USPS EDDM Size Rules and Mailing Guidelines

Every Door Direct Mail, also called EDDM, is a USPS mailing option that helps businesses reach local households or businesses without using a specific mailing list. It is often used for postcards, menus, coupons, real estate mailers, local promotions, and community announcements.

Use this guide to understand common EDDM size rules and basic mailing setup considerations before printing.

Quick Answer

To qualify for USPS EDDM mailing, your mailpiece generally needs to meet USPS flat-size requirements.

An EDDM mailpiece must usually be larger than at least one of these standard letter-size limits:

• More than 6.125" high

• More than 10.5" long

• More than 0.25" thick

It also generally cannot exceed:

• 12" high

• 15" long

• 0.75" thick

EDDM pieces must also meet USPS layout, weight, and preparation requirements. Always confirm final requirements with USPS or your mailing service before printing a large order.

Common EDDM Postcard Sizes

Common EDDM postcard sizes include:

• 6.25" × 9"

• 6.5" × 9"

• 6" × 11"

• 8.5" × 11"

• 11" × 17", folded where applicable

These larger sizes provide more room for offers, menus, service areas, QR codes, coupons, and business information.

Smaller postcards, such as 4" × 6", usually do not qualify for EDDM because they are not large enough to meet flat-size requirements.

Mailing Panel and Indicia Area

EDDM postcards need a clear mailing area for USPS processing.

Your design should leave room for:

• EDDM retail indicia or postage marking

• “Local Postal Customer” mailing line

• Required address or postal area

• Barcode or clear zones, if applicable

• Return address, if used

Avoid placing important artwork, QR codes, coupons, or promotional messages inside the mailing area. A clean mailing panel helps reduce the risk of processing issues, delays, or rejected mailpieces.

Design Tips for EDDM Postcards

EDDM postcards are used for local marketing, so the message should be easy to understand quickly.

For better results:

• Use a clear headline

• Make the offer easy to find

• Keep contact information readable

• Include a strong call to action

• Use high-contrast text

• Keep QR codes away from postal markings

• Check maps, phone numbers, dates, prices, and URLs carefully

An EDDM design should work as both a promotional piece and a mail-ready item.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common EDDM setup issues:

• Choosing a postcard size that is too small for EDDM

• Forgetting to leave space for the indicia area

• Placing important artwork in the mailing panel

• Assuming all large postcards automatically qualify for EDDM

• Making offers or contact details too small to read

• Printing a large quantity before confirming USPS requirements

A postcard can look strong visually but still cause mailing issues if the size, layout, or mailing panel is not prepared correctly.

Before You Order

Before printing EDDM postcards, check:

• Does the size meet USPS EDDM flat-size rules?

• Is the postcard rectangular and mail-ready?

• Is there enough space for the mailing panel and indicia?

• Are QR codes and offers kept away from postal areas?

• Is the cardstock suitable for mailing?

• Are all phone numbers, addresses, dates, prices, and URLs correct?

• Have you confirmed final requirements with USPS or your mailing service?

For large EDDM campaigns, confirm the final size, paper stock, layout, and mailing preparation requirements before production.