Before you get started with Every Door Direct Mail®, it’s important to be aware of the EDDM® size requirements. As experts in direct mail, we often receive questions from our customers about EDDM® mailer sizes. Here, we explore the most common EDDM® dimensions, and how to choose the right postcard size for your campaign.
The Most Popular EDDM Sizes
Every Door Direct Mail® postcards typically come in the following three most popular sizes:
- Small: 6.25" x 9"
- Medium: 6" x 11"
- Large: 8.5" x 11"
Here are some examples of designs in the most popular sizes:
Be sure to note down these most common EDDM® dimensions for future reference. There are many other sizes available (going as large as 12" × 15") but those listed above are the most popular EDDM® measurements, and they're all approved by the United States Post Office.
To make designing postcards to the right EDDM® sizes easy, we've created downloadable templates for each of the measurements listed above, as well as a bonus template for 6.25 x 11" EDDM® postcards.
How to Choose the Right EDDM® Postcard Size
Most EDDM® postcards tend to be eye-catching, so choosing which size is right for your campaign can be difficult.
All three of our most popular EDDM® mailing sizes are much taller than an envelope, so as long as the postcard has a great layout and is well-designed, it should have no trouble standing out in mailboxes.
"When thinking about which size EDDM® postcard you should use, you have to look at the benefits of each size before choosing," says Craig Kallemeyn, an Every Door Direct Mail® project manager at Excel Printing and Mailing. Below, we weigh up the pros and cons of all the most popular EDDM® postcard sizes.
EDDM Postcard Size 6.25” x 9
First, let's take a look at the benefits of a 6.25" x 9" EDDM® postcard. This is the smallest Every Door Direct Mail® postcard size that doesn't waste paper (smaller sizes would be cut down), so it is going to be the most economical to print. Even though it's one of the smaller EDDM® sizes, it is still larger than half a sheet of paper, and there is plenty of room for your message. This EDDM® postcard size will work well for just about any type of advertising for restaurants, retailers, lawn care, and home services postcards. The 6.25" x 9" Every Door Direct Mail® postcard is our most popular EDDM® size.
EDDM Postcard Size 6” x 11”
The middle-sized, 6" x 11" EDDM® postcard is authorized by the USPS because it is longer than 10.5". Some of the benefits of this size are that it is not only taller than an envelope, it is also longer than an envelope, while not costing too much more than the 6.25" x 9" EDDM® postcard. This is the favorite postcard size for marketers that would like to use a Business Reply Card on their EDDM® postcard. Measuring at two-thirds a sheet of paper, this EDDM® postcard size gives you even more room for your marketing message and pictures.
Every Door Direct Mail® Expert Tip: Some marketers will alternate using 6" x 11" and 6.25" x 9" EDDM® sizes to give a fresh appearance to their mailing. It’s a great way to ensure your direct mail marketing doesn’t go stale, without breaking the bank.
EDDM Postcard Size 8.5” x 11”
One of the largest EDDM® postcard sizes you can send is the 8.5" x 11". The benefit of this postcard size is that it can't be ignored! It towers over envelopes and can't be missed in the mailbox. The giant 8.5" x 11" EDDM® postcard is as large as a sheet of paper, so there is plenty of room for your message and graphics and it will definitely differentiate you from the competition. This postcard size will allow you to really explain your unique selling proposition, offer more coupons, or give the postcard a longer shelf life. This size works well for menus, political mailers, and any business that wants to dominate the mailbox.
Here's a visual of how the most popular EDDM sizes compare:
Try Even More Sizes!
If you've got an unusual design idea ready to take your readers by storm, don't be afraid to try a different size altogether; there really are plenty of EDDM® sizes to choose from. Perhaps you'd prefer a smaller piece that can be kept without taking up too much space, or you're looking to create a whopping 10" x 13" event calendar for your readers to stick on their fridge.
To make sure you meet the EDDM® size requirements, your postcard should either be:
- Taller than 6.125"
- Or longer than 10.5"
This handy image will help you get it right:
However, bear in mind that the three most popular EDDM® sizes listed above (6.25" x 9", 6" x 11", and 8.5" x 11") limit paper waste and therefore give you the best value for money.
The sizes available also depend on the capabilities of the printer. At Excel Printing and Mailing, we’re able to print all the following EDDM sizes.
| Size |
Dimensions |
| Small |
4x10.5, 4x11, x 6.25x9 |
| Medium |
5x10, 6x10, 6x11, 6x12 |
| Large |
8x10, 8.5x11, 9x12 |
| Extra Large |
Folded: 11x17 postcard folded to 8.5x11
Flat: 12x15 flat EDDM postcard
|
Consider Paper Thickness, Too
When you're thinking about EDDM® sizes, you'll need to consider how thick your paper is too. To meet USPS requirements, your postcard should have a minimum thickness of .007" and a maximum thickness of 0.75". The maximum weight of your Every Door Direct Mail postcard should be 3.3 oz.
Check Your Indicia Meets Requirements
EDDM® postcard sizes aren't the only considerations to be aware of. You'll also need to make sure you're following the Every Door Direct Mail® indicia requirements. The size of the indicia and the font used for this are important too. In summary:
- Make sure the indicia is large enough (over 0.5" x 0.5" in size).
- Ensure that the indicia font is size 8 or above.
- Always use capital letters for your indicia text.
- Ensure your indicia is placed correctly.
Ask for EDDM Postcard Size Guidance for Your Mailing
As you can see, each EDDM® postcard size has its advantages, and choosing the right dimensions for your campaign is key. All three EDDM® sizes mail at the same Every Door Direct Mail® postage rates, so you might consider getting more out of your postage by going with a larger size.
Ensuring you meet the EDDM® size, thickness, indicia, and postage requirements can be a challenge. Our team is here to provide tailored advice and a full-service solution for your next campaign, to make mailing Every Door Direct Mail® postcards easy. Give our team a call on 877-765-6245 to discuss your project.
We welcome you to contact the Direct Mail experts at Excel Printing and Mailing to learn more about EDDM® sizes and to get your campaign started.
GET STARTED WITH EDDM®