Postcard size guide with bleed templates
Use this postcard size guide to choose your format before designing. Compare dimensions, check Canada Post size limits and download a template with bleed.
Our postcard sizes, to scale
Solid black: the postcardBlue dashed: standard limitGrey dashed: oversize limitDotted: minimum size
Canada Post size and weight limits
- Standard
- Minimum
- 140 × 90 mm (5.5 × 3.5 in)
- Maximum
- 245 × 156 mm (9.6 × 6.1 in)
- Weight
- Up to 50 g
- Oversize
- Minimum
- 140 × 90 mm (5.5 × 3.5 in)
- Maximum
- 380 × 270 mm (15 × 10.6 in)
- Weight
- Up to 500 g
Anything larger than oversize goes as a parcel. Cards and postcards to the U.S. or other countries have a smaller maximum: 235 × 120 mm.
What's in each template
- Bleed: 0.125 inExtend backgrounds and photos to the red line, past the trim, so no white edge shows.
- Trim: the finished sizeThe black line is where the card is cut.
- Safe zone: 0.125 in insideKeep text, logos and QR codes inside the blue dashed line.
Size and weight limits from Canada Post's letter weight and size requirements, checked October 9, 2026. The page doesn't list a thickness limit, so this guide doesn't either.
Choose a postcard size that fits your campaign
Check standard dimensions
Standard Lettermail runs from 140 × 90 mm to 245 × 156 mm, with a maximum weight of 50 g.
Allow for oversize postage
A 6x11 postcard exceeds the standard length limit. Compare the mailing cost in our Canada Post postage calculator before choosing a larger format.
Leave room for trimming
Extend your design 0.125 inches beyond each trim edge. Keep text and essential details at least 0.125 inches inside the trim.
Protect the address space
Keep the postage area and bottom barcode strip clear. Place your message in the back’s content area so it stays separate from addressing.
Questions about postcard sizes
What size is an A6 postcard?
An A6 postcard measures 148 × 105 mm, which falls within Canada Post’s standard Lettermail dimension limits. Weight and thickness still matter. Direct Mailer’s available postcard formats are 4x6, 6x9 and 6x11.
Does every postcard need to be 5x7?
No. Postcards come in different dimensions. A 5x7 postcard fits within Canada Post’s standard dimension limits, while Direct Mailer prints 4x6, 6x9 and 6x11 formats. Choose a supported size before preparing your design.
Does postcard size change how much postage I need?
Yes. Canada Post considers size, weight and thickness when determining postage. A card that exceeds standard limits uses an oversize rate. The guide shows the dimension category for each available postcard format.
How large is a finished 4x6 postcard?
A finished 4x6 postcard measures four by six inches. Your artwork needs additional bleed beyond those edges, and important text should stay inside the safe area. Use the template for your selected size.
What paper size do you use for letters?
Direct Mailer letters use 8.5 × 11 inch pages. Choose a letter when your message needs more space than a postcard. Colour and black-and-white printing are available, with extra sheets charged separately.
Turn your finished design into your next mailing
Compare postcard prices by size, then let us handle printing, addressing and postage.