EDDM Postcard Size Guide to Every USPS Dimension
Every Door Direct Mail postcards must fall between 6.125 by 11 inches and 12 by 15 inches to earn the saturated USPS rate. Here is every approved size, the format that fits your campaign, and the file specs that keep your drop out of limbo.
USPS EDDM postcards must measure between 6.125 by 11 inches and 12 by 15 inches to qualify for saturated mailing rates. The most popular EDDM sizes are 6.5 by 9, 8.5 by 11, and 8 by 10 inches. Smaller cards mail as letters at the lowest rate, larger cards mail as flats. Add 0.125 inch bleed, keep text 0.25 inch inside the trim, and use 14pt or heavier stock so the piece survives sorting.
Quick answer
What you need to know about EDDM postcard sizes
USPS Every Door Direct Mail postcards must fall between 6.125 by 11 inches and 12 by 15 inches to qualify for saturated mailing rates. The most popular EDDM postcard sizes are 6.5 by 9, 8.5 by 11, and 8 by 10 inches. Pick the wrong dimensions and your mailer gets rejected or reclassified at a higher postage rate. 4OVER4.COM has printed over 10 billion cards for 150,000+ businesses, so getting these specs right is something we know cold.
Why EDDM postcard size drives your whole campaign
EDDM postcards let you blanket entire neighborhoods without buying a mailing list. That reach is the appeal, but USPS has strict size rules and missing them by a fraction of an inch can leave your entire print run in limbo. Size drives everything downstream, from postage cost to design space to the impact your card makes in the mailbox.
Whether you are a restaurant pushing a grand opening or a real estate agent farming a zip code, the dimensions you pick set the ceiling on what you can say and what you will pay to say it. This guide breaks down every USPS-approved dimension, explains which sizes work best for different campaigns, and helps you avoid the costly mistakes that get a mailer rejected at the counter.
4OVER4.COM has printed over 10 billion cards for 150,000+ businesses and backs every order with a quality guarantee and 99.8% on-time delivery. For inspiration on what a well-built card looks like, browse real customer work in our postcard showcase.
EDDM postcard dimensions explained, every size and rule
USPS defines EDDM-eligible mail by two hard boundaries. The shortest side cannot go below 6.125 inches, and the longest side cannot exceed 15 inches. Anything outside that range does not qualify for retail saturated rates. Your postcard also needs to be at least 0.007 inches thick, roughly the weight of a standard postcard stock, and it cannot weigh more than 3.3 ounces.
These are not suggestions, they are requirements. USPS automation equipment is calibrated to these specs. A postcard that is even slightly undersized gets kicked out of the sorting machine and flagged for manual processing, or returned altogether. Getting the trim right the first time is the difference between a smooth drop and a bundle stuck at the post office.
The three most popular EDDM postcard sizes
Most EDDM campaigns use one of three formats, and each has a distinct advantage depending on your goals and budget.
6.5 by 9 inch EDDM postcards are the workhorse. This size meets USPS minimums with room to spare, qualifies for the lowest automation-compatible postage, and fits standard mailbox slots without folding or bending. If you are running a high-volume campaign across multiple routes, it keeps your per-piece cost as low as possible. Restaurants, dental offices, and service businesses love this format because it delivers a clean, professional look without eating into the marketing budget.
8.5 by 11 inch EDDM postcards give you serious design real estate. You can fit a full menu, a detailed service list, or a map with directions, and the piece still qualifies for the same saturated mail rate as the 6.5 by 9 option, so you get more space without paying more in postage. Real estate agents use this size constantly because it holds multiple property photos, a headshot, and contact details on one side. If you want to learn about other large-format projects, our guide on how to make flyers covers similar territory.
8 by 10 inch EDDM postcards are the middle-ground option. They give you more room than 6.5 by 9 but feel slightly more compact than letter-size, which makes this a strong pick when you want visual impact without the full 8.5 by 11 canvas. Gyms, salons, and auto shops tend to gravitate toward this size.
Oversized EDDM flat mailers
USPS also allows EDDM pieces up to 12 by 15 inches, classified as flats. These are the attention-grabbers. A 12 by 15 inch postcard dominates the mailbox and is impossible to miss. The trade-off is higher postage per piece and heavier paper stock requirements to keep the card rigid at that size.
Flat-rate EDDM mailers work well for grand openings, seasonal sales, or any campaign where you want to make a statement. The extra space lets you include coupons, tear-off sections, or detailed infographics. For creative direct mail ideas, browse our showcase to see how other businesses have used oversized formats.
USPS postage classes and how size affects cost
EDDM postage rates depend on whether your piece qualifies as a letter or a flat. Letters are smaller, lighter, and cheaper to mail. Flats are larger and cost more per piece. Here is the breakdown.
- EDDM retail letters: postcards between 6.125 by 11 inches and roughly 6.5 by 9 inches at the lowest weight, the cheapest postage option available.
- EDDM retail flats: anything larger than letter dimensions up to 12 by 15 inches, higher per-piece postage but more design space.
- Non-qualifying pieces: anything under 6.125 inches on the short side or over 15 inches on the long side, rejected by USPS for EDDM.
The current EDDM retail rate sits around $0.20 per piece for standard postcards. That is a fraction of what addressed first-class mail costs. When you are mailing to every address on a carrier route, those savings stack up fast across the whole drop.
Setting up your EDDM postcard file correctly
Getting the physical size right is only half the battle. Your print file needs to match. Here is what 4OVER4.COM recommends for every EDDM postcard file.
- Bleed: add 0.125 inch (1/8 inch) on all four sides. If your finished size is 6.5 by 9 inches, your file should be 6.75 by 9.25 inches.
- Safe zone: keep all critical text and logos at least 0.25 inch from the trim edge. Anything closer risks getting cut off.
- Resolution: 300 DPI minimum at final print size. Anything lower looks fuzzy, especially on larger formats.
- Color mode: CMYK, not RGB. Print uses a different color model than screens.
- Indicia placement: USPS requires a specific area on the address side for the EDDM indicia, return address, and delivery route information.
The indicia panel is non-negotiable. USPS needs a clear area, typically the right half of the address side, for postal markings. Design around it. Do not cover it with graphics or dark backgrounds that make the text unreadable. If you are new to print file setup, the guide hub has walkthroughs for every product type.
Choosing the right paper stock for your EDDM size
Bigger postcards need sturdier stock. A 6.5 by 9 inch postcard works fine on 14pt cardstock, rigid enough to survive mail sorting without bending. But an 8.5 by 11 inch or larger piece wants 16pt or thicker to prevent flopping and curling in transit.
4OVER4.COM offers 60+ paper types across different weights and finishes. For EDDM postcards specifically, these are the go-to options.
- 14pt coated cardstock: the standard choice for 6.5 by 9 inch postcards. Smooth, vivid color reproduction, and affordable.
- 16pt coated cardstock: about the thickness of a credit card. Great for 8.5 by 11 inch pieces that need to hold their shape.
- UV or aqueous coating: adds a protective layer that resists scuffing during mail processing. Glossy UV makes colors pop, matte gives a softer, more upscale feel.
Want to feel the difference before committing to a full run? Order free samples from 4OVER4.COM and compare stocks side by side. For something truly eye-catching, look at 3D lenticular postcards. They are not standard EDDM fare, but they show what is possible with creative print.
Design tips that work at every EDDM size
The size you pick shapes your layout. A 6.5 by 9 inch postcard needs a tight, focused message. One headline, one image, one call to action. Do not try to cram a novel onto it.
An 8.5 by 11 inch piece gives you room to breathe. Use that space for before-and-after photos, a short list of services, or a map showing your location. White space is not wasted space. It makes your message easier to scan in the three seconds someone spends looking at mail before deciding to keep or toss it.
For any EDDM size, follow these rules.
- Use a bold headline that reads from arm's length.
- Include a clear, specific offer, so not "call us today" but "15% off your first visit, expires March 30".
- Put your phone number and website in at least two places on the card.
- Use high-contrast colors so nothing gets lost in print.
If you are working on other direct mail pieces alongside your EDDM campaign, our guides on how to fold a brochure, custom magnets, and how to make envelopes cover the file setup and design basics for those formats too.
How to confirm your EDDM postcard meets USPS requirements
Before you print thousands of postcards, double-check these five things.
- Both dimensions fall within the 6.125 inch minimum and 15 inch maximum range.
- The piece weighs 3.3 ounces or less.
- Thickness is at least 0.007 inches.
- The address side has proper indicia placement and a clear delivery area.
- The piece is rectangular, with no die-cut shapes for EDDM.
USPS offers a free Business Mail Entry Unit verification at your local post office. Bring a printed sample before committing to a full production run. It takes five minutes and saves you from a rejected mailing. When you are ready to start from a proven layout, our postcard blank templates ship with the correct dimensions, bleed, and safe-zone guides already set up.
Sizing errors that kill EDDM campaigns
The most common EDDM postcard size mistake is designing at 4 by 6 or 5 by 7 inches and assuming it qualifies. It does not. Standard postcard sizes fall below the 6.125 inch minimum on the short side, and USPS will reject the entire bundle at the counter.
Another frequent error is forgetting bleed. Your file needs that extra 0.125 inch on every edge. Without it you will see white slivers along the trim line where your background color should be, and it looks cheap.
Skipping the indicia panel is a third killer. Designers fill the entire address side with graphics, leaving no room for USPS routing information, which is an instant rejection.
Finally, do not ignore paper thickness. Thin stock bends, jams sorting machines, and arrives looking beat up, so stick with 14pt or heavier. 4OVER4.COM prints EDDM postcards with a 99.8% on-time delivery rate because the file specs and stock weights are dialed in from the start. Get your sizes right before you order and you will avoid every one of these headaches.
Best EDDM postcard options at 4OVER4
When you are ready to print, 4OVER4.COM gives you the full range of EDDM postcard sizes on 60+ paper types. Whether you need 6.5 by 9 inch postcards on 14pt gloss for a budget-friendly neighborhood drop or 8.5 by 11 inch pieces on 16pt matte for a premium feel, it is all here.
For businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint, our green printing options include recycled stocks that still hold up in the mail. With 150,000+ businesses served and thousands of reviews, 4OVER4.COM is built for high-volume EDDM runs, so you can scale from a single route to an entire zip code without changing printers.
Specs and pricing
EDDM postcard specs and pricing
Here is what a made-to-order direct mail postcard gives you at 4OVER4.COM, with live sizes, stock options, and price-per-unit straight from the configurator.
| Quantity | Price Per Unit | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 500 | 17.9¢ | $89.68 |
| 1,000 | 17.1¢ | $170.53 |
| 2,000 | 9.35¢ | $186.95 |
| 3,000 | 6.84¢ | $205.13 |
| 4,000 | 5.58¢ | $223.31 |
| 5,000 | 4.83¢ | $241.51 |
| 6,000 | 4.56¢ | $273.85 |
| 7,000 | 4.37¢ | $306.18 |
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Wally explains EDDM sizing
The right dimensions get you the saturated rate
Wally treats EDDM sizing like a doorway: land between 6.125 by 11 and 12 by 15 inches and your card walks straight into every mailbox at the cheapest saturated rate, miss it by a hair and USPS turns the whole bundle away. Start at 6.5 by 9 inches for the lowest postage, step up to 8.5 by 11 when you need room for a full menu, then build the file with 0.125 inch bleed and 14pt or heavier stock. When you are ready, order a made-to-order direct mail postcard sized right the first time at 4OVER4.
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Common Questions
Common questions about EDDM postcard sizes
What is the minimum size for an EDDM postcard?
The minimum EDDM postcard size is 6.125 by 11 inches to qualify for USPS retail saturated mailing rates. The short side must be at least 6.125 inches. Anything smaller gets classified as a standard postcard and will not qualify for EDDM pricing. Most businesses choose 6.5 by 9 inches as their starting point because it comfortably clears the minimum while keeping postage costs low.
What is the maximum size allowed for EDDM postcards?
USPS allows EDDM pieces up to 12 by 15 inches, classified as flats. The piece also cannot exceed 3.3 ounces in weight or 0.25 inches in thickness. Oversized formats grab attention in the mailbox but cost more per piece in postage. Match your budget to the right dimensions before you print.
Can I use a 4 by 6 inch postcard for EDDM?
No. A 4 by 6 inch postcard does not meet the USPS minimum of 6.125 inches on the shortest side, so it will be rejected at the post office. You need to design at 6.5 by 9 inches or larger for EDDM eligibility.
Does EDDM postcard size affect postage cost?
Yes. Postcards that qualify as letters, like the 6.5 by 9 inch card, get the lowest EDDM retail rate. Larger pieces classified as flats cost more per piece. Both are still far cheaper than addressed first-class mail, but the difference adds up on large route mailings.
What paper thickness should I use for EDDM postcards?
USPS requires a minimum thickness of 0.007 inches. In practice, 14pt coated cardstock is the standard for 6.5 by 9 inch postcards. Go with 16pt or heavier for 8.5 by 11 inch and larger sizes. Thicker stock survives sorting machines and arrives looking crisp. 4OVER4.COM offers 60+ paper types so you can match the stock to your EDDM postcard size.
Do I need to add bleed to my EDDM postcard file?
Yes. Add 0.125 inch of bleed on all sides. If your finished EDDM postcard size is 6.5 by 9 inches, your design file should measure 6.75 by 9.25 inches. Without bleed you will see white edges after trimming. Keep text and logos at least 0.25 inch inside the trim line.
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