Is There a Size Limit on Incoming or Outgoing Email?

Total Message Limit: 50 MB

At the server level (Exim/SMTP), while the maximum size for an email message is 50 MB, the maximum Attachment Size is approximately 37MB due to encoding overhead.

Note: The email client has no impact on the overall message size.

Message Size vs Attachment Size

When you attach a file to an email, it must be converted into a text-based format (Base64) to be sent over the internet. This process increases the file’s size by approximately 30%.

Because of this mandatory overhead, a 50 MB total message limit means the largest actual file you can attach is roughly 37 MB.

If you attempt to attach a file larger than 37MB, the encoded size will exceed the 50 MB server limit and the email will be rejected.

Sending Files via Email

• For files under 37 MB: You can send these files directly as Email Attachments.
  
• For files over 37 MB: You can attempt to compress the file into an archive and reduce the size below the 37MB attachment limit.
  
  For larger files we recommend uploading the file to your GreenGeeks hosting account, or using a service such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or Microsoft OneDrive and sharing a link in your email.
  
  Using one of these alternative methods offers better reliability for large data transfers, and allows for features like link expiration and password protection.

Recipient Size Limits

Even if your message is under GreenGeeks’ 50 MB size limit, your recipient’s email provider may have a stricter cap (often 25 MB).

To ensure guaranteed delivery to all providers, we recommend keeping attachments under 25 MB whenever possible.