US Postage Size Limits and Mailer Format Restrictions

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Postage Stamp with USA Flag on White Envelope
Credit: pexels.com, Postage Stamp with USA Flag on White Envelope

The US Postal Service has specific size limits for mail and packages, and it's essential to know them to avoid extra costs or even have your mail rejected.

The maximum length and height for a letter is 11.5 inches, but there's no limit to the width, as long as it's not too thick.

If you're planning to send a package, it can't be more than 108 inches in length and girth combined, or 165 inches in length and girth combined for a package that's not too long.

Mailer format restrictions also apply, with certain types of mail, like packages, requiring a specific shape and size to be eligible for discounted rates.

USPS Size Limits

The United States Postal Service (USPS) has specific size requirements for mailpieces to ensure they get delivered correctly. The size of your mailpiece can affect your printing costs, how well people see your mail, and how effective your campaign will be.

Credit: youtube.com, US Forever STAMP Maximum Weight & Dimensions Allowed COST Per Additional Ounce Letter 1st Class Mail

The minimum and maximum dimensions for EDDM mailpieces are as follows: Length must be more than 10.5 inches but not more than 15 inches, and Height must be more than 6.125 inches but not more than 12 inches.

USPS also has size requirements for different types of mail, such as letters and large envelopes (flats). For letters, the minimum and maximum dimensions are 5 to 11.5 inches in length and 3.5 to 6.125 inches in height. Large envelopes must be between 11.5 to 15 inches in length and 6.125 to 12 inches in height.

Standard and First Class Post Card Requirements are as follows: Length: 5.5 inch minimum to 6 inch maximum, Height: 3.5 inch minimum to 4.25 inch maximum, and Thickness: 0.007 inch minimum to 0.25 inch maximum.

Standard and First Class Letter or Envelope Requirements are as follows: Length: 5 inch minimum to 11.5 inch maximum, Height: 3.5 inch minimum to 6.125 inch maximum, and Thickness: 0.007 inch minimum to 0.25 inch maximum.

Here is a summary of the size requirements for different types of mail:

It's essential to follow USPS size requirements to avoid delays and extra costs. Using tools like the Oppizi Ads flyer builder can help you create designs that comply easily.

Envelope Sizes

Credit: youtube.com, Which envelope size is right for me?

Envelope sizes can be a bit tricky to understand, but the key is to know the minimum and maximum dimensions for different types of mail. According to the USPS, a "flat" or large envelope is considered any piece of mail with dimensions greater than 6-1/8 inches high or 11-1/2 inches long or ¼ inch thick.

If your envelope meets these criteria, it's considered a flat and will be treated as such by the USPS. On the other hand, if it's less than 6-1/8" high and 11.5" long, it's considered a 1st-class letter.

Here are the standard size requirements for first-class letters and envelopes:

Postcard

Postcard sizes can vary, but there are some standard dimensions to keep in mind. The minimum height for a postcard is 3.5 inches.

The maximum width for a postcard is 6 inches. Postcards can be as thick as 0.016 inches.

Here are some common postcard sizes:

  • Small: 4.25″ × 11″
  • Bestseller: 6.25″ × 9″
  • Medium: 6″ × 10.5″, 6″ × 11″, 6″ × 12″
  • Jumbo: 8.5” × 11”
  • Oversized: 12” × 15”

The minimum length for a postcard is 5.5 inches, and the maximum length is 6 inches.

Envelope Size: Large

From above crop anonymous person in jeans sitting on carpet on floor near heaped US postage stamps and envelope
Credit: pexels.com, From above crop anonymous person in jeans sitting on carpet on floor near heaped US postage stamps and envelope

A large envelope is a bit of a misnomer, as it's actually referred to as a "flat" by the USPS.

The USPS considers a piece of mail a flat if its dimensions meet specific requirements. To be considered a flat, a mailpiece must have at least one dimension greater than 6-1/8 inches high, 11-1/2 inches long, or ¼ inch thick. Conversely, if your envelope is less than 6 1/8" high and 11.5" long, it's considered a 1st-class letter, not a flat.

For a mailpiece to be a flat, all its dimensions must be less than the maximum requirements. This means the height, length, and thickness must be less than 12 inches, 15 inches, and ¾ inch, respectively.

Here are the specific size requirements for a large envelope:

If your EDDM design doesn't meet these size requirements, the USPS will reject it. To avoid delays and extra costs, make sure your mailpiece fits the size rules. Using tools like the Oppizi Ads flyer builder can help you create designs that comply easily.

EDDM Sizes and Requirements

Credit: youtube.com, Which EDDM Postcard Size Should You Use? | USPS Size Breakdown

The USPS has specific size requirements for Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) to ensure your mail gets delivered correctly. Choosing the right size can affect your printing costs, how well people see your mail, and how effective your campaign will be.

A 6″ × 9″ postcard is a standard size for EDDM, grabbing attention while meeting USPS requirements.

EDDM mailpieces must be taller than 6.125 inches and longer than 10.5 inches to be eligible.

The largest size for EDDM is 12″ × 15″, making a big impact but coming with higher printing costs.

If your EDDM design doesn't meet the size requirements, USPS will reject it, so make sure your mailpiece fits the size rules.

Using tools like the Oppizi Ads flyer builder can help you create designs that comply easily with USPS size requirements.

USPS has specific dimensions for different postal categories, such as First Class and Standard mail, and it's essential to know which option to use for your mailing.

The USPS requires that length is considered the dimension parallel with the address and height is the dimension perpendicular to the address.

Mailer Formats and Restrictions

Credit: youtube.com, Know What You’re Mailing: Letters vs. Flats vs. Parcels

Mailer formats and restrictions are crucial to comply with USPS standards and ensure smooth processing. The USPS has clear size and shape requirements for EDDM mailpieces.

To ensure your mailpieces get delivered, make sure they are either rectangular or square shaped. This means they should have either four square corners or rounded corners that are not more than 0.125 inches. Triangular or circular shapes are not accepted by the USPS.

Here are some key mailer format restrictions to keep in mind:

By following these guidelines, you can avoid delays and ensure your mailpieces get delivered smoothly.

Shipping Bubble Mailers

Shipping bubble mailers can be a convenient and cost-effective way to send items in the mail. You can use them to send small packages or envelopes, depending on their thickness.

If your bubble mailer is 0.75-inch thick or less, it's considered an envelope, and you can send it using stamps. However, if it's more than 0.75-inch thick, it will be sent as a package, and you'll need to choose a mailing service option based on its weight.

Credit: youtube.com, How Much Does it Cost to Ship a Bubble Mailer?

The USPS has specific thickness requirements for EDDM mailpieces, which are important to follow for smooth processing and delivery. The minimum thickness for EDDM mailpieces must be more than 0.25 inches, and the maximum thickness must not be more than 0.75 inches.

Here are the key thickness guidelines for EDDM mailpieces:

By following these thickness guidelines, you can ensure that your mailpieces are processed and delivered smoothly, which is especially important for direct mail marketing.

Mailer Formats & Restrictions

The USPS has specific requirements for EDDM mailpieces, so it's essential to know these formats to comply with USPS standards.

Rectangular or square-shaped mailpieces are the only accepted formats. This means they should have four square corners or rounded corners that are not more than 0.125 inches.

Triangular or circular shapes are not accepted by the USPS, so it's best to stick with the standard formats.

Ensuring your mailpieces meet these guidelines will help your mailing campaigns run smoothly and avoid any delays.

First, check the shape of your mailpiece: is it rectangular or square? If so, you're good to go!

Special Mail Requirements

Mailbox of US Postal Service
Credit: pexels.com, Mailbox of US Postal Service

If your EDDM design doesn't meet the size requirements, USPS will reject it.

To avoid delays and extra costs, make sure your mailpiece fits the size rules. Using tools like the Oppizi Ads flyer builder can help you create designs that comply easily.

USPS has specific size requirements, so it's essential to follow them to ensure your mailpiece is delivered smoothly.

EDDM Design Requirements Not Met

If your EDDM design doesn't meet the size requirements, USPS will reject it. This can cause delays and extra costs, so it's crucial to get it right.

USPS has specific size requirements for EDDM, which can impact your printing costs, how well people see your mail, and the overall effectiveness of your campaign.

To avoid rejection, use tools like the Oppizi Ads flyer builder to create designs that comply with the size rules easily. This can save you time and hassle in the long run.

The USPS EDDM sizes are a detailed breakdown of what's required, so be sure to check them carefully before sending out your mail.

Post Card Requirements

Eyeglasses on Newspaper Beside Mail Envelops
Credit: pexels.com, Eyeglasses on Newspaper Beside Mail Envelops

Post card requirements can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. Standard and First Class post cards have specific size requirements.

The length of a standard post card should be at least 5.5 inches and no more than 6 inches, while the height should be at least 3.5 inches and no more than 4.25 inches.

If you're looking to send a post card via EDDM, you're in luck - a 6×9 inch post card is perfectly acceptable.

Here are the specific size requirements for post cards in a handy table:

Elmer Kassulke

Lead Assigning Editor

Here is a 100-word author bio for Elmer Kassulke: Elmer Kassulke is an accomplished Assigning Editor with a keen interest in storytelling. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for research, Elmer has covered a wide range of topics, from the Port of Bristol to the works of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Their expertise spans various categories, including geography, history, culture, and transportation, making them a versatile and reliable voice in the world of journalism.

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