Postcard Size Guide
Postcards have been a staple of communication for decades, cherished for their simplicity, charm, and versatility. From personal messages to business promotions, postcards offer a unique way to convey thoughts and ideas.
If you’ve ever sent or received a postcard, you know that these small pieces of cardstock can carry significant messages.
However, what you may not realise is that postcards come in various dimensions, each serving a different purpose. Understanding the dimensions of postcards is crucial, whether you’re designing one for personal use or planning a marketing campaign.
In this article, we’ll delve into the world of postcard dimensions, exploring standard sizes, popular choices for different purposes, custom dimensions, regulations, and tips for choosing the right size.
Standard Postcard Sizes
Postcards come in several standard sizes, each with its own benefits and uses.
4″ x 6″ Postcards
One of the most common postcard sizes is 4″ x 6″. This size is ideal for personal messages, vacation souvenirs, or quick updates to friends and family. Its compact dimensions make it convenient for mailing and handling.
5″ x 7″ Postcards
Slightly larger than the standard 4″ x 6″ size, 5″ x 7″ postcards offer more space for images and text. They are often used for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or holiday greetings, allowing for more detailed designs.
6″ x 9″ Postcards
For businesses or organisations looking to make a bigger impact, 6″ x 9″ postcards provide ample space for promotional messages or product showcases. These larger postcards stand out in the mailbox and are more likely to grab recipients’ attention.
4″ x 9″ Postcards
4 x 9 postcards offer ample space for detailed promotions, event invitations, and showcasing panoramic views of landscapes effectively.Commonly used for rack cards, which are displayed in racks or stands for promotional purposes in businesses, hotels, or tourism centres.
5.5″ x 5.5″
This is perfect for artistic designs, square photos, and creating eye-catching invitations or announcements. It offers a unique and compact format that stands out in mailboxes while providing enough space for concise messages or striking visuals. Whether for personal or promotional purposes, this size adds a touch of creativity to any communication.
| Postcard Size | Dimensions (inches) | Recommended Uses |
| Standard | 4 x 6 | Personal greetings, invitations |
| Oversized | 5 x 7 | Marketing promotions, announcements |
| Jumbo | 6 x 9 | Product showcases, event invites |
| Panoramic | 4 x 9 | Landscape photography, travel ads |
| Square | 5.5 x 5.5 | Artistic designs, square photos |
Square Postcard Size
Get creative with our Square Postcards! They’re artsy and different from regular ones, perfect for creative people. They give off an “Instagram” vibe and are awesome for promoting your social media accounts. Let your creativity shine with these unique postcards!
- Square Postcard Size: 5.5 x 5.5 inches
- Size in Millimetres: 139.7 x 139.7 mm
- Size in Pixels (at 300 PPI): 1654 x 1654 pixels
Medium Postcard Size
Medium-sized postcards are ordinary. They’re a bit bigger than the standard ones, giving you more room to get creative.
- Medium Postcard Size: 5 x 7 inches
- Size in Millimetres: 127 x 178 mm
- Size in Pixels (at 300 PPI): 1500 x 2100 pixels
Half-page Postcard Size
Make a big statement with our half-page postcards – compact yet captivating, they pack a punch of creativity in every inch!
- Half-page Postcard Size: 4.25 x 5.5 inches
- Size in Millimetres: 108 x 140 mm
- Size in Pixels (at 300 PPI): 1275 x 1650 pixels
Large Postcard Size
Dream big! Elevate your artwork with our Large Postcards. Not only perfect for showcasing your creativity, but they also double as excellent menus and signs.
- Large Page Postcard Size: 6 x 9 inches
- Size in Millimetres: 152 x 229 mm
- Size in Pixels (at 300 PPI): 1800 x 2700 pixels
Postcard Dimensions for Various Purposes
Business Postcards
When it comes to business postcards, striking a balance between professionalism and visual appeal is essential. Standard sizes like 4 inches by 6 inches or 5 inches by 7 inches are commonly used for promotional materials, allowing ample space for branding and contact information.
| Postcard Size | Dimensions (inches) | Advantages |
|---|---|---|
| Standard (4 x 6)
|
4 x 6
6 x 4 |
– Cost-effective for mass mailings |
| – Fits well within postal regulations | ||
| – Ample space for concise messages and visuals | ||
| Oversized (5 x 7) |
5 x 7
7x 5 |
– Larger size allows for more prominent branding |
| – Increased space for detailed information or visuals | ||
| – Still compliant with most postal regulations |
Invitation Postcards
Invitations demand attention and convey pertinent details concisely. Opting for larger postcard sizes, such as 5 inches by 7 inches or 6 inches by 9 inches, provides room for elegant designs and essential event information, ensuring that recipients are enticed to RSVP.
| Postcard Size | Dimensions (inches) | Advantages |
| Standard (4 x 6)
|
4 x 6
6 x 4 |
– Cost-effective for mass mailings |
| Oversized (5 x 7) | 5 x 7
7x 5 |
– Offers a larger canvas for prominent invitation design |
| – Provides ample space for event details and visuals | ||
| – Fits conveniently into standard envelopes for mailing |
Marketing Postcards
In the realm of marketing, postcards serve as powerful tools for reaching target audiences. Tailoring the dimensions to fit specific marketing goals, whether it’s introducing new products or announcing upcoming events, can maximize engagement and response rates.
| Postcard Size | Dimensions (inches) | Advantages |
| Standard (4 x 6) | 4 x 6 | – Cost-effective for mass mailings |
| Oversized (5 x 7) | 5 x 7 | – Larger size allows for more impactful designs |
| Jumbo (6 x 9) | 6 x 9 | – Offers even more space for elaborate marketing content |
Personal Postcards
Personalized postcards offer a heartfelt way to connect with friends and family. Choosing a size that accommodates meaningful messages and memorable photographs, such as the traditional 4 inches by 6 inches, ensures that sentiments are conveyed effectively.
Pro Tips for Postcards Size
Now that you have a better understanding of various postcard sizes, let’s explore some pro tips for postcards to ensure your postcards are perfect.
- Standard Size: Stick to the standard size of 4 inches by 6 inches (10.5 cm by 15 cm) for compatibility and ease of handling.
- Design Margins: Leave a small margin around the edges to prevent important elements from being cut off during printing or handling.
- High-Quality Images: Use high-resolution images (300 DPI or higher) for clarity and sharpness.
- Readable Fonts: Choose clear and legible fonts, avoiding overly decorative styles.
- Eye-Catching Colours: Use vibrant colours for impact, ensuring readability with contrasting text and background.
- Call to Action: Include a clear and prominent call to action prompting recipients to take specific actions.
Conclusion
Postcards are like tiny messengers, carrying messages or advertisements in a simple way. Knowing their sizes is important for different purposes. From the small 4″ x 6″ to the fun square ones, each size has its own use. So, whether you’re sending a message to a friend or promoting something, pick the right size to make sure your message gets noticed.
