One of the first decisions businesses face when planning an Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) campaign is choosing the right postcard size.
While EDDM allows flexibility, most campaign postcards come with specific sizes in mind. These standard sizes are practical to design, efficient to print, and easy to mail under USPS rules.
This article breaks down the three most popular EDDM postcard sizes, why they work, and how USPS requirements shape your options.
The Top 3 Popular EDDM Postcard Sizes (And Why)
6.5" × 9.0"
This is one of the most commonly used EDDM postcard sizes because it sits comfortably within USPS requirements without feeling oversized. It provides enough space to communicate a clear message while keeping production costs manageable.
Businesses often choose this size because it’s easy to design and visible in a crowded mailbox.
This size is commonly chosen when:
- The message is simple and focused on one main offer
- Budget efficiency matters
- The campaign is a first-time or test EDDM mailing
6.5" × 8.0"
This slightly compact format is still EDDM-compliant, making it a popular option for cost-conscious campaigns.
This affordable option offers slightly less space than the standard size, with most of its designs, relying on strong headlines and minimal copy rather than detailed layouts.
This size is commonly chosen when:
- The primary message is short and direct
- The campaign is recurring or time-sensitive
- The goal is to reach customers rather than visual complexity
6.5" × 12.0"
The 6.5" × 12.0" size offers more vertical space without crossing into oversized territory. That extra room makes it easier to organize images, headlines, and support information in a more balanced way.
This size is often used when campaigns need more flexibility in layout while still staying practical for printing and handling.
This size is commonly chosen when:
- Campaign provides multiple offers or visuals need room
- The design requires clearer hierarchy
- The campaign targets competitive neighborhoods
Why These Sizes?
These postcard sizes often solve the most common EDDM challenges at once: visibility, cost, and ease of execution. Each option is large enough to stand out from standard mail, simple enough to design without overthinking layouts, and efficient to produce at scale.
Over time, USPS requirements have reinforced these patterns by rewarding sizes that are clearly larger than standard mail but still easy to process and distribute.
USPS EDDM Size Requirements
The United States Postal Service (USPS) sets specific rules for EDDM postcards to make the mailing process faster and affordable, regardless of the promotion’s scale. These rules define the boundaries within which popular sizes tend to fall.
| Requirement | USPS Rule (EDDM Retail) | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum size | 6.125" × 10.5" | Ensures the piece qualifies for EDDM |
| Maximum size | 12" × 15" | Sets the upper limit |
| Shape | Rectangular only | Required for processing |
| Thickness | Cannot be more than 0.75" | Keeps postcards sturdy |
| Addressing | “Local Postal Customer” | Enables route-wide delivery |
Because all qualifying EDDM postcards mail at the same retail rate, size becomes a design and visibility decision, not a postage decision. That’s why many popular sizes sit just above the minimum requirements.
Other EDDM Size Option
A larger format like 8.5" × 11.0" is also USPS-approved for EDDM. This size offers more space and a stronger visual presence, but it comes with higher printing costs and requires more thoughtful design to justify the size.
As a result, it’s typically used for information-heavy mailings, special events, or high-impact campaigns rather than everyday promotions.
How to Choose the Right EDDM Size
While you have many options for USPS-approved postcard sizes, choosing an EDDM postcard size doesn’t need to be complicated. Simply think about these requirements, and you can easily find the right size that works for your campaign:
- Short, focused messages work well on smaller sizes
- Multiple offers or strong visuals benefit from taller formats
- First-time campaigns often start with compact, cost-efficient sizes
- Competitive areas may justify larger formats for added visibility
- Look back to previous postcard campaigns and see which sizes (and designs) worked best for your customers
frequently asked questions
A.
No. All EDDM postcards that meet mailing requirements qualify for the same EDDM Retail postage rate. Larger postcards do not increase mailing costs, which is why some businesses choose bigger formats for added visibility.
A.
Oversized postcards can cost more to print and require a more balanced design to avoid feeling cluttered or overwhelming. Many businesses stick to popular mid-sized formats because they’re easier to design, easier to read, and more efficient for everyday promotions.
A.
Only if it still meets EDDM minimum size rules. Even very simple messages must be printed on a postcard that is larger than standard mail. That’s why compact but compliant sizes remain popular; they allow short messaging without risking rejection.
A.
Orientation doesn’t affect eligibility if the postcard meets size, shape, and thickness rules. Businesses often choose taller formats when designs need clearer hierarchy or more visual separation between sections.
A.
No. EDDM postcards must be rectangular. Non-rectangular shapes, including squares, are not eligible for the program and may be rejected during mailing.
A.
Most businesses use the same sizes for both. The decision usually comes down to the message and visibility needs rather than route type. Business routes may benefit from clearer headlines, while residential routes often prioritize visual impact, but size selection typically stays the same.
A.
You can start with one of the commonly used mid-sized formats. These sizes are familiar to printers, easy to design, and reliable for testing your postcard messaging.
A.
Sizes just above the minimum qualify for EDDM, stand out from standard mail, and keep production manageable. Over time, this has naturally shaped what sizes businesses use most often.
USPS size rules exist to keep EDDM affordable, efficient, and easy to deliver. When your postcard meets these requirements, the process can move smoothly, and you’ll get more benefits like lower postage costs and timely delivery.
Launch your EDDM postcard campaign with confidence. UPrinting delivers high-quality postcards that meet all USPS requirements, ensuring your message reaches every mailbox on your route—on time and on budget.
