Postcard Size
The standard postcard size is 6 × 4 inches (152.4 × 101.6 mm). This is the most common format for direct mail in the US and fits within USPS First-Class Mail postcard rates. International postcards typically use A6 (148 × 105 mm).
What is the Standard Postcard Size?
The standard US postcard is 6 × 4 inches (152 × 102 mm) per USPS regulations. Internationally, A6 (105 × 148 mm) is the standard postcard format.
| Measurement | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Inches | 6 | 4 |
| Millimeters | 152.4 | 101.6 |
| Centimeters | 15.24 | 10.16 |
USPS Size Requirements
| Category | Width × Height (in) |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 5 × 3.5 |
| Standard | 6 × 4 |
| Maximum (First-Class rate) | 6 × 4.25 |
| Oversized | 8.5 × 5.5 or 6 × 9 |
Cards exceeding 6 × 4.25 inches qualify as "large postcards" and incur higher postage. Oversized formats (8.5 × 5.5 or 6 × 9 inches) are popular for marketing mailers where more design space justifies the added cost.
International (A6)
The international postcard standard is A6 paper size: 148 × 105 mm (5.83 × 4.13 in). It is slightly narrower and taller than the US standard.
Postcard Size in Pixels
Pixel dimensions for the standard 6 × 4 inch postcard:
| DPI | Width (px) | Height (px) | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 72 | 432 | 288 | Screen / digital preview |
| 150 | 900 | 600 | Draft printing |
| 300 | 1800 | 1200 | Standard commercial print |
| 600 | 3600 | 2400 | High-quality / fine art |
Use our free Inches to Pixels converter or Millimeters to Pixels converter to calculate pixel dimensions at any DPI.
Postcard with Bleed
Standard bleed is 0.125 inches (approximately 3 mm) per side.
| Measurement | Width | Height |
|---|---|---|
| With bleed (inches) | 6.25 | 4.25 |
| With bleed (mm) | 158.75 | 107.95 |
| Pixels at 300 DPI (with bleed) | 1875 | 1275 |
Common Uses
- Direct mail marketing campaigns
- Tourism and destination promotion
- Event invitations and save-the-dates
- Real estate listing announcements
- Art prints and photography cards
- Appointment reminders
Design Tips
- The front is typically full-bleed artwork — extend your design to the bleed edge on all sides.
- The back must follow USPS postal regulations if mailing: the right half is reserved for the address block and postage, and a barcode clear zone runs along the bottom edge.
- Keep text and critical elements within the safety zone (0.125 in from trim) on both sides.
- Use 300 DPI minimum for photo-quality output — postcards are viewed at close range.
- For oversized postcards, confirm your printer's template for exact trim and postal compliance.
- For more on bleed setup, see our bleed guide.
How to Design a Postcard
Postcards are commonly designed in Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, or Canva. Set up your document at the finished size (typically 6 × 4 inches), add bleed, and design the front as a full-bleed visual with the back reserved for your message, address area, and postage. If mailing through USPS, leave clear zones for barcodes and addressing per postal regulations.
For a modern, collaborative approach, Figma paired with the Print for Figma plugin handles postcard design well. It includes a Post Card preset with the correct dimensions, and adds bleed setup, image resolution checking, and CMYK PDF export to Figma's native design tools. Learn more about designing cards in Figma →
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