Mastering Postcard Size: A Guide to Dimensions and Regulations

12/28/2024

Standard postcard sizes in inches


Standard postcard sizes in inches are:

1. **3.5 x 5.5 inches**: This is the most common size for postcards, and it's also the standard size used by many greeting card companies.
2. **4 x 6 inches**: This size is slightly larger than the standard 3.5 x 5.5 inches and is often used for more elaborate designs or for postcards that need to convey a lot of information.
3. **3.25 x 5.75 inches**: This size is similar to the standard 3.5 x 5.5 inches but has slightly different dimensions. It's sometimes used for postcards with unique shapes or designs.

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and some companies may use slightly different sizes for their postcards. However, if you're looking to create a custom postcard or send one through the mail, knowing these standard sizes can help ensure your card fits properly in an envelope and meets postal service requirements.


Standard postcard size in cm


The standard postcard size varies slightly depending on the country or region, but here are some common dimensions for a postcard:

* In Europe: 10.5 cm x 15 cm (4.1 inches x 5.9 inches)
* In Australia and New Zealand: 10.5 cm x 14.8 cm (4.1 inches x 5.8 inches)
* In North America (USA and Canada): 6 inches x 3.5 inches (15.2 cm x 8.9 cm)

So, if you're looking for the standard postcard size in centimeters, it would be:

* 10.5 cm x 15 cm for most European countries
* 10.5 cm x 14.8 cm for Australia and New Zealand
* 15.2 cm x 8.9 cm for North America

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and some countries may have slightly different standard postcard sizes.


Standard postcard sizes usps


The United States Postal Service (USPS) has specific guidelines for standard postcard sizes. According to the USPS, a standard postcard must meet the following dimensions:

* Length: At least 3 1/2 inches (8.89 cm)
* Width: At least 5 inches (12.7 cm)
* Thickness: No more than 0.016 inch (0.41 mm)

The USPS also specifies that postcards should have a flat, rectangular shape with a uniform thickness.

It's worth noting that the USPS allows for some flexibility in terms of size and shape, but any postcard that is significantly larger or smaller than these guidelines may not be deliverable by the postal service.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when designing your own postcards:

* Make sure your design is centered within the postcard's dimensions, with at least a 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) margin around all edges.
* Use a clear and concise message on the front of the card, as this will be visible to recipients before they open it.
* Keep any important information or messages on the back of the card, where they won't be easily readable by others.

By following these guidelines, you can create a postcard that is both visually appealing and functional for sending mail.


Postcard size in pixels


The traditional postcard size is typically 3.5 inches by 5.5 inches (89 mm x 140 mm). To convert this to pixels, we need to consider the resolution of a typical computer screen.

Assuming a standard resolution of 96 dpi (dots per inch), which is common for most monitors and devices:

* Height: 5.5 inches × 96 dpi = 528 pixels
* Width: 3.5 inches × 96 dpi = 336 pixels

So, the postcard size in pixels would be approximately 528 x 336 pixels.

However, if you're designing a digital postcard for online sharing or social media, you might want to consider a slightly larger or more modern aspect ratio. Some popular sizes include:

* Square: 600 x 600 pixels
* 4:3 (traditional computer monitor aspect ratio): 640 x 480 pixels
* 16:9 (modern widescreen aspect ratio): 800 x 450 pixels

Keep in mind that these are just guidelines, and the ideal size will depend on your specific design needs and intended use case.


USPS postcard size rates


USPS (United States Postal Service) offers various rate options for postcards, depending on the weight and dimensions of the card. Here are some general guidelines:

**Postcard Rates:**

* **Standard Postcard Rate**: For a standard-sized postcard (3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches or smaller), the cost is:
+ Domestic rate: $0.35
+ International rate: $1.20 to $1.50, depending on the destination country
* **Large Postcard Rate**: For a larger postcard (larger than 3 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches), the cost is:
+ Domestic rate: $0.40
+ International rate: $1.30 to $1.60, depending on the destination country

**Weight-Based Rates:**

* If your postcard weighs more than 1 ounce (standard size) or 1.5 ounces (large size), you'll need to use a larger envelope and pay the applicable First-Class Mail Letter rate.

**Additional Information:**

* Postcards must have a minimum of 0.007 inch thick paper or cardstock.
* Postcards with unusual shapes or sizes may require a special permit and additional postage.
* If your postcard is oversized or has an irregular shape, it will be charged as a letter (not a postcard) based on its weight and size.

Please note that USPS rates are subject to change, so always check the USPS website for the most up-to-date information.


Postcard size in mm


Here are the standard postcard sizes in millimeters (mm):

* **Standard postcard**: 89 mm x 148 mm (3.5 inches x 5.8 inches)
* **Large postcard**: 104 mm x 162 mm (4.1 inches x 6.4 inches)

Note that these dimensions are commonly used for postcards, but there may be variations depending on the country or region you're in.

Here's a rough conversion guide:

* US Postcard: approximately 89 mm x 148 mm
* European Postcard: approximately 104 mm x 162 mm

Keep in mind that some postcard designs might be slightly larger or smaller than these standard sizes, so it's always a good idea to double-check the dimensions of your specific postcard if you're concerned about fitting it into an envelope or displaying it.


4x6 postcard size in cm


A 4x6 postcard is a standard size for postcards.

In centimeters, a 4x6 postcard would be:

* Length: 10.2 cm (since 4 inches is approximately equal to 10.2 cm)
* Width: 15.2 cm (since 6 inches is approximately equal to 15.2 cm)

So, a 4x6 postcard in centimeters would be approximately 10.2 cm x 15.2 cm.


USPS postcard regulations template


According to the United States Postal Service (USPS), there are certain regulations and guidelines that apply to postcards, including size, content, and labeling requirements. Here's a summary of the key points:

**Size:**

* Postcards must be at least 3.5 inches tall and 5 inches wide.
* The maximum dimensions are 4.25 inches tall and 6 inches wide.

**Content:**

* Postcards can contain written messages, photographs, artwork, or other types of printed matter.
* However, they cannot contain:
+ Objectionable matter (e.g., offensive language, obscene images)
+ Political campaign materials
+ Commercial advertising (except for authorized political uses)

**Labeling:**

* Postcards must have a clear indication of the sender's name and address on the face side.
* The return address can be located at the top or bottom of the postcard.
* The USPS does not require a specific format for the return address, but it should include the sender's name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code.

**Mailing:**

* Postcards are considered "Standard Mail" by the USPS and must be mailed at the applicable first-class rate or at a higher rate if they exceed the standard dimensions.
* They can be mailed using a postcard stamp (currently $0.36) or a standard first-class letter stamp with additional postage.

Here's a template you can use as a starting point for your postcard:

**Face Side:**

[Your Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

[Message/Artwork/etc.]

**Back Side (Return Address):**

[Your Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State ZIP Code]

Remember to check with the USPS or consult their website for any updates on postcard regulations before mailing.