Cyril-Scott Knowledge Center Postal Reference Guide

Minimum Automation Quantity
First Class: at least 500 pieces
Standard Mail: at least 200 pieces or 50 lbs

For current postage rates visit the United States Postal Service at www.usps.gov

Letters/Cards
Automatable Size
   Minimum: 5” L x 3 1/2” H
   Maximum (letters): 11 1/2” L x 6 1/8” H
   Maximum (cards): 6” L x 4 1/4” H

Length is dimension parallel to address.
Height is dimension perpendicular to address

Maximum Weight
First Class: 3.3 oz.
Standard Non-Automated: 3.3 oz.
Standard Automated: 3.5 oz.

Thickness*
Minimum: sizes 6” x 4 1/4” or smaller: 0.007” (7pt.) sizes greater than 6” length AND/OR greater than 4 1/4” height: 0.009”
Maximum for cards at card rates: 0.016”
Maximum for letters and other cards: 0.250”

Flats
Automatable Size
Length: Minimum: 6” Maximum: 15”
Height: Minimum: 5” Maximum: 12”

Maximum Weight
First Class: 13 oz.
Standard: less than 16 oz.

Thickness
Presorted:
   Minimum: more than 1/4”
   Maximum: 3/4”

Automated:
Automated Flat Sorting Machine (AFSM) 100
   Minimum: 0.009”
   Maximum: 3/4”

Paper and Mail-piece Contents
Polywrapped, polybagged and shrinkwrapped letter size pieces will be processed as non-machineable. Flat size mail pieces can be polywrapped, polybagged or shrinkwrapped (a list of approved polywrap and polywrap manufacturers is available at http://ribbs.usps.gov).

No clasps, strings, buttons or other protrusions. The contents of a flat-size mailpiece must remain uniformly thick so that the dimensions of the envelope, wrapper or sleeve remain constant. If the contents are of irregular thickness or significantly smaller than the envelope, wrapper or sleeve, they must be secured to prevent shifting during processing. Surround items with loose packing material or padding to ensure mailpiece remains uniformly thick.

Envelopes and the outer sheet(s) forming other types of mailpieces that are sealed on all four edges must be at least 16 pounds basis weight (500 sheets at 17” x 22”).

*see USPS Quick Service Guide for complete details.

Tabs and Wafer Seals

Double Postcard
Tabs	1 (middle)
Folded Edge	Top or Bottom
Sheets	Single
Basis Weight	75 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs	2 (start ≤ 1” from edges)
Folded Edge	Top or Bottom
Sheets	Single
Basis Weight	20 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs	1 (middle)
Folded Edge	Bottom
Sheets	Multiple
Basis Weight	24 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs	1 (middle)
Folded Edge	Bottom
Sheets	Single
Basis Weight	28 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer
Tabs	3 (left and open edges)
Folded Edge	Right
Sheets	Single
Basis Weight	75 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer (Invitation Fold)
Tabs	Address Label
Folded Edge	Top and Bottom
Sheets	Multiple
Basis Weight	20 lb.

Folded Self-Mailer (Continuous Glue Strip)
Open Edge	Top
Folded Edge	Bottom
Sheets	Single
Basis Weight	20 lb.

Booklet
Tabs	2 (start ≤ 1” from edges)
Spine	Bottom
Sheets	Multiple w/ Cover
Basis Weight	20 lb. (Cover)

Folded Booklet
Tabs	2 (start ≤ 1” from edges)
Spine	Left
Folded Edge	Bottom
Sheets	Multiple w/ Cover
Basis Weight	20 lb. (Cover)

Folded Booklet
Tabs	2 (start ≤ 1” from edges)
Spine	Bottom
Folded Edge	Bottom
Sheets	Multiple w/ Cover
Basis Weight	20 lb. (Cover)

Booklet
Tabs	2 (start ≤ 1” from top and bottom edges)
Spine	Right (open edge left)
Folded Edge	Right
Sheets	Multiple w/ Cover
Basis Weight	20 lb. (Cover)

An 8 1/2” x 11” sheet of 20, 24 or 28 pound paper folded once to
8 1/2” x 5 1/2” does not meet the minimum thickness of 0.009” for an automation-compatible cover.

Click here to download the Letter and Card Size Standard Template