What Size Are Greeting Cards? A Complete Sizing Guide

Greeting Card Sizes at a Glance

Standard greeting cards measure 5" x 7" when folded, making them the most popular choice for birthdays, holidays, and personal notes. Other common sizes include A2 (4.25" x 5.5"), A6 (4.75" x 6.5"), and A7 (5" x 7"). 4OVER4 prints greeting cards across multiple sizes with 60+ paper types to match any occasion. Picking the right size affects everything from envelope fit to postage cost.

Why Greeting Card Size Matters More Than You Think

What size are greeting cards? That's the first question most people ask before designing one, and the answer shapes your entire project. The wrong dimensions mean your card won't fit standard envelopes, your design gets cropped, or you end up paying extra postage at the post office.

4OVER4 offers greeting cards in the sizes people actually use, printed on 60+ paper stocks ranging from classic matte to textured linen. Whether you're creating holiday cards for your family or branded thank-you notes for clients, size is the starting point. Check out our Daily Deals for current pricing on popular greeting card formats.

Greeting Cards

Starting from $56.02

Free Design Templates:

Need help with other print projects? Our guide on How To Clean Rubber Stamps covers stamp maintenance, and the Online Designer lets you build greeting card layouts from scratch.

Standard Greeting Card Sizes Explained

Greeting cards come in a handful of standard sizes that the printing and stationery industries have used for decades. Each size pairs with a specific envelope, and each works best for certain types of messages. Here's what you need to know about every common greeting card dimension.

A2 Cards - 4.25" x 5.5" (Folded)

A2 is the smallest standard greeting card size. The flat sheet measures 8.5" x 5.5" before folding. These compact cards fit A2 envelopes (4.375" x 5.75") and work well for short thank-you notes, RSVP cards, and simple holiday greetings. Their smaller footprint means less paper, which can reduce printing costs when you're ordering in bulk.

A2 cards feel personal and intimate. They don't demand a long message. A few heartfelt lines, a logo, or a photo fill the space without looking sparse. If you're creating Flat Bridal Shower Invites or response cards, A2 is a solid pick.

A6 Cards - 4.75" x 6.5" (Folded)

A6 sits right between the compact A2 and the full-size A7. The flat sheet is 9.5" x 6.5" before folding. This mid-range size gives you more room for design elements while still fitting comfortably in an A6 envelope (4.875" x 6.625").

Photographers love A6 for photo cards because the proportions feel balanced. It's also a popular choice for save-the-date cards and business holiday greetings. The extra half-inch in each direction compared to A2 makes a noticeable difference in how much breathing room your layout has.

A7 Cards - 5" x 7" (Folded)

5" x 7" is the most common greeting card size in the United States. The flat sheet measures 10" x 7" before folding. A7 cards fit into A7 envelopes (5.25" x 7.25"). When someone says "standard greeting card," they almost always mean this size.

Hallmark, American Greetings, and most retail card companies default to 5" x 7". It's big enough for detailed artwork, multiple photos, or longer messages. It's small enough to feel like a card rather than a mini-poster. For custom printing at 4OVER4, this is the size most customers choose.

"I ordered 200 custom 5x7 Greeting Cards from 4OVER4 for our company's holiday mailing. The 16pt card stock felt sturdy and professional, and every single one arrived in perfect condition."

- Marcus L., ★★★★★

Square Cards - 5" x 5" and 6" x 6"

Square greeting cards stand out in a mailbox full of rectangular envelopes. The two most common square sizes are 5" x 5" and 6" x 6" when folded. Flat sheets measure 10" x 5" and 12" x 6" respectively.

Square cards have a modern, design-forward feel. They're popular for art prints, minimalist holiday cards, and brands that want something different. One thing to keep in mind: square envelopes often require extra postage because USPS classifies them as non-machinable. More on that below.

Oversized Cards - 5.5" x 8.5" and Larger

Oversized greeting cards measure 5.5" x 8.5" or larger when folded. The flat sheet for a 5.5" x 8.5" card is 11" x 8.5", which is a standard letter-size sheet folded in half. These big cards make a statement for milestone birthdays, grand openings, or VIP client appreciation.

The trade-off with oversized cards is postage. Anything over 6.125" x 11.5" or thicker than 0.25" gets classified as a parcel by USPS, which means a lot higher mailing costs. If you're learning How To Make Envelopes for custom sizes, factor in those postal requirements early.

What Size Greeting Cards Require Extra Postage?

USPS has strict rules about what qualifies as a standard letter. Cards that fall outside these dimensions cost more to mail. Here are the current USPS letter-size requirements:

• Minimum size: 3.5" x 5" (anything smaller is rejected)
• Maximum size for standard postage: 6.125" x 11.5"
• Maximum thickness: 0.25"
• Must be rectangular with an aspect ratio between 1.3 and 2.5
• Square cards always require a non-machinable surcharge (currently $0.44 extra)

A standard 5" x 7" greeting card in an A7 envelope (5.25" x 7.25") fits within USPS letter-size limits. You'll pay standard first-class postage. An A2 card in its envelope also qualifies for standard postage.

Square cards are the most common surprise. Even a small 5" x 5" square card in a square envelope triggers the non-machinable surcharge because automated mail-sorting machines can't process square mail. If you're mailing hundreds of cards, that surcharge adds up fast.

Cards thicker than 0.25" (including the envelope) also get bumped to non-machinable rates. If you choose a heavy card stock like 32pt or add embellishments like ribbon or wax seals, measure the total thickness before budgeting postage.

How to Pick the Right Greeting Card Size

The "best" size depends on three things: your message, your design, and your mailing budget. Here's how to decide.

Match Size to Content

Short messages and simple designs work on A2 cards. You don't need a 5" x 7" card for "Thanks for your order!" Longer messages, multiple photos, or detailed illustrations need A7 or larger. If you're including a gift card holder or pocket, go oversized.

Match Size to Occasion

Wedding invitations typically use A7 (5" x 7"). Thank-you notes lean toward A2 or A6. Holiday cards from businesses almost always go 5" x 7" because it feels big without being excessive. Birthday cards range from A6 to oversized depending on how much personality you want to pack in.

For related projects like brochures and flyers, check out our guides on How To Fold A Brochure and How To Make Flyers. Sizing principles overlap across print formats.

Match Size to Budget

Smaller cards use less paper and fit in smaller envelopes. If you're mailing 500+ cards, the difference between A2 and A7 adds up in both printing and postage costs. Square cards look great but cost more to mail. Run the numbers before committing to a size.

Setting Up Your Greeting Card File for Print

Once you've picked a size, your file setup needs to match exactly. Wrong dimensions cause trimming issues, white borders, or rejected files.

Bleed and Safe Zone

Add 0.125" bleed on all sides of your design. For a 5" x 7" folded card (10" x 7" flat), your file should be 10.25" x 7.25". Keep all important text and logos at least 0.125" inside the trim line. This safe zone prevents critical elements from getting cut off.

Resolution and Color Mode

Design at 300 DPI in CMYK color mode. RGB files will print with duller, shifted colors because RGB is for screens, not ink on paper. Convert your file to CMYK before uploading.

4OVER4's Blank Templates come pre-sized with bleed lines and safe zones marked. Download the template for your card size and drop your design right in. No guesswork.

Blank Templates

Greeting Cards Kraft Greeting Cards

"I used the blank template for a 5x7 Greeting Card and everything lined up perfectly on the final print. The fold was crisp and centered. Saved me a ton of time."

- Diana K., ★★★★★

Fold Orientation

Greeting cards fold either along the top (landscape orientation) or along the left side (portrait orientation). Make sure your file indicates which edge is the fold. A top-fold card has the crease along the 7" edge of a 5" x 7" card. A side-fold card has the crease along the 5" edge. Mixing these up means your card opens the wrong way.

For more creative project ideas, browse our Faq Hub or learn Custom Magnets Faq for complementary print products.

Sizing Mistakes That Ruin Greeting Card Projects

Getting the size wrong on a greeting card order wastes money and time. Here are the errors 4OVER4 sees most often.

Designing at the folded size instead of the flat size. A 5" x 7" greeting card needs a 10" x 7" file. Submitting a 5" x 7" file gives you a card half the size you wanted.

Forgetting bleed. If your background color or image goes to the edge, you need 0.125" bleed on every side. Without it, you'll see thin white strips along the trim edges.

Ignoring envelope compatibility. Custom sizes sound fun until you can't find an envelope that fits. Stick to standard greeting card dimensions unless you're ordering custom envelopes too.

Not checking postage before printing. Square cards and oversized cards cost more to mail. If you're sending 300 holiday cards, that non-machinable surcharge adds over $130 to your mailing budget. Know what size greeting cards require extra postage before you commit to a design.

4OVER4's pre-flight file check catches dimension and bleed errors before your cards go to press.

Greeting Cards Worth Printing at 4OVER4

Now that you know what size greeting cards work best for your project, here's what 4OVER4 offers. With 60+ paper types and multiple finish options, you can match the card stock to the occasion. Choose from standard Greeting Cards, eye-catching 3D Lenticular Greeting Cards, or rich Majestic Greeting Cards with pearlescent shimmer.

Looking for sustainable options? Check out 4OVER4's Green Printing for recycled and eco-conscious paper stocks that look just as sharp.

Free Design Templates

Mistletoe Greeting CardChristmas Greeting CardMajestic business cardsMajestic business cards

Common Questions About Greeting Card Sizes

What is the most common greeting card size?

The most common greeting card size is 5" x 7" folded (A7). This is the standard used by major card companies and fits A7 envelopes (5.25" x 7.25"). It ships with regular first-class postage and gives you plenty of room for photos, artwork, and messages. 4OVER4 prints this size on 60+ paper stocks.

What size greeting cards require extra postage?

Square greeting cards always require a USPS non-machinable surcharge, regardless of how small they are. Cards in envelopes larger than 6.125" x 11.5" or thicker than 0.25" also need extra postage. Standard rectangular cards like 5" x 7" in matching envelopes mail at regular first-class rates.

What's the difference between A2, A6, and A7 greeting cards?

A2 cards are 4.25" x 5.5" folded, best for short notes. A6 cards are 4.75" x 6.5" folded, a mid-range option for photo cards. A7 cards are 5" x 7" folded, the industry standard for most occasions. Each pairs with its matching envelope size.

What file size do I need for a 5" x 7" greeting card?

Your flat file should be 10.25" x 7.25" at 300 DPI in CMYK. That's the 10" x 7" flat card size plus 0.125" bleed on all four sides. Keep text and logos 0.125" inside the trim line to avoid getting cut off during finishing.

Can I print a custom-size greeting card?

Yes. 4OVER4 prints custom greeting card sizes beyond the standard A2, A6, and A7 options. Keep in mind that non-standard sizes may need custom envelopes and could affect postage costs. Contact 4OVER4's support team to confirm pricing and turnaround for custom dimensions.

What paper stock works best for greeting cards?

For most greeting cards, 14pt or 16pt card stock provides a sturdy, professional feel. 16pt is about the thickness of a credit card. For luxury cards, 32pt ultra-thick stock makes a strong impression. 4OVER4 offers matte, gloss, uncoated, and specialty finishes like soft-touch and linen across all greeting card sizes.

"Ordered A7 Greeting Cards on 14pt uncoated stock for our bakery's holiday thank-you campaign. The texture felt warm and personal, exactly the vibe we wanted. Customers kept telling us how nice they were."

- Priya S., ★★★★★