Notecard size: standard notecard and envelope sizes

The most common notecard size is A2, which is 4.25 x 5.5 inches and mails in a 4.375 x 5.75 inch envelope. Notecards are used for thank you notes, client follow-ups, personal stationery and short messages. They are smaller than most greeting cards and invitations, which keeps the note short and the postage at the standard rate.

Standard notecard sizes

• A2: card 4.25 x 5.5 in, envelope 4.375 x 5.75 in. The most popular notecard size.
• A1 (4 Bar): card 3.5 x 4.875 in, envelope 3.625 x 5.125 in. A small card for short notes and gift enclosures.
• A6: card 4.5 x 6.25 in, envelope 4.75 x 6.5 in. A larger card for longer notes or a photo.
• A7: card 5 x 7 in, envelope 5.25 x 7.25 in. The size of most invitations, used for large notecards.

Our guide to invitation and greeting card sizes lists more card sizes, and our envelope size chart covers business and window envelopes.

Flat and folded notecards

• Flat notecards are a single heavy card. The name, monogram or logo is printed at the top, and the note is written below or on the back. Flat cards are also called correspondence cards.
• Folded notecards open like a greeting card, with a design on the cover and room to write inside. A folded A2 card is printed flat at 5.5 x 8.5 in and then scored and folded.

Paper for notecards

Notecards are written on, so uncoated paper is the best choice. It takes ink from any pen without smudging. Common choices are 100 lb to 130 lb recycled cover, 110 lb cotton for a soft, heavy card, felt-finish stocks for a classic look and recycled kraft for a natural style. Coated and glossy stocks can smear ballpoint and gel pens.

Letterpress, foil stamping and painted edges are popular on notecards. Our guide to letterpress printing explains which papers take an impression best.

Mailing notecards

• USPS requires mail to be at least 3.5 x 5 in. A1, A2, A6 and A7 envelopes all meet that minimum.
• Square envelopes need extra postage, because they cannot go through mail sorting machines.
• Thick cards, wax seals and bulky enclosures can also add postage. Weigh one finished card before you buy stamps.

Designing a notecard

• Keep the design at the top or on the cover, and leave most of the card open for writing.
• A name, monogram or small logo is usually enough.
• Choose a pen-friendly paper and test it with the pen you plan to use.
• Order matching envelopes, and consider a printed return address on the back flap.

To print a set, see our custom notecards.

Common questions

What size is a standard notecard?

The standard notecard size is A2, 4.25 x 5.5 inches, mailed in a 4.375 x 5.75 inch envelope.

What size envelope fits a 4.25 x 5.5 inch card?

An A2 envelope, which measures 4.375 x 5.75 inches.

What is the difference between a notecard and a greeting card?

Notecards are usually smaller and mostly blank so you can write a personal note. Greeting cards are usually larger and often have a printed message inside.

What paper is best for notecards?

An uncoated cover stock or cotton paper, because it takes ink from any pen without smudging.