EDDM Size Requirements: Everything You Need to Know

Every Door Direct Mail® (EDDM®) is a program offered by the United States Postal Service, which allows you to deliver a message (via a postcard) to every mailbox in any area you choose.

EDDM is an excellent marketing tool that’s particularly effective for small businesses striving to target a greater number of people to generate inquiries. It’s a key channel for driving sales and keeping your business on flush with customers.

However, this tool may be a bit confusing, especially in understanding USPS EDDM postcard size requirements. The USPS has specified a certain EDDM size guideline that you must adhere to. This knowledge is vital to benefit from Every Door Direct Mail and get the best results.

So let’s dive into EDDM marketing and learn more about the acceptable shapes, dimensions, and weights of direct mail pieces to qualify for an EDDM mailing.
What are the EDDM Postcard Size Requirements?

In direct mail marketing, the size of the EDDM postcard matters the most. The USPS has specific rules concerning EDDM mailers' dimensions, shape, and uniformity. If those are exceeded, your mailers are automatically treated as parcels. It means the USPS will charge more.

There are a lot of things you should keep in mind before choosing a size. Let's review the EDDM size guideline in detail below.

Shape

The EDDM mailer must be rectangular with square corners that don't exceed a radius of 125″. This means that oddly shaped pieces, such as circles or triangles, cannot be mailed. They are not considered postcards.

Size

The guidelines require that the minimum size of the mail piece should be at least 6.125″ in height and 10.5″ in length. The maximum acceptable dimension is 12″ in height and 15″ in length. The minimum height of the flat mailers is 3.5″. They can't exceed any of the maximum dimensions.

Thickness

The minimum thickness of the EDDM mailer must be 0.007”, which is approximately the thickness of three sheets of standard printer paper. It mustn’t exceed the thickness of 0.75”.

Uniformity and Flexibility

If your piece of mail meets all of the shape and dimension requirements, there’s one thing left: your mailer must be flexible and uniformly thick. This means you can’t include some mailing pieces that are thicker than other pieces in the same group. Also, they shouldn’t be lumpy, misshapen, or uneven.
What are the EDDM Postcard Weight Requirements?

When preparing your EDDM campaign, keep in mind that EDDM postcards cannot exceed a weight of 3.3 ounces.

But how to weigh your mailing postcards or brochures? If you don't have a postal scale, no worries. You can do it the following way: take a regular household scale and weigh your entire pile of EDDM pieces. Then divide the weight by the number of pieces you are weighing. Thus you'll be able to calculate the weight of each piece.
Examples of Popular EDDM Postcard Sizes

Wondering what the best option for your business is? Then check out some of the most popular EDDM sizes that are within the guidelines set by the United States Postal Service.

Standard EDDM Postcard

A postcard with a size of 6.25″ high and 9″ long is the most popular choice. It’s a great size as being not too small and not too large, the postcard can fit plenty of information. What is more, postcards of this size have enough space to accommodate any design neatly.

Large EDDM Postcard

This is an EDDM postcard with a size 6.25″ x 11″. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to include brochures or other promotional materials.

Jumbo EDDM Postcard

If you want your Every Door Direct Mail campaign to draw more attention and make a huge impact, pick jumbo postcards with a size of 8.5″ x 11″. The proportions of these mailers offer a large scope for versatility and creativity. 

Want to use postcards with a gloss coating, plenty of words, and large images? Need a space to explain your unique selling offer, deliver more coupons, or list numerous events to give the mail piece a longer shelf life? Then jumbo-sized EDDM postcards are the right choice.

Oversized EDDM Postcard

Last but not least is a 12″ x 15″ EDDM postcard which is considered extra-large. This one, for sure, can't get missed in the mailbox. Oversized EDDM postcards are suitable for campaigns that include maps or other large items. 

Though it's the most expensive option because of the printing and paper costs, oversized postcards can draw more responses and engagement than the above sizes.
Benefits of Choosing the Right EDDM Postcard Size

Apart from saving your time, money, and effort, there are plenty of other benefits of making the right choice for your EDDM mailer size.

Forms a Personal Connection

A mail piece can convey your message with more clarity and depth by using the right dimensions. A well-designed, eye-catching postcard is a win-win option in inducing a special bond between your target customers and your brand. Make a smart size choice.

Helps to Create a Perfect Design

When you’ve decided on the size, it’s easier to understand how to fit the message on your postcard properly. A catchy design is key to your campaign's success. It shouldn't be messy, and everything should look distant from one another. Messy-looking postcards are an absolute waste of your time and money. To avoid this, pick the size for your direct mail campaign and then work on the design. 

Boosts Responses

Together with the design and message, the right mailer size can definitely draw more responses and boost engagement levels. To make a no-lose direct mail campaign, try sending out several postcards in different size variations to test the performance of all combinations and maximize results significantly.
The Bottom Line

To sum up, there are specific requirements regarding shape, thickness, weight, and sizes for EDDM. If you want to send your postcards using the EDDM option, which offers plenty of discounted rates, you must fit within those USPS dimensions.

According to USPS, the EDDM mail piece must be rectangular with square corners that don't exceed a radius of 125″. It should be at least 6.125″ in height or 10.5″ in length on one side. The maximum acceptable dimension is 12″ in height and 15″ in length. The thickness should be between 0.0007″ and 0.75″. The weight of your package should not exceed 3.03 ounces.

Selecting a postcard size is an important element in your direct mail campaign. Follow the EDDM size guideline and make a choice thoroughly according to your requirements and budget.