What's the SPF record for Gmail?

For Google Workspace: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all. For personal Gmail, you don't need an SPF record since you're sending from @gmail.com, which Google handles.

How do I combine multiple ESPs in one SPF record?

Add multiple include statements in a single record: v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:sendgrid.net include:servers.mcsv.net ~all. Keep the same v=spf1 at the start and ~all at the end.

What if my ESP isn't listed here?

Check your ESP's documentation under 'Email Authentication' or 'Domain Setup.' Every reputable ESP provides their SPF include statement. If you can't find it, contact their support.

Should I use ~all or -all in my SPF record?

Start with ~all (softfail) while setting up. Once you've verified all senders are included and email flows correctly, switch to -all (hardfail) for stricter protection.

Can I use ip4 instead of include?

Yes, but it's not recommended. Using ip4:xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx hardcodes IP addresses that may change. Include statements follow the ESP's published record, which they keep updated.

SPF Record Examples for Every Major ESP

Email Provider SPF Records

Google Workspace

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com ~all

This covers all Google Workspace email sending, including Gmail and Google's mail servers.

Microsoft 365

v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com ~all

Covers Exchange Online and all Microsoft 365 email services.

Zoho Mail

v=spf1 include:zoho.com ~all

For Zoho Workplace and Zoho Mail business accounts.

Transactional Email Services

SendGrid

v=spf1 include:sendgrid.net ~all

Mailgun

v=spf1 include:mailgun.org ~all

Postmark

v=spf1 include:spf.mtasv.net ~all

AWS SES

v=spf1 include:amazonses.com ~all

Resend

v=spf1 include:resend.com ~all

SparkPost

v=spf1 include:sparkpostmail.com ~all

Mailjet

v=spf1 include:spf.mailjet.com ~all

Brevo (formerly Sendinblue)

v=spf1 include:spf.sendinblue.com ~all

Marketing Platforms

Mailchimp

v=spf1 include:servers.mcsv.net ~all

Klaviyo

v=spf1 include:_spf.klaviyo.com ~all

ActiveCampaign

v=spf1 include:emsd1.com ~all

HubSpot

v=spf1 include:_spf.hubspot.com ~all

Drip

v=spf1 include:_spf.getdrip.com ~all

Kit (ConvertKit)

v=spf1 include:spf.convertkit.com ~all

Constant Contact

v=spf1 include:spf.constantcontact.com ~all

Campaign Monitor

v=spf1 include:cmail1.com ~all

MailerLite

v=spf1 include:_spf.mlsend.com ~all

Omnisend

v=spf1 include:spf.omnisend.com ~all

GetResponse

v=spf1 include:_spf.getresponse.com ~all

CRM and Sales Tools

Salesforce

v=spf1 include:_spf.salesforce.com ~all

Pipedrive

v=spf1 include:spf.pipedrive.com ~all

Close.com

v=spf1 include:_spf.close.com ~all

Intercom

v=spf1 include:email.intercom.io ~all

Zendesk

v=spf1 include:mail.zendesk.com ~all

Freshdesk

v=spf1 include:email.freshdesk.com ~all

Cold Email Tools

Instantly

v=spf1 include:_spf.instantly.ai ~all

Smartlead

v=spf1 include:_spf.smartlead.ai ~all

Lemlist

v=spf1 include:_spf.lemlist.com ~all

Apollo.io

v=spf1 include:_spf.apollo.io ~all

Woodpecker

v=spf1 include:wdpr.io ~all

Combined Examples

Most domains need multiple senders. Here are common combinations:

Google Workspace + Marketing ESP

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:servers.mcsv.net ~all

Microsoft 365 + Transactional + Marketing

v=spf1 include:spf.protection.outlook.com include:sendgrid.net include:_spf.klaviyo.com ~all

Google Workspace + HubSpot + SendGrid

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:_spf.hubspot.com include:sendgrid.net ~all

Agency Setup (Multiple Services)

v=spf1 include:_spf.google.com include:sendgrid.net include:mailgun.org include:servers.mcsv.net ~all

Practitioner note: This four-include record uses 4 of your 10 DNS lookups, but each include can trigger nested lookups. Always verify your total lookup count with a tool like MXToolbox after combining multiple senders.

Verifying Your Combined Record

After creating your SPF record:

Check syntax: No spaces around colons, one v=spf1 at the start, one ~all or -all at the end
Check lookup count: Use MXToolbox or dmarcian to verify you're under 10 lookups
Test authentication: Send test emails and check headers for spf=pass

Practitioner note: I've seen agencies create SPF records with 6-7 includes, not realizing they're at 15+ lookups when you count nested includes. SendGrid alone can use 3-4 lookups. Always check the total count before going live.

For SPF syntax details, see the SPF record syntax guide. For the lookup limit, see the 10 DNS lookup limit guide. If you're combining multiple senders and running into lookup limits, see our SPF flattening guide or contact us for a deliverability audit.

Sources

Google Workspace Admin Help: Authorize email senders with SPF
Microsoft 365: Set up SPF
SendGrid: SPF Records Explained
Mailgun: Verifying Your Domain
RFC 7208: Sender Policy Framework

v1.0 · March 2026