Introduction
The 5×7 envelope — also known as A7 — is the most common invitation and greeting card size. It fits a 5×7 card perfectly, works for photos and invitations, and is the default choice for weddings, events, and announcements.
Its popularity comes from a simple fact: a 5×7 card or photo slides in without folding, with just enough margin. This guide covers the dimensions, what fits, the postage class, and window options.
5×7 (A7) Dimensions
The 5×7 envelope is the A7 size in the A-series family.
| Measurement | Value |
|---|---|
| Width | 5¼ inches |
| Height | 7¼ inches |
| A-series | A7 |
| Fits | 5×7 card/photo |
The envelope is slightly larger than the card it holds:
| Item | Size |
|---|---|
| Envelope | 5¼” × 7¼” |
| Card it fits | 5″ × 7″ |
| Margin | Small, clean fit |
What Fits Inside
The 5×7 envelope holds the most common card and photo formats.
| Contents | Fit |
|---|---|
| 5×7 card | Yes, exact |
| 5×7 photo | Yes |
| 4×6 photo | Yes, with margin |
| Invitation | Yes |
| Greeting card | Yes |
The A7 is the invitation standard for good reason:
| Use | Why 5×7 |
|---|---|
| Wedding invitation | Standard |
| Greeting card | Common |
| Announcement | Fits 5×7 |
| Photo mailer | Fits 5×7 |
Postage Class
The 5×7 mails as a standard letter or large envelope, depending on the exact dimensions.
| Class | Dimensions | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Letter | Up to 6⅛” × 11½” | Lowest |
| Large envelope | To 12″ × 15″ | Mid |
A 5¼” × 7¼” envelope is within letter-size limits:
| Trait | 5×7 detail |
|---|---|
| Class | Letter (within limits) |
| Rate | Letter rate |
| Weight | Standard for a card |
Verify weight for the final postage:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Weigh the card + envelope |
| 2 | Confirm letter rate |
| 3 | Apply correct postage |
Window Options
5×7 envelopes can be windowed for addressing.
| Window | Use |
|---|---|
| No window | Invitations, cards |
| Single window | Address shows |
| Double window | Address + return |
For invitations, no window is the norm; for business mail, a single window is common.
| Use case | Window |
|---|---|
| Wedding invite | None |
| Greeting card | None |
| Business mail | Single |
Why 5×7 Is the Invitation Standard
The A7 size dominates invitations for practical reasons.
| Reason | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Card fit | 5×7 card, no fold |
| Letter rate | Economical postage |
| Common | Widely available |
| Elegant | Good proportions |
For the full A-series reference, see our A-series envelope sizes guide.
Choosing 5×7
A quick decision guide:
| If you mail… | Choose |
|---|---|
| 5×7 invitation | 5×7 (A7) |
| 5×7 photo | 5×7 |
| 4×6 photo | 5×7 (with margin) or A6 |
| Square card | Square (not 5×7) |
| Business letter | #10 |
For invitation etiquette and sizes, see our invitation envelope sizes guide.
Conclusion
The 5×7 envelope (A7) is the invitation and greeting-card standard — 5¼” × 7¼”, fitting a 5×7 card or photo without folding, and mailing at letter rate. Choose no window for invitations, a single window for business mail, and verify weight for postage. For the A-series family, see our A-series envelope sizes guide.
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