Information
Simple guidelines to follow when designing a mail piece. Follow the standards for size, paper type and weight, and basic layout elements to achieve maximum postal discounts.
Designing a Mail Piece
Size Ratio
The aspect ratio (length÷height) should be between 1.3” to 2.5”. Your piece must be rectangular in shape.
Standard Dimensions for Letters
- minimum size is 3.5” X 5”
- maximum size is 6.125” X 11.5”
- minimum thickness is .009”
- maximum thickness is .25”
Standard Dimensions for Postcards
- minimum size: 3.5” X 5”
- maximum size is 4.25” X 6”
- minimum thickness is .009”
- maximum thickness is .016”
To Ensure Your Mail is Automation-compatible:
- Machine address all mail
- Use uppercase COURIER 10 pt or 12 pt font
- Type must be clear and unbroken
- Make sure the address block is parallel with the length of the mailpiece
- Make sure the address block falls within the OCR read area. The OCR read area is:
- At least 1/2” from the left and right edge
- At least 5/8” from the bottom
- No more than 2.75” from the bottom
- Never hand address U.S. mail
- Don’t use punctuation