You can really let your imagination run wild with postcards, or at least when compared to the more buttoned-up business cards. At the same time, postcards also evoke a sense of nostalgia, romanticism, and creative freedom that business cards often lack.
But having so many options can also be a challenge as it can be hard to choose the right postcard size. At least there are standard sizes for business cards around the world. With postcards, it’s not as easy.
We wrote this guide to show you the most common postcard dimensions, why they are popular, and the cool ways you can customize your postcards for some inspiration.
Postcard dimensions: overview
The looser rules that come with postcard sizes can make them a wonderful outlet for advertising your business because you can pick practically any size of postcard. At Jukebox, we offer six default postcard dimensions to choose from:
- 2.75” x 4.25”
- 3” x 5”
- 4” x 6”
- 5” x 7”
- 4” x 9”
- 5.5” x 8.5”
Standard postcard sizes
- Standard postcard size in inches: 4” x 6”
- Standard postcard size in millimeters: 102 mm x 152 mm
The 4” x 6” postcard is widely considered to be the standard postcard size, and it also happens to be the most popular because it qualifies as First-Class Mail and therefore boasts one of the cheapest postage rates available.
Custom postcard sizes
Now that we’ve gone through the standard 4” x 6” postcard size, let’s take a look at the other options you have to customize the dimensions of your postcard.
Custom postcards are for when you really want to make a statement--like announcing a new location, product, or service. A custom postcard might be the perfect way to catch people’s attention and build some buzz.
Square postcards
Square postcards are a popular option for standing out from the pack based on shape alone. The unconventional shape of a square postcard suggests that you’re not afraid to make a statement, and they’re particularly popular amongst creative types.
- Square postcard in inches: 4.72” x 4.72”
- Square postcard size in millimeters: 120 mm x 120 mm
While we don’t have square postcards as a default option, you can easily create your own square postcards using our Custom Size option.
If you’re a photographer or a social media marketer, you might want to consider getting a square postcard because square dimensions are so closely associated with platforms like Instagram.
But a square postcard can do even more than that! Not only can it give the impression that you’re artsy and creative, but it can also suggest you’re a free spirit, outsider, or rebel in the sense that you don’t always fit in (or don’t want to) in a ‘square peg meets round hole’ kind of way.
Rack cards
A "Rack Card" is sometimes referred to as a flyer, and they’re called “rack cards” because they’re designed to fit in the display racks that are so common in touristy areas with high foot traffic (think: hotels, restaurants, transit hubs, and visitor information centers).
- Rack card in inches: 4” x 9”
- Rack card size in millimeters: 102 mm x 229 mm
Did you notice how rack cards have the same standard width as a postcard while being 3” longer? That’s the reason why these 4” x 9” postcards are sometimes called "Long Postcards" as well.
Rack cards vs. brochures
Here’s an important distinction to make: rack cards aren’t the same thing as brochures, even though they’re often the same dimensions and found side by side in the same display rack.
Rack cards are typically single-pager and printed on the front and back, while brochures are folded and contain multiple panels. Rack cards are popular not only because they’re a cheaper option than brochures with less printing costs, but they’re also more versatile because they can be just as easily displayed in a rack as they can be mailed out in envelopes (while brochures are usually thicker and more expensive to mail).
Mini postcards
The smallest size of postcard we offer is "Mini Postcards."
- Mini postcard size in inches: 2.75” x 4.25”
- Mini postcard size in millimeters: 70 mm x 108 mm
While you can go even smaller than that with our customization option, we wouldn’t recommend it because at that point, you’re basically making a business card. Business cards have a standard size of 2” x 3.5” in Canada and the U.S.
We also have another, slightly bigger ‘mini’ option–the 3” x 5” postcard.
Medium postcards
Medium postcards are a bit bigger than your standard 4” x 6” postcard. You can easily select the Medium postcard size as it’s one of our default options, and it’s popular because you get a bigger canvas for your creativity than the standard postcard size.
- Medium postcard size in inches: 5” x 7”
- Medium postcard size in millimeters: 127 mm x 178 mm
Half page postcards
Half Page postcards are a little bigger than the Medium postcards. Half Page postcards are also known as “Half Letter” size as the standard dimensions of letter paper is 11” x 8.5”.
- Half Page postcard size in inches: 5.5” x 8.5”
- Half Page postcard size in millimeters: 140 mm x 216 mm
Large postcards
Large postcards are best for when you need extra room. Maybe you're working with a lot of information (like a paragraph of text or more), want a huge, attention-grabbing CTA, or have such an amazing graphic that the smaller postcard sizes simply won’t do justice.
- Large postcard size in inches: 6” x 9”
- Large postcard size in millimeters: 152 mm x 229 mm
But some people decide to go even larger than that with jumbo or XXL postcard sizes.
- Extra large postcard size in inches: 6” x 11”
- Extra large postcard size in millimeters: 152 mm x 279 mm
Postcard dimensions for the mail
One thing to consider before creating your postcards is how you’re going to distribute them.
For example, if you’re planning to stock up some displays with your rack cards or hand them out in person, you don’t have to worry about mailing them out.
But if you are planning on mailing out your postcards, you’ll have to pay postage rates and how much you end up paying will depend on the dimensions of your postcards.
(Keep in mind that if you want to qualify for the cheapest mailing costs, then you might have to temper your creativity a bit and go for a more standard-sized postcard.)
Create your own custom postcard
Now that you know about the standard postcard size as well as all the different ways you can customize them, why not try making your own postcard?
Get started today with our free online design tool.
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