Greeting cards have been long held factors of consideration. Be it a birthday, holiday, wedding, or thank-you note, a card shows emotion, sincerity, and creativity. Yet words and images are not the only factors that affect the effect of a greeting card; the actual size of the card also plays a major role.
Not only does size influence everything, including cost, presentation, print layout and shipping, but also fits inside envelopes and stands out on retail shelves. It is because of this that standard greeting card sizes are something that a business or an independent creative designer designing custom greeting cards needs to understand.
Here at The Premier Packaging we collaborate with stationery brands, printers and online sellers to create a custom card packaging that would fit perfectly to the most common card sizes, providing protection and design.
What is the Greeting Card Size Standard?
The size of greeting cards most commonly used in the U.S. and a large number of other countries is 5″ x 7″ (common size is known as an A7 when folded). The dimension gives an optimal ratio of writing area and aesthetics. It is snugly able to fit in an A7 envelope and is perfect for birthdays, holidays, and special events.
But the definition of standard may differ a little bit, according to the purpose of the card, the market demands, and format (folded or flat). The knowledge of these dimensions assists in print set-up, selection of envelopes and economy of package.
Popular Greeting Card Sizes by Category
The most popular size is 5″ x 7″, but there are a variety of other sizes that are widely spread and used on various occasions and with various branding objectives. The most significant ones are the following:
- A2 – 10.8 x 14cm
A smaller substitute, generally deployed as a thank-you card, RSVP, or when a message has to be minimalistic. A2 cards also suit well to the business of providing insert cards or notes along with product packaging.
- A6 – 4.5″ x 6.25
It is a little larger than A2, but still has the benefit of giving a little more flexibility in design without being so large as to be unwieldy. Personal stationery; hand-made card circles.
- A7 5 x 7
The golden standard. Suits best on most occasions and will fit in off-the-shelf envelopes. This dimension provides a good area to place artwork and written messages, yet it is not bulky.
- A9 – 8.5 x 5.5
This bigger size can have more dramatic, artistic designs or can have more wording on it. Commonly wedding invitations, announcements or high quality holiday cards.
- Square Cards – 5″ x 5″ or 6″ x 6″
Very eye-catching however might result in extra postage expenses since they are not of standard shape. Use for branding, artistic statements or luxury cards to make an impact.
The Impact of Greeting Card Size on Packaging and Postage
Selecting the appropriate size does not just matter in the aesthetics sense, but it affects cost and logistics directly. As an example, cards which are not within the postal standards can be more expensive to send. A square card can be very modern, however USPS and other postal services will frequently assess an additional fee because it is non-machinable.
Also, the size of the card determines what type of envelope, plastic sleeve, or box it should have. A packaging that is too tight may spoil the card, whereas too much space may appear unprofessional or cause the items to shift during shipping. The retailers too like standard sizes as they are easier to display and to replenish.
With The Premier Packaging, you get a custom-fit card packaging that fits like standard dimensions, uses less material, minimizes waste, and delivers a better customer experience.
Conclusion:
The standard greeting card size is not a mere technicality, but an important aspect of the look and feel of your product, its efficiency and even its professionalism. Printing and postage, packaging and display, getting the dimensions correct can assist you to provide a memorable customer experience.
Startup or stationery brand or creative studio, having card sizes knowledge puts you at a competitive advantage. We understand that it is not enough to have beautifully designed cards; they should also be properly presented, at The Premier Packaging we will make sure that everything is done to present your cards in the best possible light, at every step.
Get a quote now and we will be happy to set up custom packaging to suit your greeting card sizes.
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