The Great Postcard Size Debate: 4x6 vs. Jumbo Sizes

When it comes to postcard marketing, selecting the right size is both an art and a science (with a dash of coffee-fueled guesswork). The size of your postcard can determine if it ends up as a conversation starter on the desk—or a crumpled mess in the trash. Business owners, buckle up as we explore the pros and cons of the time-honored 4x6 postcard versus the rising stars of jumbo-sized postcards like 6.5x9, 8.5x5.5, 6.5x12, and 9x12. It’s time to settle this marketing showdown!

1. 4x6 Postcards: The Veteran Contender

Ah, the 4x6 postcard—small yet mighty, just like your favorite espresso shot. It’s been the go-to marketing tool for decades, but is it still the best option?

Pros:

Cost-Effective Like a Dollar Menu
4x6 postcards are super affordable to print and mail, making them a hit for businesses on tight budgets. When every penny counts, 4x6 always delivers.
- Easy Storage and Display They fit neatly into mail slots, wallets, and piles of unopened bills—not bad for visibility!
Straight to the Point

With limited space, you’re forced to trim your message to the essentials. Brevity is the soul of wit, right?

Cons:

Gets Lost in the Crowd

Sure, 4x6 is cheap to produce, but it’s also easy to overlook. When it’s swimming in a sea of coupons and catalogs, it might just blend into the background.

Limited Space

There’s barely enough room to show off your company’s shining personality and make your offer pop. Try cramming a promo code, testimonials, and images onto a 4x6—it’s like trying to pack for a month using a carry-on.

Easily Discarded

Sneaky little postcards may slip through fingers like sand. Out of sight, out of mind.

2. The Rise of the Jumbo Sizes

Enter jumbo postcards—the new kids on the block. Eye-catching, spacious, and undeniably hard to ignore, these larger options are here to shake up the marketing scene.

Key Popular Sizes:

6.5x9 postcards – The middle child with balance—big enough to be noticed, small enough to stay affordable.
8.5x5.5 postcards – A touch classier than 4x6, often called the “Goldilocks” size for its just-right mix of practicality and punch.
6.5x12 postcards – This one packs a serious punch without breaking the bank, ideal for standing out in EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail).
9x12 postcards – The billboard of postcards. If you want visibility, here’s your winner.

3. Why Jumbo-Sized Postcards Stand Out

Pros:

Attention-Grabbing Like a Flash Sale

Big postcards command attention. When customers sift through their mail, these standouts practically scream, “LOOK AT ME!”

More Room for Creativity

Showcase vivid images, detailed offers, and personalized touches. If 4x6 is a tweet, jumbo postcards are a blog post.

Perfect for EDDM

USPS loves jumbo postcards—especially for EDDM campaigns aimed at blanketing entire neighborhoods. The size ensures visibility in every mailbox.

Higher ROI

Studies have shown that larger postcards tend to generate higher response rates. Bigger investment, bigger impact.

Cons:

Higher Cost

Printing and mailing larger sizes costs more. But hey, as your CFO will remind you, sometimes you have to spend money to make money.

Storage Challenges

Got a tiny office? Boxes of jumbo postcards might haunt your breakroom or awkwardly occupy the copier corner.

Overwhelming for Simple Messages

Not every campaign needs a magnum opus. If your message is super simple, a big postcard could feel like overkill. Less is sometimes more.

4. The EDDM Factor

Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) campaigns thrive on visuals, and jumbo postcards are the reigning champs in this arena. When your goal is to market to entire neighborhoods, size and presence matter.

Why Jumbo Is EDDM’s Best Friend:

Fits USPS Guidelines Perfectly
Offers premium visibility in local markets
Lets you pack more details about your business while still looking professional

Pro Tip: Pair jumbo postcards with bold headlines and high-quality imagery. You’ll thank us later.

5. Is Bigger Always Better?

The decision isn’t as simple as “go big or go home.” Your postcard size depends on your campaign goals, target audience, and budget.

When to Choose 4x6:

Budget-friendly campaigns with a focus on cost savings.
Short, snappy promotional offers like flash sales and discounts.
Pre-existing customer lists familiar with your business.

When to Go Jumbo:

Launching a new product or service that needs to grab attention.
Targeting new neighborhoods through EDDM campaigns.
Showcasing visuals like gorgeous photography, detailed charts, or infographics.

6. The Tie-Breaker

At the end of the day, both 4x6 and jumbo postcards bring value to the table. The choice boils down to how much you’re ready to invest in your marketing and what kind of impact you want to make.

Our Verdict:

If you’re playing it safe and working on a tight budget, 4x6 postcards are a time-tested classic that gets the job done.
However, if you’re ready to up your marketing game and leave a lasting impression, jumbo postcards are the clear winner. Sure, they cost more, but the stakes (and the rewards) are bigger too.

Whichever size you choose, remember this golden rule of postcard marketing—make them count. Clean design, compelling offers, and strategic targeting will always steal the show, no matter the size of your masterpiece. Now, go out there and wow your audience, one postcard at a time!