What Size Is a Postcard? UK Measurement Guide

What Size Is a Postcard? UK Measurement Guide

Read Time: 5 Minutes

instantprint

03 Jul 2025

If you’re creating a postcard for marketing or packaging, getting the size right is key. Postcards are one of the simplest and most cost-effective print products – but the dimensions you choose will affect the final look and feel.

Here’s everything you need to know about postcard measurements, including the standard UK sizes we offer at instantprint.

 

What Are the Standard Postcard Dimensions?

At instantprint, we offer two postcard sizes:

A6 Postcard Dimensions (Standard Size)

  • Millimetres: 105mm x 148mm
  • Inches: 4.13" x 5.82"
  • Pixels: 1795 x 1287 at 300dpi

A6 postcards are perfect for thank you notes, discount cards and direct mail. They’re small, cost-effective and easy to tuck into a parcel or hand out at events.

 

A5 Postcard Dimensions

  • Millimetres: 148mm x 210mm
  • Inches: 5.82" x 8.26"
  • Pixels: 2480 x 1748 at 300dpi

A5 postcards give you extra space to showcase visuals, explain services or feature longer messages. They're great for event promotions and creative campaigns.

 

 

Which Postcard Size Should I Choose?

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide between A5 and A6:

Size Best For
A6 Compact designs, offers, short messages, mail campaigns
A5 Bold visuals, detailed designs, impactful promotions

 

Paper Types and Finishes Available

You can fully customise your postcards at instantprint with a wide choice of finishes:

Paper Types

  • Silk: Smooth and professional, with a subtle sheen
  • Uncoated: Great for writing on, with a natural feel
  • Best Gloss Front: High-shine on the front, uncoated on the back – ideal for vibrant designs and handwritten notes

Lamination Options

  • None: A simple finish, ideal for writable postcards
  • Matt: Smooth and non-reflective for a soft-touch look
  • Gloss: Shiny and bright, perfect for colour-heavy designs
  • Velvet: A luxurious soft-touch feel that adds a premium edge

Embellishments

  • None: Clean and classic
  • Spot UV: Gloss highlights to draw attention to key areas
  • Gold or Silver Foil: Metallic accents that catch the light

 

Understanding Bleed, Trim and Safe Area

To make sure your design prints exactly as expected, here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Bleed Area: Extend backgrounds or colours 3mm beyond the trim line to avoid white edges
  • Trim Line: This is where the postcard will be cut
  • Safe Area: Keep all important text and logos inside this zone so nothing gets trimmed off

You can use our free postcard templates from instantprint to get the layout right from the start.

 

Quick Reference: Postcard Measurements

Size mm Inches Pixels (300dpi)
A6 105 x 148 4.13" x 5.82" 1795 x 1287
A5 148 x 210 5.82" x 8.26" 2480 x 1748

 

Jonny

About the Author

Hi, I’m Jonny, instantprint’s PPC Manager. I specialise in Google Ads and SEO, but also have a deep understanding in print and B2B businesses!