Postcard Design Standards

Postcards are effective marketing tools. You can send your message directly to your target audience and there is no envelope to hinder that message. However, there are things to consider in order to avoid any problem when mailing your cards. The USPS or United States Postal Service has strict standards when it comes to the sizes and thickness of mailable postcards.

Minimum and Maximum Sizes
The minimum allowable postcard size, according to USPS, is 3.5x5 inches and sizes lower than this will be consired non-mailable. On the other hand, the maximum allowable size is 4.25x6 inches. Bigger sizes than this are consired as letter and will be mailed at higher rate. If you want to save on mailing costs, you have to make sure that your cards follow these size options.

Intermediate Sizes
A 4x5.5 inches postcard is considered an intermediate size and is still mailable at postcard rate. According to USPS, this size can be mailed as a postcard as long as it meets the size, thickness, aspect ratio and weight requirements.

Thickness
The minimum thickness allowed for a postcard is .007 inches while the maximum thickness is .25 inches. If a mail piece is less than the minimum thickness allowed, it will be considered non-mailable. But, if it exceeds .25 inches, it will be classified into a different mail class and cost more.

Size of Postcard Address Box
There is a minimum size required for the address box; 1.25x3.75 inches. This box should allowed for a three-line address, USPS endorsement line, and the Post Net Barcode. For additional line, you can add 3/16's of an inch on the address box.

You can contact UPrinting at 1-888-888-4211 or via Live Chat if you have questions regarding your postcard design, printing, or mailing concerns.