The cost to mail a letter depends on the type of letter, weight, size and shape, destination, class of service, tracking, discounts, and additional services.
Here are the costs to mail a letter using the United States Postal Service (USPS). Please note that these costs are subject to change. Hence, it is better to consult your local post office or postal company you are using.
USPS Mailing Costs
Cost of First-Class Stamps
- Letter Stamps: Standard-sized, rectangular envelopes from $0.63, square, oversized, or unusual envelopes from $1.03
- Postcard Stamps: Standard-sized, rectangular postcards from $0.48
- Global Forever® (International): Standard-sized, rectangular envelopes from $1.45
Domestic Prices
Priority Mail Express®:
- From $28.75 at the Post Office™
- From $24.90 for Commercial Pricing
Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Envelope:
- $28.75 at the Post Office
- $24.90 for Commercial Pricing
Priority Mail Express Open & Distribute® Service:
- See your USPS® sales agent for Commercial pricing
Priority Mail®:
- From $9.35 at the Post Office
- From $7.64 for Commercial Pricing
Priority Mail Flat Rate® Envelope:
- $9.65 at the Post Office
- $8.05 for Commercial Pricing
Prepaid Forever Priority Mail Flat Rate:
- See pricing at USPS website
Priority Mail Open & Distribute® Service:
- See your USPS® sales agent for Commercial pricing
Priority Mail Return® Service:
- From $7.64 for Commercial Pricing
First-Class Mail®:
- From $0.63 at the Post Office
- From $0.471 for Commercial Pricing
First-Class Package Service®:
- From $4.75 at the Post Office
- From $3.59 for Commercial Pricing
First-Class Package Return® Service:
- From $3.59 for Commercial Pricing
USPS Marketing Mail®:
- From $0.183 for Commercial Pricing
- Every Door Direct Mail – Retail®
- $0.189 for Flats up to 3.3 oz
Parcel Select®:
- From $3.78 for Commercial Pricing
Parcel Select Lightweight®:
- From $2.46 for Commercial Pricing
USPS Connect™ Local (available in select ZIP Codes™)
- From $3.95 online with Click-N-Ship® service
USPS Retail Ground®:
- From $8.95 at the Post Office
Ground Return Service:
- From $6.99 for Commercial Pricing
Media Mail®:
- From $3.65 at the Post Office
- From $2.32 for Commercial Pricing
Bound Printed Matter:
- Varies
Library Mail:
- From $3.47 at the Post Office
- From $2.20 for Commercial Pricing
Periodicals:
- Varies
International Prices
Global Express Guaranteed®:
- From $71.10 at the Post Office™
- From $67.55 for Commercial Base®
- From $67.55 for Commercial Plus®
Priority Mail Express International®:
- From $56.00 at the Post Office
- From $53.07 for Commercial Base
- From $53.07 for Commercial Plus
Priority Mail Express International Flat Rate:
Envelopes
- From $54.75 at the Post Office
- From $51.98 for Commercial Base
- From $51.98 for Commercial Plus
Priority Mail International®:
- From $42.10 at the Post Office
- From $39.53 for Commercial Base
- From $39.53 for Commercial Plus
Priority Mail International Flat Rate:
Envelopes
- From $30.35 at Post Office
- From $28.57 for Commercial Base
- From $28.57 for Commercial Plus
Small Flat Rate Boxes:
- From $31.45 at Post Office
- From $29.64 for Commercial Base
- From $29.64 for Commercial Plus
Medium Flat Rate Boxes:
- From $60.55 at Post Office
- From $56.10 for Commercial Base
- From $56.10 for Commercial Plus
Large Flat Rate Boxes:
- From $74.00 at Post Office
- From $69.10 for Commercial Base
- From $69.10 for Commercial Plus
First-Class Mail International®:
- Letters and postcards from $1.45 for all countries
- Large Envelopes (Flats) from $2.90 for all countries
First-Class Package International Service®:
- From $15.75 at the Post Office
- From $14.96 for Commercial Base
- From $14.96 for Commercial Plus
Airmail M-Bags:
- From $55.00
International Priority Airmail®:
- Varies
International Surface Air Lift®:
- Varies
International Business Reply® Service:
- From $2.00 per piece
Factors That Affect Letter Mailing Cost
Weight
The weight of the letter plays a significant role in determining the cost. Heavier letters or packages cost more to send than lighter ones.
Size and shape
Letters or packages that are larger or have irregular shapes may require additional postage due to the added difficulty in processing and handling.
Destination
Sending a letter or package to a different country or a remote area can be more expensive than mailing it to the same country or region. International mail often has higher postage rates due to the increased transportation costs and customs procedures.
Class of service
The mailing cost also depends on the class of service chosen, such as First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, or Priority Mail Express. Faster delivery services typically cost more.
Tracking and additional service
Adding services like tracking, insurance, or signature confirmation can increase the cost of mailing a letter or package.
Discounts
Some discounts may be available for bulk mailings or specific mailing services, like pre-sorting or using certain mailing software. These discounts can lower the overall cost of mailing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know that an envelope needs extra postage?
To determine if an envelope needs extra postage, consider the following factors.
- Weight: Standard First-Class Mail letters in the U.S. can weigh up to 1 ounce at the base postage rate. If your letter exceeds 1 ounce, you must add extra postage for each ounce or fraction.
- Size and shape: Envelopes that exceed the standard dimensions (typically 11.5 inches in length, 6.125 inches in height, and 0.25 inches in thickness) or have non-machinable characteristics (e.g., square, rigid, or with clasps, strings, or buttons) may require additional postage. Check the postal service’s guidelines for specific size and shape requirements.
- Destination: If you’re mailing a letter to another country, you’ll need to use international postage rates, which are higher than domestic rates.
How many stamps do I need to mail a letter?
The number of stamps needed to mail a letter depends on the required postage, based on weight, size, shape, and destination. Here’s a general guide for mailing a standard First-Class letter within the U.S.
- For a 1-ounce letter, you’ll need one “Forever” stamp.
- For each additional ounce or fraction thereof, you’ll need to pay extra for additional ounces).
To determine the number of stamps required for international mail or non-standard letters, use an online postage calculator or consult your local post office for assistance. Always check the current postage rates, as they may change over time.