Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) is the secret weapon for local businesses. It allows you to target entire neighborhoods without buying mailing lists. But one question always trips up new marketers: “What size should I mail?”
This guide covers eddm sizes comparison guide with practical checks for file setup, job specs, timing, and approval, so your next order stays predictable instead of turning into a rushed redo.
The beauty of EDDM is that you pay one flat postage rate regardless of the size (as long as it qualifies as a “Flat”). This means a massive menu costs the same to mail as a standard postcard. Here is how to choose the right dimensions to maximize your ROI.
The “Flat” Rule: Understanding One Postage Rate
To qualify for the low EDDM postage rate, your mailer must be considered a “Flat” by the USPS.
- Minimum: At least 10.5″ long OR 6.125″ high.
- Maximum: 15″ long, 12″ high, 0.75″ thick.
- Weight: Must weigh less than 3.3 ounces.
Because the postage cost is identical, your choice should be based entirely on visual impact and content requirements.
Top EDDM Sizes by Industry
The section on top eddm sizes by industry covers the decisions that affect cost, timing, and print quality so you can move forward with confidence.
1. The “Realtor Special”: 6.5″ x 9″ or 6″ x 11″
Real Estate agents love the panoramic feel of the 6 x 11 inch card.
- Why it works: It mimics the landscape orientation of property photos. You can showcase a Hero shot of the home, plus 3 interior shots, without clutter.
- Best for: Just Listed / Just Sold cards.
2. The “Service Workhorse”: 6.5″ x 9″
This is the go-to for Plumbers, Dentists, and HVAC companies.
- Why it works: It is taller than a standard #10 envelope, meaning it sticks out in the mailbox stack. It has enough room for a strong offer (“$59 Tune-Up”) and a bulleted list of services.
- Best for: Seasonal maintenance reminders and new customer acquisition.
3. The “Restaurant Menu”: 11″ x 17″ (Folded)
For pizzerias and takeout spots, size matters.
- Why it works: Mailed folded (usually to 8.5 x 11), it unfolds into a massive display on the customer’s kitchen counter. It replaces the “junk drawer menu” with a vibrant, high-gloss piece.
- Best for: Full takeout menus with coupons.
Paper Weight: The Hidden Quality Factor
Size is nothing without stiffness. If you mail a large 11″ card on thin paper, it arrives looking like a limp noodle.
- The Floppy Mail Effect: Large surface areas require thicker stock to survive the postal machines.
- Our Recommendation: Never go below 14pt stock for EDDM. We prefer 16pt for a premium feel that implies authority and trust.
Summary: Pick Your Size
| Size | Best Used For | Impression |
| 6.5″ x 9″ | Service Businesses, Coupons | Efficient, Clear |
| 6″ x 11″ | Real Estate, Automotive | Panoramic, Visual |
| 8.5″ x 11″ | Events, Grand Openings | “Document” style importance |
| 11″ x 17″ | Restaurants, Menus | Massive, Utilitarian |
Ready to dominate the mailbox? Select your size and let’s start printing.
For official USPS guidelines on EDDM requirements and eligible dimensions, refer to this authoritative source: https://www.usps.com/business/every-door-direct-mail.htm
Choosing the right EDDM size for your route
Every Door Direct Mail sizes are not interchangeable: a design built for 6.5×9 will not scale cleanly to 8.5×11 without rebuilding margins, postage indicia placement, and photography crops. Pick the trim first, then design inside the safe zone so production never reworks the file at the last minute.
Smaller trims cost less in paper and postage but offer less billboard space; larger trims carry more photography and headlines at a higher per-piece rate. Most local campaigns start with 6.5×9 or 8.5×11 because they balance readability with route density.
EDDM size comparison checklist
- Confirm USPS EDDM retail size rules for your route type.
- Design at final trim with bleed and addressing clear zones.
- Match photography resolution to the largest printed size.
- Proof indicia, return address, and barcode quiet zones.
- Order a sample pack if the campaign budget allows.
FAQ
Which EDDM size is cheapest? Smaller trims usually win on paper and postage, but response rate matters more than cents saved on trim area.
Can one design work on two sizes? Only with separate files; do not stretch a smaller layout to a larger trim.
Choosing the right EDDM size for your route
Every Door Direct Mail sizes are not interchangeable: a design built for 6.5×9 will not scale cleanly to 8.5×11 without rebuilding margins, postage indicia placement, and photography crops. Pick the trim first, then design inside the safe zone so production never reworks the file at the last minute.
Smaller trims cost less in paper and postage but offer less billboard space; larger trims carry more photography and headlines at a higher per-piece rate. Most local campaigns start with 6.5×9 or 8.5×11 because they balance readability with route density.
EDDM size comparison checklist
- Confirm USPS EDDM retail size rules for your route type.
- Design at final trim with bleed and addressing clear zones.
- Match photography resolution to the largest printed size.
- Proof indicia, return address, and barcode quiet zones.
- Order a sample pack if the campaign budget allows.
FAQ
Which EDDM size is cheapest? Smaller trims usually win on paper and postage, but response rate matters more than cents saved on trim area.
Can one design work on two sizes? Only with separate files; do not stretch a smaller layout to a larger trim.
Where do I verify current USPS sizes? Check the latest EDDM retail spec sheet before finalizing art.
Should postcards and letters share one template? No, postage class and trim rules differ; build each format independently.
What proof should I approve? A PDF marked with trim, bleed, and live indicia placement for the exact size ordered.