5.5x8.5 Postcards & Flyers — Versatile Half-Page Format
The 5.5x8.5 size is one of the most flexible formats in print — large enough to communicate substantial information, small enough to mail or hand out without feeling unwieldy. Half the size of a standard letter sheet, this format works equally well as a mailable postcard, a takeaway flyer, a brochure insert, or framed artwork. It's the size that says "you have my attention without overwhelming me."
Real estate agents, restaurants, event planners, small businesses, and graphic designers regularly choose 5.5x8.5 for projects that need more space than a standard postcard but don't justify a full letter-size flyer. Choose between lightweight paper stocks for high-volume handouts or heavyweight archival cardstock for premium presentations and direct mail. All printing happens in the United States.
Need higher quantities? Our bulk 5.5x8.5 postcard orders (2,500+) are cost-effective and UV-coated for added durability on direct mail campaigns.
Why 5.5x8.5 Works So Well
- Mailable as a postcard: Fits standard postcard mail rates with the USPS, making it ideal for direct mail campaigns.
- Substantial as a flyer: Twice the area of a 4x6 postcard — enough room for headlines, photos, and detailed information without clutter.
- Pocket-friendly: Folds easily in half to fit pockets, wallets, and folders for take-home information.
- Cost-efficient at scale: Two 5.5x8.5 cards print on a single 8.5x11 sheet, keeping bulk pricing competitive.
- Versatile substrate options: Choose paper for budget-friendly handouts or cardstock for premium presentation.
Features
- Four substrate options: Two paper stocks (80# gloss, 70# matte) and two cardstock options (110# gloss, 100# matte).
- Full color, full bleed: Edge-to-edge CMYK printing on the front, back, or both.
- Pre-production artwork review: A real human inspects every file before printing.
- Automatic minor adjustments: Our designers automatically fix small artwork issues (low-resolution warnings, color profile conversions) when possible.
- Free blind shipping: Plain packaging with no Printkeg branding for easy resale.
- Fast turnaround: Most orders ship within 2-3 business days.
- Bulk pricing: Volume discounts apply automatically — significant savings on larger quantities.
Paper & Cardstock Options
- Gloss Paper (80# Text) — Lightweight stock with a smooth, glossy finish similar to the inner pages of a magazine. Best for high-volume handouts, event flyers, and marketing pieces where cost-per-unit matters more than premium feel. Not archival.
- Matte Paper (70# Text) — Lightweight uncoated paper with a clean, glare-free surface. Best for flyers with text-heavy content, instructional handouts, or designs where readability matters more than visual punch. Not archival.
- Gloss Card (110# Cover) — Heavyweight archival cardstock with a smooth glossy finish. Best for postcards, direct mail, premium handouts, and any project where the substantial weight signals quality. Archival.
- Matte Card (100# Cover) — Heavyweight archival cardstock with a refined matte surface. An artist favorite for fine art reproduction and elegant presentations. Best for art prints, save the dates, and premium correspondence. Archival.
Quick tip: Choose paper stocks when you're printing in volume for handouts or event distribution. Choose cardstock options when the piece will be mailed, displayed, framed, or sold as artwork — anywhere the substantial weight matters.
Best Uses for 5.5x8.5 Postcards & Flyers
- Real Estate Listings — Property listing flyers with photos, details, and agent contact information. The size fits standard real estate display stands.
- Direct Mail Campaigns — On cardstock, qualifies for standard USPS postcard rates while providing more space than a 4x6 postcard.
- Event Flyers & Programs — Concert flyers, festival schedules, theater programs, and event handouts. The half-page size is substantial without feeling oversized.
- Restaurant Menus & Specials — Daily specials, takeout menus, drink lists. Easy to update and reprint as offerings change.
- Save the Dates & Wedding Announcements — A premium alternative to standard postcards for wedding planning communications.
- Small Business Marketing — Service overviews, pricing sheets, promotional pieces for retail and service businesses.
- Brochure Inserts — Folded inserts for larger brochure packages or event welcome bags.
- Framed Art Prints — On cardstock, fits standard 5x7 or 5.5x8.5 frames for affordable art reproductions and gifts.
- Charity & Nonprofit Communications — Donation appeals, event invitations, fundraising follow-ups.
- Photographer & Artist Promotional Pieces — Sample work, promotional postcards, save-this-card pieces for portfolio leave-behinds.
Postcard or Flyer? Choosing Your Use
The 5.5x8.5 format works for both, and the right answer depends on how you'll use it:
- Use as a postcard when the piece will be mailed. Choose cardstock (110# or 100#) for USPS postcard mail rates and durability through the mail. Print address space and indicia on the back if needed.
- Use as a flyer when the piece will be handed out at events, posted on bulletin boards, or distributed in volume. Either paper or cardstock works depending on quantity and how long the flyer needs to last.
Quick tip: If you're undecided, 110# Gloss Card is the most versatile single choice — works as a premium flyer, holds up as a mailable postcard, and reads as substantial in either context.
Choosing the Right Postcard or Flyer Size
Our 5.5x8.5 format sits in the middle of our postcard and flyer lineup. Here's how it compares to other common sizes:
- 4x6 Postcards — Standard postcard size. Best for direct mail and quick handouts where minimal information is needed.
- 5.5x8.5 Postcards/Flyers (this product) — Half-page format. Best when you need more space than a postcard but don't want a full-size flyer.
- 8.5x11 Flyers & Letterhead — Full letter size. Best for detailed marketing pieces, formal letters, and content-heavy communications.
Quick tip: Choose 5.5x8.5 when you need enough space to communicate substantial information but want the piece to feel portable and approachable rather than formal.
5.5x8.5 Postcard & Flyer FAQ
Can I mail 5.5x8.5 cards as standard postcards?
Yes — 5.5x8.5 falls within USPS postcard mail dimensions when printed on cardstock. Choose either of our cardstock options (110# Gloss or 100# Matte) and design with USPS postage placement requirements (right side of back panel for indicia and address). The lightweight paper options can be mailed in envelopes but don't qualify for postcard mail rates.
What's the difference between paper and cardstock for this size?
Paper stocks (70# and 80#) are lightweight and budget-friendly — comparable to the inner pages of a magazine. They work well for high-volume flyer distribution where cost matters and durability is less critical. Cardstock options (100# and 110#) are heavyweight and substantial — they feel premium, hold up to handling, and can be mailed as postcards. Cardstock is also archival, while paper is not.
How many 5.5x8.5 cards should I order?
Order quantity depends on use. For event flyers, calculate roughly 1.5x your expected attendance (extras for sharing and lost copies). For direct mail campaigns, order based on your mailing list size plus 10% for replacements. For retail or office use, most businesses reorder 500-1,000 at a time. Volume discounts apply automatically, so larger orders save significantly per unit.
Can I print on both sides?
Yes — full-color printing is available on both sides. For postcard use, the back side is typically split between message area (left half) and address area (right half). For flyer use, both sides can be designed freely.
