What Size Is a Greeting Card? Standard Sizes in Inches & cm

What Size Is a Greeting Card? Standard Sizes in Inches and cm

If you're wondering what size a greeting card should be, 5 × 7 inches (12.7 × 17.8 cm) is one of the most common standard sizes in the United States. It's large enough for a cover design and a personal message, and it fits a widely available A7 envelope.

However, greeting cards come in several other formats. A2 cards are smaller, A9 cards provide more writing space, and square cards offer a different look. The right choice depends on the finished card size, the envelope, and whether you're buying, making, or printing the card.

Standard Greeting Card Sizes Chart

The following measurements show common US greeting card formats. Card dimensions refer to the finished, folded size. Flat dimensions refer to the sheet before folding.

US card formatFinished (folded) sizeApprox. size in cmFlat sheet sizeA1 / 4-Bar3.5 × 4.875 in8.9 × 12.4 cm7 × 4.875 inA24.25 × 5.5 in10.8 × 14.0 cm8.5 × 5.5 inA64.5 × 6.25 in11.4 × 15.9 cm9 × 6.25 inA75 × 7 in12.7 × 17.8 cm10 × 7 inA95.5 × 8.5 in14.0 × 21.6 cm11 × 8.5 inSquareOften 5.25 × 5.25 or 6 × 6 in13.3 × 13.3 or 15.2 × 15.2 cmDepends on fold and design

These are common US formats, not universal dimensions. Manufacturers and print providers may use slightly different measurements, even when they use the same format name. Always check the actual product specifications before ordering or preparing artwork.

Quick guide:

Choose A2 for a compact greeting or short note.

Choose A6 for a medium-sized card.

Choose A7 (5 × 7 inches) for a versatile, traditional greeting card.

Choose A9 for a larger card with more room for writing.

Choose a square format when the design calls for a different shape.

What Is the Standard Greeting Card Size in Inches?

A folded 5 × 7-inch card is one of the most common US greeting card formats. It offers a practical balance between writing space, artwork, and envelope availability.

Other frequently used dimensions include:

A1: 3.5 × 4.875 inches

A2: 4.25 × 5.5 inches

A6: 4.5 × 6.25 inches

A7: 5 × 7 inches

A9: 5.5 × 8.5 inches

The format names can be confusing because the US stationery and envelope system is different from the international ISO paper-size system. For example, a US A7 greeting card measures 5 × 7 inches, while ISO A7 paper is much smaller.

When buying cards or working with a printer, use the actual measurements in inches or millimeters rather than relying on the letter-and-number label alone.

What Is the Standard Greeting Card Size in Centimeters?

Here are the same common US greeting card formats converted into metric measurements.

US card formatFinished size in inchesApprox. finished size in cmA1 / 4-Bar3.5 × 4.8758.9 × 12.4A24.25 × 5.510.8 × 14.0A64.5 × 6.2511.4 × 15.9A75 × 712.7 × 17.8A95.5 × 8.514.0 × 21.6Square5.25 × 5.2513.3 × 13.3Square6 × 615.2 × 15.2

The metric measurements are rounded to one decimal place. For professional printing, use the exact dimensions specified by the print provider rather than relying on rounded conversions.

What Is the Difference Between A2, A6, A7, and A9 Greeting Cards?

The main difference is the finished size and the amount of space available for your design and message.

A1 / 4-Bar: 3.5 × 4.875 inches

A1, also called 4-Bar, is a compact format. It's useful for small notes, gift enclosures, RSVP cards, and brief greetings.

A2: 4.25 × 5.5 inches

A2 is a smaller folded greeting card. It's a practical choice for thank-you notes, short personal messages, and designs that don't need much writing space.

A6: 4.5 × 6.25 inches

A6 is a medium-sized format that provides more room than A2 without being as large as A7. It's suitable for many everyday greeting card designs.

A7: 5 × 7 inches

A7 is one of the most widely used US greeting card formats. It gives you enough space for a prominent front design and a longer message inside.

A9: 5.5 × 8.5 inches

A9 is a larger rectangular format. It's useful when you need extra room for a group message, a detailed design, or a more substantial greeting.

Square greeting cards

Square cards are available in several sizes, including 5.25 × 5.25 and 6 × 6 inches. They're often chosen for photo cards, modern designs, and layouts that work better with a square composition.

Square cards may require a specially sized envelope and can affect mailing costs. Check both before choosing this format.

Are US A7 and A6 Cards the Same as ISO Paper Sizes?

No. The US stationery and envelope naming system should not be confused with the international ISO A-series paper system.

Here are two important examples:

NameUS greeting card sizeISO paper sizeA64.5 × 6.25 in4.13 × 5.83 in (10.5 × 14.8 cm)A75 × 7 in2.91 × 4.13 in (7.4 × 10.5 cm)

The US A2 card format is also different from ISO A2 paper.

This distinction matters when ordering internationally or preparing a print file. A printer may use the same letter-and-number label for a different physical size. Confirm the finished dimensions, flat dimensions, and envelope size before sending your design.

What Size Envelope Fits a Greeting Card?

A greeting card envelope should be slightly larger than the closed card. This gives you enough clearance to insert and remove the card without bending its edges.

These are common US card-and-envelope pairings:

Card formatFinished card sizeCommon envelope sizeA1 / 4-Bar3.5 × 4.875 in3.625 × 5.125 inA24.25 × 5.5 in4.375 × 5.75 inA64.5 × 6.25 in4.75 × 6.5 inA75 × 7 in5.25 × 7.25 inA95.5 × 8.5 in5.75 × 8.75 in

These are typical pairings, not a guarantee that every card will fit every envelope with the same label.

Before ordering, consider:

Cardstock thickness: A thick card needs more clearance than a thin sheet.

Inserts: Extra notes, photographs, or smaller cards take up additional space.

Decorations: Raised lettering, ribbons, and layered elements can make a card too bulky for a standard envelope.

Envelope construction: Different suppliers may have slightly different internal dimensions.

For square cards, check the exact envelope measurements supplied by the manufacturer. Don't assume that an envelope with the same nominal size will fit every square card.

What Is the Difference Between Folded and Flat Card Size?

A folded card is measured when it's closed. The flat size is the full sheet of paper before it's folded.

For a simple half-fold card, one dimension doubles when the card is opened.

Finished folded sizeApprox. flat sheet size3.5 × 4.875 in7 × 4.875 in4.25 × 5.5 in8.5 × 5.5 in4.5 × 6.25 in9 × 6.25 in5 × 7 in10 × 7 in5.5 × 8.5 in11 × 8.5 in

For example, a 5 × 7-inch card that opens like a book uses a flat sheet measuring approximately 10 × 7 inches before folding.

The exact flat layout depends on the fold direction and construction. A gatefold, tent card, or custom design will have different dimensions.

When comparing sizes, make sure you're comparing the same measurement. A listing may show the finished card, the open sheet, or the artwork canvas. These are not interchangeable.

What Size Should You Choose for Different Occasions?

Most occasions don't require a special card size. The same standard formats work for birthdays, weddings, holidays, thank-you notes, graduations, and other greetings.

Your choice should depend on the design and the amount of space you need.

Birthday cards: A7 (5 × 7 inches) is a versatile option for a traditional birthday card. For more specific measurements, see our guide to birthday card dimensions.

Thank-you cards: A2 works well for a short, personal note. Choose a larger format if you have more to say.

Christmas cards: A7 is a common choice for folded greeting cards. Flat photo cards may use different dimensions.

Wedding cards: A7 provides room for a congratulatory message, while larger formats can accommodate longer notes.

Graduation cards: A7 is a practical size for a traditional greeting and personal message.

Sympathy cards: A2 or A7 can both work. Choose the format that gives you enough room for a thoughtful message without making the design feel oversized.

How Do You Prepare a Greeting Card for Printing?

Choosing the finished card size is only the first step. If you're printing a folded card, you also need to prepare the flat artwork correctly.

Use this process:

Choose the finished size. For example, an A7 card measures 5 × 7 inches when folded.

Calculate the flat size. A simple side-fold A7 card uses a 10 × 7-inch sheet before folding.

Check the printer's template. It should show the trim size, fold line, bleed area, and safe area.

Add bleed if required. Bleed allows background colors and images to extend beyond the final cutting edge. Many printers request 0.125 inches, but the provider's template takes priority.

Keep important content inside the safe area. Text, logos, and other essential elements should not sit too close to the cutting edge or fold.

Use print-quality artwork. Follow the provider's resolution and file-format requirements. For example, MOO specifies photographs at 300 DPI or higher for its greeting card artwork.

Check the proof before ordering. Confirm the orientation, fold, spelling, margins, and final dimensions.

Printer specifications are not identical. MOO, for example, publishes separate bleed, trim, and safe-area measurements for its own greeting card product. Those measurements should not be copied as universal settings for another printer.

For a complete walkthrough, read our guide to how to print greeting cards.

Does Greeting Card Size Affect Postage?

Yes. The size, shape, thickness, weight, and flexibility of the complete mailpiece can affect how USPS classifies and prices it.

A standard rectangular envelope is generally easier to process than a square, rigid, unusually thick, or irregularly shaped one. Square and vertical envelopes may require additional postage because they can be treated as nonmachinable.

For example, USPS considers the aspect ratio of a letter-size mailpiece. A piece with a length-to-height ratio below 1.3 or above 2.5 can be classified as nonmachinable. Other characteristics, such as excessive rigidity, uneven thickness, or unusual closures, can also affect processing.

Check the current USPS letter-size physical standards before mailing a card, especially if it has a square envelope, raised decorations, multiple inserts, or unusual thickness.

If you're unsure how much postage to use, read our guide to how many stamps a greeting card needs.

How Do You Choose the Right Greeting Card Size?

Use these practical guidelines:

For a short personal note: Choose A2.

For a traditional greeting card: A7 (5 × 7 inches) is a versatile starting point.

For a larger message or group card: Consider A9.

For a photo or distinctive layout: Consider a square card.

For a card you'll mail: Check the envelope size, total thickness, and USPS requirements before ordering.

For a handmade card: Choose the envelope and paper before cutting or folding the card.

For professional printing: Start with the printer's template rather than creating an artwork canvas based only on the finished card dimensions.

If you're making your own design, our guide to how to make greeting cards explains the process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greeting Card Sizes

What is the most common greeting card size in the US?

A folded 5 × 7-inch card is one of the most common US greeting card formats. It measures approximately 12.7 × 17.8 cm when closed and usually fits an A7 envelope measuring 5.25 × 7.25 inches.

What is the standard greeting card size in inches?

A common standard size is 5 × 7 inches. Other widely used formats include A2 (4.25 × 5.5 inches), A6 (4.5 × 6.25 inches), and A9 (5.5 × 8.5 inches).

What is the standard greeting card size in cm?

A 5 × 7-inch card measures approximately 12.7 × 17.8 cm. A2 measures about 10.8 × 14 cm, while A6 measures about 11.4 × 15.9 cm.

What size is a greeting card when open?

A side-fold 5 × 7-inch card is approximately 10 × 7 inches when fully open. The flat size depends on the finished dimensions and the type of fold.

What size envelope fits a 5 × 7 greeting card?

A common pairing is a US A7 envelope measuring 5.25 × 7.25 inches. If the card is thick or has inserts and raised decorations, check the envelope's internal dimensions before ordering.

Are A6 and A7 greeting cards the same as ISO A6 and A7 paper?

No. US stationery formats and ISO paper sizes use different measurements. A US A7 card is 5 × 7 inches, while ISO A7 paper is 7.4 × 10.5 cm. Always confirm the physical dimensions with your printer or supplier.

Does a square greeting card cost more to mail?

It can. Square envelopes may be treated as nonmachinable by USPS and require additional postage. The final classification depends on the complete mailpiece, including its dimensions, thickness, shape, and other physical characteristics.

What is the difference between card size and envelope size?

Card size refers to the finished card itself. Envelope size refers to the envelope that holds it and must be slightly larger to allow the card to fit comfortably. The flat sheet size is a separate measurement used when preparing a folded card for printing.

Final Thoughts

The most common starting point for a traditional US greeting card is 5 × 7 inches (12.7 × 17.8 cm), but smaller, larger, and square formats are also widely used.

Before buying or making a card, check four measurements: the finished card size, the flat sheet size, the envelope size, and the print-ready artwork dimensions. Keeping these measurements separate helps you choose the right format, avoid printing mistakes, and make sure the finished card fits its envelope.