EDDM Postcard Size Guide: Every USPS Dimension Explained

What You Need to Know About EDDM Postcard Sizes

USPS Every Door Direct Mail postcards must fall between 6.125" × 11" (minimum) and 12" × 15" (maximum) to qualify for saturated mailing rates. The most popular EDDM postcard sizes are 6.5" × 9", 8.5" × 11", and 8" × 10". Pick the wrong dimensions and your mailer gets rejected or reclassified at a higher postage rate. 4OVER4 has printed over 10 billion+ cards for 150,000+ businesses, so getting these specs right is something we know cold.

Your EDDM Postcard Size Guide Starts Here

EDDM postcards let you blanket entire neighborhoods without buying a mailing list. But USPS has strict size rules. Miss them by a fraction of an inch and your entire print run sits in limbo. This EDDM postcard size guide breaks down every approved dimension, explains which sizes work best for different campaigns, and helps you avoid costly mistakes before you hit print.

Whether you're a restaurant pushing a grand opening or a real estate agent farming a zip code, size drives everything - postage cost, design space, and mailbox impact. Check out our Showcase for real EDDM campaigns that nailed it. And if you're looking for unrelated but handy print knowledge, our guide on How To Clean Rubber Stamps is worth a bookmark too.

4OVER4 backs every order with a quality guarantee and 99.8% on-time delivery. Let's get your sizes right.

EDDM Postcard Dimensions Explained - Every Size, Every Rule

USPS defines EDDM-eligible mail by two hard boundaries. The shortest side can't go below 6.125 inches, and the longest side can't exceed 15 inches. Anything outside that range doesn't 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 can't weigh more than 3.3 ounces.

These aren't suggestions. They're requirements. USPS automation equipment is calibrated to these specs. A postcard that's even slightly undersized gets kicked out of the sorting machine and flagged for manual processing - or returned altogether.

The Three Most Popular EDDM Postcard Sizes

Most EDDM campaigns use one of three formats. Each has a distinct advantage depending on your goals and budget.

6.5" × 9" EDDM Postcards - This is the workhorse. It 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're running a high-volume campaign across multiple routes, this size 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" × 11" EDDM Postcards - Letter-size gives you serious design real estate. You can fit a full menu, a detailed service list, or a map with directions. It still qualifies for the same saturated mail rate as the 6.5" × 9" option, so you're getting more space without paying more in postage. Real estate agents use this size constantly because it can hold multiple property photos, a headshot, and contact details all on one side. If you want to learn about other large-format print projects, our guide on How To Make Flyers covers similar territory.

8" × 10" EDDM Postcards - A middle-ground option that gives you more room than 6.5" × 9" but feels slightly more compact than letter-size. It's a strong pick when you want visual impact but don't need the full 8.5" × 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" × 15", classified as flats. These are the attention-grabbers. A 12" × 15" postcard dominates the mailbox. It's impossible to miss. The trade-off? Higher postage per piece and heavier paper stock requirements to maintain rigidity 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.

"We sent 8.5" × 11" EDDM postcards to 5,000 homes around our new location. The size made our menu easy to read, and we saw a 12% redemption rate on the coupon. Way better than digital ads for local reach."

- Marco L., restaurant owner

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's the breakdown:

• EDDM Retail Letters: Postcards between 6.125" × 11" and roughly 6.5" × 9" at the lowest weight - cheapest postage option available
• EDDM Retail Flats: Anything larger than letter dimensions up to 12" × 15" - higher per-piece postage but more design space
• Non-qualifying pieces: Anything under 6.125" on the short side or over 15" on the long side - rejected by USPS for EDDM

The current EDDM retail rate sits around $0.20 per piece for standard postcards. That's a fraction of what addressed first-class mail costs. When you're mailing to every address on a carrier route, those savings stack up fast.

Setting Up Your EDDM Postcard File Correctly

Getting the physical size right is only half the battle. Your print file needs to match. Here's what 4OVER4 recommends for every EDDM postcard file:

• Bleed: Add 0.125" (1/8 inch) of bleed on all four sides. If your finished size is 6.5" × 9", your file should be 6.75" × 9.25"
• Safe zone: Keep all critical text and logos at least 0.25" 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. Don't cover it with graphics or dark backgrounds that make the text unreadable. If you're new to print file setup, the Faq Hub has walkthroughs for every product type.

Choosing the Right Paper Stock for Your EDDM Size

Bigger postcards need sturdier stock. A 6.5" × 9" postcard works fine on 14pt cardstock - it's rigid enough to survive mail sorting without bending. But an 8.5" × 11" or larger piece? You'll want 16pt or thicker to prevent flopping and curling in transit.

4OVER4 offers 60+ paper types across different weights and finishes. For EDDM postcards specifically, these are the go-to options:

• 14pt Coated Cardstock: Standard choice for 6.5" × 9" postcards. Smooth, vivid color reproduction, affordable
• 16pt Coated Cardstock: About the thickness of a credit card. Great for 8.5" × 11" pieces that need to hold their shape
• UV Coating 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 and compare stocks side by side. For something truly eye-catching, check out 3D Postcards - they're not standard EDDM fare, but they show what's possible with creative print.

"I ordered 16pt UV-coated EDDM postcards at 8.5" × 11" for my landscaping business. They survived rain in the mailbox and still looked sharp. Three new clients from one mailing."

- Danielle R., landscaping company owner

Design Tips That Work at Every EDDM Size

The size you pick shapes your layout. A 6.5" × 9" postcard needs a tight, focused message. One headline, one image, one call to action. Don't try to cram a novel onto it.

An 8.5" × 11" 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 isn't 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's readable from arm's length
• Include a clear, specific offer (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're working on other direct mail pieces alongside your EDDM campaign, our guides on How To Fold A Brochure, Custom Magnets Faq, 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:

1. Both dimensions fall within the 6.125" minimum and 15" maximum range
2. The piece weighs 3.3 ounces or less
3. Thickness is at least 0.007 inches
4. The address side has proper indicia placement and a clear delivery area
5. The piece is rectangular (no die-cut shapes for EDDM)

USPS offers a free Business Mail Entry Unit (BMEU) 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.

Here are some ready-to-use EDDM postcard design templates to get you started:

And if you prefer to start from a blank canvas, these blank templates give you the correct dimensions with bleed and safe zone guides already set up:

Blank Templates

3D Lenticular Postcards Black Postcards

Sizing Errors That Kill EDDM Campaigns

The most common EDDM postcard size mistake? Designing at 4" × 6" or 5" × 7" and assuming it qualifies. It doesn't. Standard postcard sizes fall below the 6.125" minimum on the short side. USPS will reject the entire bundle at the counter.

Another frequent error is forgetting bleed. Your file needs that extra 0.125" on every edge. Without it, you'll see white slivers along the trim line where your background color should be. It looks cheap and unprofessional.

Skipping the indicia panel is a third killer. Designers fill the entire address side with graphics, leaving no room for USPS routing information. That's an instant rejection.

Finally, don't ignore paper thickness requirements. Thin stock bends, jams sorting machines, and arrives looking beat up. Stick with 14pt or heavier. 4OVER4 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 EDDM postcard size guide details right before you order, and you'll avoid every one of these headaches.

Best EDDM Postcard Options at 4OVER4

When you're ready to print, 4OVER4 gives you the full range of EDDM postcard sizes on 60+ paper types. Whether you need 6.5" × 9" postcards on 14pt gloss for a budget-friendly neighborhood drop or 8.5" × 11" pieces on 16pt matte for a premium feel, it's 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 10,000+ reviews, 4OVER4 is built for high-volume EDDM runs. Here's a closer look at available specs, sizes, and stock options for your EDDM postcard campaign:

Free Eddm Postcard Sizes Templates

Real Estate postcardReal Estate Agent PostcardJust Sold PostcardJust Listed PostcardReal Estate PostcardReal Estate Postcard

Common Questions About EDDM Postcard Sizes

What is the minimum size for an EDDM postcard?

The minimum EDDM postcard size is 6.125" × 11" 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 won't qualify for EDDM pricing. Most businesses choose 6.5" × 9" 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" × 15", classified as flats. The piece also can't 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. Use this EDDM postcard size guide to match your budget to the right dimensions.

Can I use a 4" × 6" postcard for EDDM?

No. A 4" × 6" postcard doesn't meet the USPS minimum of 6.125" on the shortest side. It will be rejected at the post office. You need to design at 6.5" × 9" or larger for EDDM eligibility.

Does EDDM postcard size affect postage cost?

Yes. Postcards that qualify as "letters" (smaller sizes like 6.5" × 9") 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. For practical purposes, 14pt coated cardstock is the standard for 6.5" × 9" postcards. Go with 16pt or heavier for 8.5" × 11" and larger sizes. Thicker stock survives sorting machines and arrives looking crisp. 4OVER4 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" of bleed on all sides. If your finished EDDM postcard size is 6.5" × 9", your design file should measure 6.75" × 9.25". Without bleed, you'll see white edges after trimming. Keep text and logos at least 0.25" inside the trim line.