6″ × 11″ vs 6.5″ × 9″ vs 8.5″ × 11″: Choosing an EDDM Postcard Size
For most local businesses, 6″ × 11″ is the best all-round EDDM postcard: big enough to stand out in the mailbox, with room for an offer, photos and a map, at 8.0¢ each for 10,000. Choose 6.5″ × 9″ when budget matters most (7.8¢ each), and 8.5″ × 11″ when you need the most space or want a premium, magazine-size look (15.5¢ each).
Prices side by side
All three qualify as a USPS EDDM flat, print on 16pt card stock, and are buy-one-get-one: you pay for the smaller quantity and receive the larger.
| Size | 2,500 (pay for 1,000) | 5,000 (pay for 2,500) | 10,000 (pay for 5,000) | Per piece at 10,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5″ × 9″ | $359 | $579 | $779 | 7.8¢ |
| 6″ × 11″ | $399 | $639 | $799 | 8.0¢ |
| 8.5″ × 11″ | $549 | $829 | $1,549 | 15.5¢ |
Postage is the same per piece for any of these sizes, so the printing price is the only cost that changes with size. Use the EDDM cost calculator to add shipping and postage for your routes.
6.5″ × 9″: the lowest cost per piece
The smallest of the three still qualifies for EDDM because its short side is over 6.125″. It holds a headline, one strong photo, a short list of services and your phone number. It is a good choice for a simple, repeated message, such as a seasonal reminder to the same routes every month.
6″ × 11″: the most popular choice
The long, wide format stands out next to letters and catalogs, and the extra length gives room for two or three photos, a coupon and a map. For only about $20 more than 6.5″ × 9″ at 10,000 pieces, most businesses get noticeably more space.
8.5″ × 11″: the most space and impact
A full letter-size card works almost like a one-page flyer: menus, a range of listings, several services with prices, or a before-and-after story. It costs about twice as much per piece, so it pays when each customer is worth a lot, such as real estate, dental implants, roofing or remodeling.
Sizes that do not qualify
A 4″ × 6″, 5.5″ × 8.5″ or 6″ × 9″ postcard is not a USPS flat and cannot go through EDDM. Before you design anything, check your size with the free EDDM size checker, or read which postcard sizes qualify for EDDM.
Quick decision guide
- Tight budget, frequent mailings: 6.5″ × 9″
- One strong offer with photos and a coupon: 6″ × 11″
- Menus, several services or listings, high-value customers: 8.5″ × 11″
Still not sure? Call 512-573-1977 and we will help you pick the size for your offer and budget, or see every size on the postcards page.
