack Cards
Rack cards are a type of promotional material primarily used in advertising and marketing campaigns. They are generally printed on sturdy card stock and are characterized by their unique dimensions, typically about 4" x 9". This size is perfect for display racks found in public areas like tourist centers, lobbies, and restaurants.
These attention-grabbing cards offer quick snapshots of services, attractions, products, or events to those passing by. Their primary objective is to present important details using a clear and attractive layout.
Rack cards combine striking visuals with brief, informative text to quickly communicate key messages. They often feature details such as business locations, pricing, event dates, or special offers and can include interactive elements like tear-off sections or QR codes.
Rack cards are extensively used in the tourism and hospitality sectors, but they are also popular in healthcare, service industries, and retail.
Common Uses
Rack cards are commonly used in various industries for effective marketing and information dissemination. Some of their common uses include:
- Spas and Salons
- Hospitality
- Real Estate
- Healthcare
- Fitness and Sport Centers
- Retail and Services
- Restaurants and Cafes
Square Postcards
Square postcards can be a great way to capture attention and stand out from the crowd. Their unique shape sets them apart from the usual rectangular postcards, which can hint at a more individualistic and imaginative approach. Square postcards are especially popular among individuals who love to think outside the box and express their unique personalities.
This includes artists, designers, and other creative professionals who appreciate the opportunity to showcase their work in a unique and eye-catching format. With four equal sides, square postcards offer a versatile canvas for expressing your message or showcasing your art. Therefore, if you want to create a bold statement and leave a lasting impression on your recipients, square postcards are definitely worth considering!
Common Uses
Square postcards aren't your everyday kind of card – their unique shape opens up a world of creative possibilities. Here’s how people are using them:
- Social Media Marketing
- Portfolios
- Retail Announcements
- Event Invitations
- Personal Greeting Cards
- Artistic Displays
Medium Postcards
If you find that a standard 4" x 6" postcard doesn't have enough room, the 5" x 7" size is a great next step. It gives you more space to spread out your design and fit all the details you need without feeling too cramped.
Common Uses
A 5x7 inch postcard gives you that extra room compared to the standard size, making it a go-to choice when you have more to say or display. Let's explore some popular uses for this size:
- Event Invitations
- Direct Mail Postcards
- Holiday Cards
- Real Estate Marketing
- Artistic or Photographic Print Postcards
- Announcements (Graduation, Baby, Wedding, Just Moved, etc)
Large Postcards
Large postcard sizes, typically around 6" x 9" or even up to 6" x 11", offer more space compared to standard sizes or smaller postcards, making them an excellent option for different uses. These increased dimensions are perfect for detailed graphics, extensive messages, and larger call-to-actions, making sure your content stands out and captures attention.
Make your artwork stand out with our large postcards. They can make a bigger impact and leave a lasting impression on your recipients. These larger postcards can also be used for menus and signs.
Design Tip: Use these larger postcard sizes to guarantee that your call to action is impossible to miss and complement it with high-resolution photography for a more significant effect.
Common Uses
- Marketing Campaigns
- Event Announcements
- Informational Mailers (EDDM postcards)
- Real Estate Marketing Mail
Every Door Direct Mail Postcards
Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is a service the United States Postal Service (USPS) provides that helps businesses target specific neighborhoods or areas for their marketing campaigns without requiring specific addresses.
This service is great for local businesses or services that aim to reach a broad audience within a specific geographical area by zip code.
EDDM postcards commonly come in larger sizes, such as 6.5" x 9", 8.5" x 11", 9" x 12", and even 11" x 14" to stand out in the mail.
Common Uses
- Small Business Promotions
- Event Advertising
- Real Estate Listings
- Service Providers (Plumbing, Landscape, etc)
- Car Dealerships
- Political Campaigns
EDDM is an effective marketing tool that enables businesses to target a specific audience in a particular area. It is perfect for increasing local brand awareness, promoting special offers, and announcing new services or events.
USPS Postcard Size and Rate Options
The following postcard sizes are eligible for mailing, including 4" x 6", 4.25" x 5.5", 5" x 7", 5.5" x 8.5", 6" x 9", 6" x 11", 3" x 4", and 6.5" x 9.5". However, different sizes qualify for different rates offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS).
Postcards measuring 4 x 6 inches are eligible for the USPS's First Class Postcard Rate. Postcards measuring between 5 x 7 and 6 x 11 inches may qualify for the USPS's Standard or First Class Letter Rate.
Final Thought
The world of postcards has come a long way from being just a means to send personal greetings. It has now become a versatile and impactful promotional and marketing tool. Endless options are available, whether for a direct mail campaign, mini artwork, menu, or event handout at trade shows or conferences.
At Print Cartel, we acknowledge that every business has its unique needs and messaging style, which is why we offer an extensive range of postcard sizes to select from. The popular 4" x 6" standard size is a testament to efficiency, balancing cost-effectiveness and plenty of messaging space. It's ideal for businesses and anyone looking to send a personal message, an invitation, or share exciting news.
Postcards are more than just paper; they are powerful tools for connection, creativity, and communication. So, choose the size that fits your story and make your message memorable!
