Postcard Sizes: 4x6, 5x7, 6x9 and Other Standard Dimensions

The standard postcard size in North America is 4 x 6 inches (102 x 152 mm), the same as a classic photo print. The next common sizes up are 5 x 7 in (127 x 178 mm) and 6 x 9 in (152 x 229 mm), which give a mailer or promotional card more room. In Europe the usual postcard is A6, 105 x 148 mm.

Postcard sizes we print

Size (in)	Millimetres	Typical use
4 x 6	102 x 152	Classic postcard, thank-you and save-the-date cards
4 x 9	102 x 229	Rack cards, menus, event cards
5 x 7	127 x 178	Invitations, announcements
6 x 9	152 x 229	Promotional mailers
8.5 x 11	216 x 279	Large card-stock pieces, signs, inserts

All five print in full colour, one side or both sides, on 12pt coated, 12pt uncoated or 16pt uncoated card stock; the 4 x 6 can also be laminated matte or gloss.

Setting up a postcard file

Add 1/8 in of bleed on every side: a 4 x 6 is designed at 4.25 x 6.25 in, a 6 x 9 at 6.25 x 9.25 in. Keep text 1/8 in inside the trim. At 300 PPI a 4 x 6 with bleed is 1275 x 1875 pixels. If you print both sides, send a two-page PDF with the front first.

If the postcard will be mailed

Postal size, thickness and address-area rules are set by the carrier, not by the printer, and they change. If your postcard will go through the mail, check Canada Post's current requirements before you design, and leave a clear area for the address. If the address will be handwritten, choose an uncoated stock: it takes a pen, coated and laminated stock does not.

Which one for your job?

Choose 4 x 6 for the classic card and the lowest paper use, 5 x 7 for invitations that go in an envelope, and 6 x 9 when the card is a promotional mailer that needs to stand out in a pile. If it will be written on, pick an uncoated stock.

Common questions

What is the standard postcard size?

4 x 6 inches (102 x 152 mm). 5 x 7 and 6 x 9 in are the most common larger formats.

What is the difference between a postcard and a flyer?

Mostly the stock. Our postcards print on 12pt or 16pt card stock, stiff enough to stand on a counter or travel without an envelope; our flyers print on 100 lb gloss text stock, thinner and lighter for handing out in volume.

What resolution does a 4x6 postcard file need?

300 PPI at final size: 1200 x 1800 pixels at trim, or 1275 x 1875 pixels with 1/8 in of bleed on every side.

Products where this term matters

See also in the dictionary: Bleed, Double-sided printing, Paper weight and finishes · full dictionary