This is one of those questions I get asked surprisingly often. Usually, people are hoping for a number. Ten? Twenty? Fifty? Something that sounds reasonable and final.
The honest answer is not very satisfying: there is no single “right” number.
But the good news is that it’s actually quite easy to figure out what works for you.
I’ve been doing Postcrossing for 17 years. I’ve also spent years packing orders and watching how people buy postcards. These two perspectives don’t always overlap, but together they’ve taught me one thing: the number matters much less than people think.
Why we want a “correct” number
Most of us ask this question for practical reasons.
We don’t want to overbuy.
We don’t want to feel unprepared when a profile pops up.
We don’t want a chaotic pile of postcards we never touch.
And at the same time, nobody enjoys staring at a postcrosser’s profile and realising they have nothing that feels right.
So the question isn’t really “how many postcards do I need”, but rather “how do I want Postcrossing to feel”.
Three very real Postcrosser types
From what I’ve seen, most people fall into one of these categories. None of them is better than the others.
The casual Postcrosser
This is someone who sends postcards occasionally. Maybe a few per month, sometimes less. Profiles are read, but not overanalysed.
For this kind of sending, a small, calm selection works best.
Around 15–25 postcards is usually more than enough.
A mix of universal themes goes a long way: nature, cities, animals, illustrations. Enough variety to feel comfortable, without turning selection into a task.
If you’re just starting out or want to keep things simple, I’ve put together a Postcrossing starter guide where I share what I usually recommend to beginners and casual senders.
The active Postcrosser
This person sends postcards regularly and enjoys matching cards to profiles. There’s more attention to themes, moods, and preferences.
Here, a slightly larger selection makes sense.
Something like 40–60 postcards gives breathing room.
Not every postcard has to be a perfect match. In fact, trying to achieve that is often what makes the process stressful. A good mix of themes is usually more useful than very specific designs.
The thoughtful or collector type
This is where numbers start to matter even less.
Some people send slowly. Some enjoy collecting as much as sending. Some postcards are bought because they feel special, not because they are immediately usable.
In this case, the question shifts from quantity to intention.
If the postcards bring joy, even when they sit quietly for a while, the number is secondary.
When “too many” becomes a problem
Having a large collection sounds comforting, but it comes with its own issues.
Too much choice can make choosing harder.
Some postcards get buried and forgotten.
Buying starts to feel automatic rather than intentional.
I’ve seen this happen often, and I’ve felt it myself. A big box doesn’t always mean a better experience.
When “too few” isn’t great either
On the other end, having very few postcards can create pressure.
You send something that feels only half-right.
Reading profiles becomes stressful.
Postcrossing starts to feel like a task instead of a small pleasure.
That’s usually a sign that it’s time to add a bit of variety, not to overhaul everything.
My personal rule
I should probably say this out loud: I’m not a perfect example when it comes to numbers. I have a lot of postcards. That’s partly a professional side effect of running a postcard shop. Because of that, I sometimes face the opposite problem: I’ll have several good options for one profile and still struggle to choose.
But my situation isn’t a model to follow. It’s simply my reality. And dealing with that overload is exactly what has helped me understand where the balance tends to break for most people. You don’t need many “good enough” options. You need just enough choice to feel calm, not stuck.
So, how many do you really need?
Enough to feel relaxed when a new address appears.
Not so many that choosing becomes work.
There’s no perfect number, and there doesn’t need to be one. Postcrossing isn’t about efficiency or optimisation. It’s about small connections, made in your own way.
If you’re unsure, that’s often already your answer.
You might also like
Best Postcard Themes for Postcrossing Profiles
What to Write on a Postcrossing Postcard? (10 real ideas)
The Best Postcrossing Tips for Beginners
