What Size Is a Greeting Card? Standard Greeting Card Size Guide

What Size Is a Greeting Card? Standard Greeting Card Sizes

What size is a greeting card? In the United States, a standard greeting card size is commonly 5 × 7 inches (12.7 × 17.8 cm) when folded. However, greeting cards also come in smaller formats, larger formats, and square designs, depending on the occasion and how the card will be used.

The most useful way to choose a size is to compare the finished card dimensions with the envelope, the amount of space needed for your message, and any mailing or printing requirements.

Standard Greeting Card Size Chart

The following chart covers common US greeting-card formats. Measurements refer to the closed or folded card, unless stated otherwise.

US card formatFolded card sizeApprox. size in cmTypical useA1 / 4-Bar3.5 × 4.875 in8.9 × 12.4 cmSmall notes, RSVP cards, gift enclosuresA24.25 × 5.5 in10.8 × 14.0 cmThank-you cards and smaller greetingsA64.5 × 6.25 in11.4 × 15.9 cmInvitations and medium-sized cardsA75 × 7 in12.7 × 17.8 cmStandard birthday, holiday, and greeting cardsA95.5 × 8.5 in14.0 × 21.6 cmLarger cards and group messagesSquareOften 5 × 5 or 6 × 6 in12.7 × 12.7 or 15.2 × 15.2 cmModern designs and photo cards

These are common formats, not universal dimensions used by every manufacturer. Always check the measurements of the specific card you're buying or making.

Quick answer: If you need a versatile size for a traditional folded greeting card, start with 5 × 7 inches. If you need a compact card for a short note, consider A2.

What Is the Standard Greeting Card Size in Inches?

A 5 × 7-inch card is one of the most common US greeting-card sizes. It provides room for a cover design and an inside message while fitting a widely available envelope format.

Other useful dimensions include:

4.25 × 5.5 inches: a compact folded card, commonly called A2.

4.5 × 6.25 inches: a medium-sized folded card, commonly called A6 in the US envelope system.

5 × 7 inches: a standard-size folded card, commonly called A7.

5.5 × 8.5 inches: a larger folded card, commonly called A9.

5 × 5 or 6 × 6 inches: common square-card options.

The letters and numbers in these US card formats refer to an envelope-sizing convention. They should not be confused with the international ISO paper-size system.

What Is the Standard Greeting Card Size in Centimeters?

Here are the same common US card formats converted to metric measurements:

Folded card size in inchesApprox. folded size in cm3.5 × 4.875 in8.9 × 12.4 cm4.25 × 5.5 in10.8 × 14.0 cm4.5 × 6.25 in11.4 × 15.9 cm5 × 7 in12.7 × 17.8 cm5.5 × 8.5 in14.0 × 21.6 cm5 × 5 in12.7 × 12.7 cm6 × 6 in15.2 × 15.2 cm

These conversions are rounded to one decimal place. If you're sending artwork to a printer, confirm the printer's required dimensions and tolerances before preparing the final file.

What Is the Standard Birthday Card Size?

A 5 × 7-inch folded card is a common choice for birthday cards. It leaves enough room for artwork on the front and a personal message inside.

Smaller formats can work well for a short greeting or a card included with a present. Larger formats may be more suitable for milestone birthdays, photo designs, or cards that need space for several signatures.

The right size depends on the design, the message, and the envelope—not just the occasion.

For more specific measurements and format choices, read our guide to birthday card dimensions.

What Size Are Thank-You, Christmas, Wedding, and Graduation Cards?

Many occasion cards use the same basic formats, so you don't necessarily need a different size for every event.

Thank-you cards: A2 (4.25 × 5.5 inches) is a practical compact format; larger cards provide more space for a longer note.

Christmas cards: 5 × 7 inches is a common folded format. Flat photo cards may also use 5 × 7-inch dimensions.

Wedding cards: 5 × 7 inches is a versatile choice for a congratulatory message, although larger and square designs are also available.

Graduation cards: 5 × 7 inches offers room for a message and is a common choice for a traditional greeting card.

Sympathy cards: A traditional rectangular format, such as 5 × 7 inches, provides space for a thoughtful note without requiring a large design.

These are typical choices, not strict rules. The actual dimensions depend on the manufacturer and card design.

What Size Envelope Fits a Greeting Card?

The envelope must be slightly larger than the closed card so the card can slide inside without bending or damaging its edges.

Here are common US card-and-envelope pairings:

Card formatFolded 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

Treat these as common pairings rather than guaranteed fits for every card. Thick cardstock, inserts, raised decorations, and unusual folds may require a larger envelope.

Before ordering, check both dimensions and thickness. A card that fits on paper may still be too bulky for its envelope.

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 before folding.

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

Finished folded sizeApprox. flat sheet size4.25 × 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 is approximately 10 × 7 inches when fully open.

The flat dimensions can change with the fold direction or construction. If you're preparing a design for professional printing, follow the printer's template and include any required bleed and safe margins.

For practical production advice, see how to print greeting cards.

Are US A7 Cards the Same as ISO A7 Paper?

No. This is an important distinction when ordering cards or preparing artwork.

In the US greeting-card and envelope system, A7 means a 5 × 7-inch card. In the international ISO paper system, A7 paper measures 74 × 105 mm (7.4 × 10.5 cm), which is much smaller.

The naming systems serve different purposes. If you're ordering from a printer in another country, specify the dimensions in inches or millimeters rather than relying on the label alone.

Does Greeting Card Size Affect Postage?

Yes. The size, shape, thickness, weight, and flexibility of the complete mailpiece can affect postage.

For US mail, a standard rectangular envelope is generally easier to process than a square, rigid, unusually thick, or irregularly shaped one. Square envelopes can be subject to additional postage or different mail classification.

The United States Postal Service publishes the applicable letter-size requirements. Check the current rules before mailing a card, particularly if it is square, padded, decorated with raised elements, or unusually heavy.

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

How Do You Choose the Right Greeting Card Size?

Choose a format based on how the card will be used.

For a short personal message: A2 is a useful compact option.

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

For photos or a more distinctive design: Consider a square card or a larger rectangular format.

For a group card: Choose a larger format if several people need space to write.

For a card you'll mail: Check the envelope fit, total thickness, and postal requirements before committing to a size.

For a handmade card: Choose the envelope and paper before cutting or printing. This helps avoid a finished card that doesn't fit the envelope.

If you're making your own design, our guide to how to make greeting cards provides a useful next step.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greeting Card Sizes

What is the most common greeting card size?

A 5 × 7-inch folded card is one of the most common US greeting-card formats. It measures approximately 12.7 × 17.8 cm when closed.

What is the standard greeting card size in inches?

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

What is a standard greeting card size in cm?

A 5 × 7-inch card measures approximately 12.7 × 17.8 cm. Other sizes vary depending on the format.

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 dimensions depend on the folded size and construction.

What size envelope fits a 5 × 7 greeting card?

A common US envelope pairing is an A7 envelope measuring 5.25 × 7.25 inches. Check the actual card thickness and envelope specifications before ordering.

Are all greeting cards the same size?

No. Greeting cards come in several rectangular and square formats. The dimensions vary by manufacturer, occasion, design, and intended envelope.

Does a square greeting card cost more to mail?

It can. Square envelopes may be classified as nonmachinable or require different postage under USPS rules. Check the current postal requirements for your specific mailpiece.

Final Thoughts

The standard greeting card size most people start with in the US is 5 × 7 inches (12.7 × 17.8 cm), but it isn't the only option.

A2 is useful for compact notes, A9 provides more room, and square cards offer a different look. The best choice depends on your design, the amount you want to write, and how the card will be packaged and mailed.

Check the finished card dimensions and envelope fit before ordering or printing. If you're creating your own card, confirm the printer's specifications before preparing the final artwork.