Invitation and greeting card sizes with matching envelopes

Invitations and greeting cards in the United States follow a set of standard sizes, most of them named after the envelopes they fit. The most common invitation size is 5 x 7 inches, which mails in an A7 envelope. This guide lists the standard card sizes, the envelope for each one and the sizes used in a typical wedding suite.

Card and envelope sizes at a glance

• A1 (4 Bar): card 3.5 x 4.875 in, envelope 3.625 x 5.125 in. Used for RSVP cards and small notes.
• A2: card 4.25 x 5.5 in, envelope 4.375 x 5.75 in. Used for RSVP cards, thank you cards and notecards.
• A6: card 4.5 x 6.25 in, envelope 4.75 x 6.5 in. Used for save the dates, photo cards and greeting cards.
• A7: card 5 x 7 in, envelope 5.25 x 7.25 in. The standard size for wedding invitations, party invitations and holiday cards.
• A9: card 5.5 x 8.5 in, envelope 5.75 x 8.75 in. Used for large invitations and announcements.
• #10: card 4 x 9 in, envelope 4.125 x 9.5 in. Used for details cards, programs and tall invitations.
• Square: cards such as 5 x 5 in or 5.25 x 5.25 in, in an envelope about a quarter inch larger on each side.

Each envelope is slightly larger than its card so the card slides in easily. Our envelope size guide covers business envelopes and window envelopes as well.

Wedding suite sizes

• Invitation: 5 x 7 in (A7).
• RSVP card: 4.25 x 5.5 in (A2) or 3.5 x 5 in (A1), with a stamped return envelope.
• Details or accommodations card: 4 x 9 in or 4.25 x 5.5 in.
• Save the date: 5 x 7 in, 4.5 x 6.25 in or a 4 x 6 in postcard.
• Thank you card: 4.25 x 5.5 in (A2), folded or flat.
• Day-of pieces: menus, programs, place cards and table numbers are sized to the table setting.

For more on planning the suite, see our guides to eco friendly wedding invitations, save the dates and wedding thank you cards.

Greeting card sizes

Folded greeting cards use the same A sizes. The card is printed flat at twice the width or height and then scored and folded. A 5 x 7 in folded card prints flat at 7 x 10 in, and a 4.25 x 5.5 in folded card prints flat at 5.5 x 8.5 in. A6 is often the most economical greeting card size, because more A6 cards fit on a standard press sheet than A7 cards. See our eco friendly greeting cards for sizes and stocks.

How to set up the file

• Build the file at the trim size and add 0.125 in of bleed on every side if the design runs to the edge.
• Keep text at least 0.125 in inside the trim line, and more on letterpress and textured stocks.
• For folded cards, set up the flat size with a fold line marked on a separate layer.
• Use images at 300 ppi at final size.

Our guide to print-ready files explains bleed, resolution and export settings.

Postage notes

A standard letter rate covers a rectangular envelope up to one ounce. A heavy invitation suite with several inserts can weigh more and need extra postage. Square envelopes, rigid pieces, wax seals and uneven contents can make an envelope nonmachinable, which adds a surcharge. Take one fully assembled invitation to the post office to weigh it before you buy stamps for the whole list.

Paper choices

Invitations are often printed on heavy cotton or recycled cover stock, which feels substantial and takes letterpress and foil well. Our cotton paper page and our guide to embossing, debossing and foil cover the options. Matching recycled envelopes are available for each standard size.

Common questions

What is the standard wedding invitation size?

5 x 7 inches, mailed in an A7 envelope that measures 5.25 x 7.25 inches.

What size is an RSVP card?

Most RSVP cards are 4.25 x 5.5 inches (A2) or 3.5 x 5 inches (A1).

What size envelope fits a 5 x 7 card?

An A7 envelope, which measures 5.25 x 7.25 inches.

What is the standard greeting card size?

Common greeting card sizes are A2 (4.25 x 5.5 in), A6 (4.5 x 6.25 in) and A7 (5 x 7 in).