Reference library

Direct Mail Print Size

A 6 x 11 in direct mailer is a popular high-impact size, while 4 x 6 postcards and EDDM flats follow stricter mailing rules.

Last checked: 2026-05-01

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At a glance

Use 6 x 11 in for a large promotional mailer. At 300 DPI, trim artwork is 3300 x 1800 px and the bleed canvas is 3375 x 1875 px.

Source confidence: Editorial Last checked: 2026-05-01 Source: VistaPrint: postcard size guide Found a spec change? Send correction.

How we calculate this

Methodology and source handling

We convert physical sizes to inches, multiply by the selected DPI/PPI value, and round to whole pixels.

Methodology Editorial policy

Quick answer

Copy-ready answer

Use 6 x 11 in for a large promotional mailer. At 300 DPI, trim artwork is 3300 x 1800 px and the bleed canvas is 3375 x 1875 px.

279.4 x 152.4 mm

Dimensions and specs

Trim size	11 x 6 in
Metric trim	279.4 x 152.4 mm
Aspect ratio	11:6
300 DPI trim	3300 x 1800 px
Bleed canvas	11.25 x 6.25 in (285.75 x 158.75 mm)
300 DPI with bleed	3375 x 1875 px
Popular variants	4 x 6 postcard, 6 x 9 mailer, 6 x 11 jumbo mailer, EDDM flats
Best for	EDDM campaigns, real estate mailers, local promotions

Pixels

Pixel dimensions by DPI

DPI / PPI	Width	Height	Use
72 DPI	792 px	432 px	Screen preview or draft layout check
96 DPI	1056 px	576 px	Browser and presentation preview
150 DPI	1650 px	900 px	Economy print or larger viewing distance
300 DPI	3300 px	1800 px	Recommended high-quality print target
600 DPI	6600 px	3600 px	Fine line art or specialist production

Formula

How to calculate this size

Pixel formulapixels = millimeters / 25.4 x PPI

279.4 mm x 300 PPI = 3,300 px wide.

Trim result3,300 x 1,800 px

Use this when the artwork stops at the finished edge.

Bleed result3,375 x 1,875 px

Add 3.18 mm per side before calculating pixels when artwork reaches the edge.

Common mistakes

Avoid these print setup mistakes

Designing only to trim

If artwork reaches the edge, add bleed before export so small cutting shifts do not leave a white border.

Putting live text near the edge

Keep names, prices, QR codes, and calls to action inside the safe area, not directly on the trim line.

Using one DPI for every job

Close-viewed print usually needs 300 DPI; large signs and banners can use lower effective PPI when viewed from farther away.

Calculator

Calculate pixels and bleed

Enter any DPI to calculate the pixel dimensions for this physical size.

Compare

Compare Direct Mail Print Size

Open a curated comparison or send both sizes into the compare tool with a fragment URL.

comparison Direct mailer vs postcard

Direct Mail Print Size: 6 x 11 in
Postcard Print Size: 4 x 6 in

Larger mailers have more room but may mail at a different rate. comparison Direct mailer vs flyer

Direct Mail Print Size: 6 x 11 in
Flyer Print Size: 8.5 x 11 in

Flyers are wider; direct mailers are designed for mailbox impact.

Direct mail sizes balance visibility, postage, automation rules and available design space. A 4 x 6 postcard is compact and cost-conscious, while a 6 x 11 in mailer gives more room for a strong offer, photos, coupons and a clear call to action.

USPS and EDDM rules can affect whether a mailpiece qualifies for postcard, letter or flat handling. Before printing a large campaign, confirm the current mailing class, address panel, indicia, thickness, weight and aspect requirements with USPS or your mail house.

Workflow

Use Direct Mail Print Size in a finished file

Start with trim

Set the finished product size before adding bleed or safe margin.

Add bleed and safe area

Extend backgrounds past trim and keep text inside the safe area.

Export and proof

Export PDF or raster files at the requested PPI and check crop marks before handoff.

Related pages and tools

tool Print bleed calculator tool DPI calculator tool Image resizer reference Postcard print size reference Door hanger print size

Same branch

Nearby pages

Bleed Print Size Brochure Print Size Business Card Print Size Flyer Print Size Postcard Size Banner Print Size Booklet Print Size Catalog Print Size

FAQ

Common questions

What is a common direct mail size?

Common direct mail sizes include 4 x 6 postcards, 6 x 9 mailers and 6 x 11 jumbo mailers. EDDM flats have their own size rules.

What pixel size is a 6 x 11 mailer at 300 DPI?

A 6 x 11 in direct mailer is 1800 x 3300 px in portrait or 3300 x 1800 px in landscape at 300 DPI. With 0.125 in bleed, use 1875 x 3375 px or 3375 x 1875 px.

Does EDDM have special size requirements?

Yes. USPS EDDM Retail mailpieces must meet flat-size rules, weight limits and at least one qualifying dimension. Check the USPS EDDM size checker before printing.

Where does the address panel go?

The address, indicia and barcode clear zones depend on mailing class and orientation. Use a USPS or mail-house template instead of guessing.

Does direct mail need bleed?

Use bleed when artwork reaches the edge, but keep address areas, postal marks and required clear zones free of background clutter.

References

Sources and references

Commercial print dimensions are checked against reputable print-provider references. Bleed guidance follows Adobe and printer setup recommendations; final requirements should be confirmed with the printer.

VistaPrint: postcard size guide
Used for common postcard print dimensions and sizing context.
USPS Every Door Direct Mail
Used for EDDM mailpiece size eligibility guidance.
UPrinting: print sizing tips
Used as a commercial print reference for common flyer, brochure, rack card, booklet, banner, and catalog sizes.
Adobe InDesign print bleed guidance
Used for bleed, crop-mark, and print setup guidance.

Last checked: 2026-05-01