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Standard Postcard Size UK

Standard Postcard Size USA

Picture postcards have been in existence since the 1800s, however the overall appearance and size of a postcard has hardly changed in that time. Postcards are still very popular in the UK and USA and to this day the size of a standard postcard is still based upon the original 6 inch x 4 inch format.

Postcard Size UK & Europe

The standard postcard size in the UK is 148mm x 105mm (14.8 cm x 10.5cm) which is the equivalent of A6. The postcard size in inches is 5.8 inches x 4.2 inches.

This is the size of a postcard typically found in seaside holiday resorts and sent home to family and friends. This is the standard postcard size in other European countries too. Some retail outlets also sell large postcards measuring 210mm x 148mm which is the equivalent of A5. 

When it comes to posting, Royal Mail advise that a stamp for a postcard costs the same as a letter. This means that Royal Mail will mail postcards with dimensions up to 240mm x 165mm and a thickness of no more than 5mm. The weight of the postcard should not exceed 100g.  Standard postcards of 148mm x 105mm easily fall into this category as do large postcards up to A5 size (210mm x 148mm).

The cost of mailing a postcard in the UK is currently 76p for 1^st Class mail and 65p for second class mail (as of October 2020.) If you’re looking for more information on the cost of a postcard stamp, you can read our article on postcard postage rates. 

Postcard Size USA

The standard postcard size in the US is 5.8 x 4.2 inches, which is the equivalent of A6 and is broadly based on the traditional 6 inch x 4 inch standard postcard format. The postcard size in centimetres 14.8 x 10.5 cm.

The traditional postcard comprises of a century-old postcard template of a photo on the front and a message and address on the back. The first postcards went on sale in the US in 1873, as a quick and affordable way to communicate, and they remain that way until this day.

Postcards are mailed in the US for as little as 35c as long as the postcard meets certain size and weight criteria as set out by USPS. The minimum and maximum dimensions of a postcard are defined as 5 inches x 3-1/2 inches to 6 inches x 4-1/4 inches. In addition, a postcard must be between 0.007 inch – 0.016 inch thick.

Standard Postcard Dimensions

The table below sets out dimensions of a standard postcard.

Postcard Apps

The picture postcard maybe an age-old tradition, however it is a tradition which has evolved with the recent introduction of postcard apps which let users turn digital photos into real printed postcards.

With the PostSnap’s postcard apps and online postcard maker you can turn your own photos into postcards. PostSnap’s apps are easy to use and available on Android and iOS. PostSnap will print and mail 6 inch x 4 inch post cards worldwide from just £2.49 or $2.75 including postage.