Postcard sizes: dimensions, postage rules and print files
The standard postcard in Europe is A6 at 105 × 148 mm. In the US it is 4 × 6 inches. What counts as a postcard depends on the postal service: Deutsche Post accepts 140 × 90 mm up to 235 × 125 mm, USPS 3.5 × 5 up to 4.25 × 6 inches, and Royal Mail treats postcards as Letters.
Contents of this page
A6 postcard, landscape
148 × 105mm
- Centimetres
- 14.8 × 10.5 cm
- Inches
- 5.83 × 4.13 in
- Pixels at 300 dpi
- 1748 × 1240 px
- Points (pt)
- 420 × 298 pt
- Area
- 0.0155 m²
- Weight at 80 gsm
- 1.24 g
Postcard rules by country
| Service | Size | Card weight or thickness | Postage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutsche Post (Germany) | 140 to 235 × 90 to 125 mm | 150 to 500 g/m² board | €0.95 in 2026, same as a standard letter |
| Royal Mail (UK) | up to 240 × 165 mm | up to 5 mm and 100 g | Letter rate, no separate postcard rate |
| USPS (US) | 3.5 × 5 to 4.25 × 6 in (88.9 × 127 to 108 × 152.4 mm) | 0.007 to 0.016 in (0.18 to 0.41 mm) | postcard rate, cheaper than a letter |
Cards outside these limits are not postcards. They pay letter postage, or a flat or Large Letter rate if they are big. In the US, square cards never qualify for the postcard rate, and larger cards such as 5 × 7 inches pay at least the letter rate. Always check current prices with the postal service.
Common card sizes compared
| Size | Trim size | With 3 mm bleed | Postcard in Germany? |
|---|---|---|---|
| A6 | 105 × 148 mm | 111 × 154 mm | yes |
| DL | 99 × 210 mm | 105 × 216 mm | yes |
| Long 105 × 210 | 105 × 210 mm | 111 × 216 mm | yes |
| Largest German postcard | 125 × 235 mm | 131 × 241 mm | yes |
| US 4 × 6 in | 101.6 × 152.4 mm | 107.6 × 158.4 mm | yes |
| Square 120 × 120 | 120 × 120 mm | 126 × 126 mm | no, too short |
| Square 148 × 148 | 148 × 148 mm | 154 × 154 mm | no, too wide |
| A5 | 148 × 210 mm | 154 × 216 mm | no, too wide |
A6 is by far the most common size, because cards, envelopes, racks and albums are all made for it. Long DL cards look elegant and suit calendars and invitations. A6 cards fit a C6 envelope, DL cards a DL envelope.
Laying out the back
- The right half is for the address and the stamp. The stamp goes top right.
- Run the address parallel to the long side, even if the front is designed in portrait.
- The left half is for the message. A fine dividing line in the middle helps the writer.
- Keep a strip of about 15 mm clear along the bottom edge, where sorting machines print a code.
- Avoid gloss varnish or lamination on the back: pens smudge and stamps do not stick as well.
Print files and paper
An A6 postcard is set up at 111 × 154 mm with 3 mm bleed, which is 1311 × 1819 pixels at 300 dpi. A US 4 × 6 card with 1/8 inch bleed is 4.25 × 6.25 inches, or 1275 × 1875 pixels. Keep text and logos at least 4 mm inside the trim line. More on bleed.
Postcards are usually printed on 300 to 350 g/m² board (in US terms around 14 to 16 pt). Below that they feel flimsy, and below 150 g/m² Deutsche Post no longer accepts them as postcards. A matt or uncoated back is easiest to write on. If you want a glossy front, order a one-sided finish.
Frequently asked questions
What size is a standard postcard?
In Europe A6, which is 105 × 148 mm. In the US, 4 × 6 inches is the most common size.
What is the maximum postcard size in the US?
For the postcard rate, 4.25 × 6 inches and 0.016 inches thick. Larger cards pay letter or flat rates.
Does Royal Mail have a postcard rate?
No. Postcards go at the Letter rate, up to 240 × 165 mm, 5 mm thick and 100 g.
Is an A5 card a postcard in Germany?
No. A5 is 148 mm wide and Deutsche Post allows at most 125 mm, so an A5 card needs letter postage.
What size is an A6 postcard with bleed?
With 3 mm on every side, 111 × 154 mm.