Guide
EDDM size requirements and design specs.
EDDM has specific dimensional rules — too small and the piece doesn't qualify for the EDDM rate, too large and it can't be processed. Here are the qualifying sizes, design specs, and the things that get rejected at the post office.
The qualifying dimensions
To qualify for EDDM postage, a mailpiece must exceed at least one of the following standard-postcard limits: taller than 6.125 inches, longer than 11.5 inches, or thicker than 0.25 inches. In practice that means EDDM pieces are flats, not postcards in the USPS sense — even though the industry calls them postcards.
Common qualifying sizes
6.5 × 9 — popular for mid-cost campaigns and recurring monthly drops.
6.5 × 11 — a strong default for solo EDDM.
8.5 × 11 — the most common size for shared group mailers; lots of real estate, clean to design, easy to print.
9 × 12 — oversized impact piece, great for grand openings and high-end services.
12 × 15 — the maximum allowed. Rarely used but possible for high-visibility solo campaigns.
Required design elements
Indicia. Top-right corner of the address side. We add the EDDM Retail or EDDM BMEU indicia automatically during prepress — it must include "ECRWSS" and a postal customer line.
Address block. Each piece carries "Local · Postal Customer" instead of an addressed name. Leave at least a 4 × 2 inch clear area in the upper-right of the address side for the indicia, return address, and address block.
Bleed. 0.125 inch bleed on all sides, with critical content kept 0.25 inch inside the trim line.
Stock and finish
Most EDDM pieces print on 14 pt or 16 pt gloss cover stock. Heavier stock survives USPS handling without bending and feels more substantial in the hand. Matte and UV finishes are options; aqueous coating is the default.
Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum size for EDDM?+
An EDDM mailpiece must be larger than a standard postcard — at least 6.125 inches tall, or longer than 11.5 inches, or thicker than 0.25 inches. The most common qualifying sizes are 6.5×9, 6.5×11, 8.5×11, 9×12, and 12×15.
What's the maximum size for EDDM?+
EDDM Retail accepts mailpieces up to 12 inches by 15 inches, with a weight cap of 3.3 ounces. EDDM BMEU (bulk) follows the same dimensional limits.
Why are there size requirements at all?+
USPS sets a minimum size to differentiate Marketing Mail Flats from standard postcards (which use different processing). The maximum sizes are practical limits for carrier handling and bundling.
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