The difference in size between a $100 bill and the largest postcard available

If we had a $100 bill for every time we printed a 9” x 6” or 8.5” x 5.5” postcard, then we would be swimming in cash.  There are many alternatives to what we think as the “standard” postcard size, often with the same postage costs. 

For example, many people do not realize that a postcard can be as large as 11.5” x 6.125” and still mail at the letter rate, meaning that $0.45 is all it would cost, if mailed first class, non-automated.  There are many variables in mail, so postage on that same card could cost as little as $0.142 to as much as $0.424 depending on the level of automation, class, mail stream entry point and zip code saturation (nonprofit is even lower).

Two things to consider when deciding on a postcard size:

1. Aspect ratio:  Simply put, it must be between 1.3 and 2.5 to maximize postal discounts.  Take the length and divide by the height, so 11.5”/6.125” equals 1.878.  A postcard can be any size within an aspect ratio of 1.3 and 2.5.  Anything outside of that ratio will mail as a flat.
2. Printing costs:  The optimal size will depend on your quantity and stock choice.

Click the links below for the official website on this topic. 

 

   Physical Standards for Commercial Letters and Postcards

 

   Designing Letters and Postcards for Automated Processing