How Much Does It Cost To Mail A Letter?

Nick Leason

-Oct 20, 2025

Wondering how much it costs to mail a letter in the United States? The price varies depending on the size, weight, and destination. Generally, a standard-sized letter sent within the U.S. costs the least. Understanding these costs is essential for both personal and business correspondence, helping you budget for postage effectively and choose the most cost-efficient mailing options. Learn the ins and outs of postal rates, from basic stamps to international mail.

Key Takeaways

The cost to mail a standard letter within the U.S. using a Forever stamp is currently $0.68.
Additional postage is required for letters that are larger, thicker, or heavier than standard size.
International mail costs significantly more than domestic mail.
Postage rates are subject to change, so it's wise to check the USPS website for the latest prices.
Using online postage services can sometimes offer discounts.

Introduction

Sending a letter might seem like a simple task, but navigating the world of postage rates and options can sometimes feel confusing. Whether you're sending a birthday card to a friend, a bill to a client, or important documents, knowing the current cost to mail a letter is crucial. The United States Postal Service (USPS) provides various services, each with its own pricing structure. This guide breaks down the costs, factors, and best practices to help you mail your letters efficiently and affordably. — Does FedEx Print Custom T-Shirts?

What & Why

Why the Cost Matters

Understanding the cost of mailing a letter is important for several reasons. For individuals, it helps you budget for personal correspondence and avoid overspending on postage. For businesses, accurate postage cost knowledge is essential for managing expenses, especially if you handle a large volume of mail. It also helps you choose the most economical mailing options, such as using Forever stamps for standard letters or exploring discounted rates for bulk mail. — How To Watch The Detroit Lions Game Today

Factors Affecting the Cost

The cost to mail a letter is influenced by several factors:

Size and Shape: Standard letters (rectangular, not too thick) are the most affordable. Non-machinable or oversized letters cost more.
Weight: Heavier letters require more postage. The USPS has different weight categories with corresponding rates.
Destination: Domestic mail (within the U.S.) is cheaper than international mail.
Service Type: The USPS offers various services like First-Class Mail, Priority Mail, and Express Mail, each with different costs and delivery speeds.

Benefits of Knowing Postage Costs

Cost Savings: By understanding the rates, you can choose the most economical option.
Budgeting: It enables you to accurately budget for your mailing expenses.
Efficiency: Knowing the requirements helps you prepare your mail correctly, avoiding delays or extra charges.
Informed Decisions: You can make informed decisions about whether to use mail or electronic communication.

Risks of Not Knowing Postage Costs

Overspending: You might end up paying more than necessary.
Delayed Mail: Insufficient postage can lead to delays as the recipient may need to pay additional charges.
Undeliverable Mail: Mail with incorrect postage may be returned to sender.
Missed Opportunities: Businesses might miss out on cost-saving options.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Step-by-Step Guide to Mailing a Letter

Prepare Your Letter: Write your letter, insert it into an envelope, and seal it securely.
Address the Envelope: Clearly write the recipient's full name, address, city, state, and zip code on the front. Include your return address in the upper-left corner.
Weigh Your Letter: Use a kitchen scale or postal scale to determine the weight.
Determine Postage: Check the USPS website, use a postal calculator, or consult a postal clerk to determine the correct postage amount based on the weight, size, and destination.
Affix Postage: Attach the correct postage to the upper-right corner of the envelope. Forever stamps are a convenient option for standard letters.
Mail Your Letter: Drop your letter into a USPS collection box, hand it to a postal carrier, or take it to a post office.

Choosing the Right Postage

Forever Stamps: Ideal for standard-sized, lightweight letters. The price is always equal to the current First-Class Mail postage rate for a one-ounce letter.
Additional Postage: Needed for letters exceeding one ounce, non-machinable letters (e.g., square envelopes), and international mail.
Postal Calculator: Use the USPS online postal calculator to determine postage costs accurately.
Post Office Assistance: If you're unsure, ask a postal clerk for help.

Understanding USPS Services

First-Class Mail: The most common and affordable option for standard letters and postcards.
Priority Mail: Faster delivery for larger envelopes and packages, with tracking included.
Express Mail: The fastest service, offering overnight or next-day delivery.
Media Mail: A cost-effective option for books, educational materials, and recorded media.

Examples & Use Cases

Example 1: Mailing a Standard Letter

Scenario: You're sending a standard-sized letter (under 3.5 ounces) within the U.S.
Action: Use a Forever stamp.
Cost: $0.68 (as of the current rate).

Example 2: Mailing an Oversized Letter

Scenario: You're sending a letter that is thicker than standard size, like a greeting card with embellishments.
Action: Weigh the letter and check the USPS rates. You will likely need additional postage.
Cost: Varies based on weight, starting around $0.92.

Example 3: Mailing a Letter Internationally

Scenario: You're sending a letter to Canada.
Action: Weigh the letter, and check the USPS rates for international letters. You'll need international postage.
Cost: Varies significantly based on weight and destination, usually starting at $1.55 for a one-ounce letter to Canada.

Example 4: Businesses Using Bulk Mailing

Scenario: A company is sending a newsletter to a large mailing list.
Action: Explore bulk mailing options for potentially discounted rates. You may need to meet certain requirements for sorting and presorting your mail.
Cost: Depends on the volume, weight, and preparation, but can be significantly lower per piece than individual postage.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

Use Forever Stamps: They are always good, even if postage rates increase.
Weigh Your Mail: Always weigh your mail before affixing postage to avoid underpayment.
Address Clearly: Write the recipient's and your address clearly and legibly.
Keep Up to Date: Regularly check the USPS website for any rate changes or service updates.
Consider Tracking: For important documents, consider using a service with tracking to ensure delivery.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect Postage: Failing to affix the correct postage amount.
Illegible Addresses: Unclear or incomplete addresses can cause delays or non-delivery.
Using the Wrong Envelope: Non-machinable envelopes may require extra postage.
Ignoring Weight: Assuming a standard letter requires a single stamp, even when it's heavier or thicker.
Not Comparing Options: Choosing the first postage option without considering cheaper alternatives.

FAQs

How much does it cost to mail a letter with a Forever stamp? A: As of the current rate, a Forever stamp costs $0.68 for a standard-sized, one-ounce letter within the U.S.
How much does it cost to mail a letter internationally? A: The cost of international postage varies widely depending on the destination and weight. Generally, it starts at $1.55 for a one-ounce letter to Canada and can be higher for other countries.
Where can I find the most up-to-date postage rates? A: The official USPS website is the best source for the most current postage rates and service information.
Are there discounts for bulk mailing? A: Yes, the USPS offers discounted rates for bulk mailings, but you need to meet certain requirements for volume, sorting, and preparation.
Do I need a different stamp for a postcard? A: Yes, postcards have a different postage rate than letters. The current postcard rate is $0.53 using a postcard stamp.
What happens if I don't put enough postage on a letter? A: The letter may be returned to you, or the recipient may be required to pay the postage due upon delivery.

Conclusion with CTA

Understanding the cost of mailing a letter is essential for efficient and cost-effective communication. By following the guidelines and best practices outlined in this guide, you can ensure your letters reach their destinations without unnecessary delays or expenses. Remember to weigh your mail, check the current USPS rates, and consider the different services available. For more detailed information, visit the USPS website. Ready to send your next letter? Make sure you have the right postage! — Wildwood Crest, NJ Weather Guide

Last updated: October 26, 2023, 10:00 UTC