As we all know stamps are needed to mail a letter or envelope in the US. One of the most important questions that many people ask when mailing a letter through USPS or another carrier is How much does it cost to mail a large envelope? Well, it depends on many factors, but most importantly, it depends on your envelope or letter’s overall weight and the address to which you are mailing your letter.
However, for a standard letter, you need First Class or a Forever stamp. The other common question which most people ask is, “Can you put stamps on a large envelope? You can put stamps on a large envelope as well as a short envelope as long as you have met USPS’s weight restrictions.
For mailing a large envelope, you have to pay $1.00 for the first ounce, and for each additional ounce, you have to pay $0.20. Lastly, the number of stamps one needs normally depends on the letter’s size, weight, class, and the address you want to mail the letter to.
It is important to weigh your envelope before sending it so that you know the accurate number of stamps. Continue reading to learn more about how many stamps do I need per oz, mailing procedures, and many more.
Let’s five into the article.
Table of Contents
How Many Stamps Do I Need Per Oz?
As mentioned earlier, the number of stamps needed depends on the envelope’s weight, size, and the address to which you are mailing your letter. However, for a standard-sized letter (9” x 12”), you have to put a First Class or a Forever stamp. Make sure to attach the stamp to the envelope’s top-right corner.
The current price of the domestic Forever stamp is $0.55. You have to pay $0.55 for the first ounce and for each additional ounce you need to pay $0.20. Lastly, the number of stamps also increases if the weight of the envelope increases.
If you want to know more details about how many stamps do I need, click here.
How Many Stamps Do I Need for 2 Oz?
If you want to mail a 2 oz letter, there are two options available for you. You can mail your letter with a domestic Forever stamp and a 20-cent additional ounce stamp that total cost is $0.75. The other option for you is to attach two domestic forever stamps. However, it is a bit expensive and you will have to pay almost $0.35 more than the first one.
How Many Stamps Do I Need for 3 Oz?
If you want to mail a 3 oz letter, there are also two options available. You can mail your letter with a domestic Forever stamp and two 20-cent additional ounce stamps that total cost is $0.95. Moreover, the other option is to put two Forever stamps, but in this case, you will have to pay an additional 0.15.
How Many Stamps Do I Need for 3.5 Oz?
For mailing a 3.5 oz letter, you need one domestic Forever stamp, a 36-cent postcard stamp, and a 10-cent stamp that costs up to $1.01. However, if you want to use two Forever stamps for mailing a letter, then you have to pay additional 9 cents.
If you are in a hurry, here is a quick overview of how many stamps I need to mail a letter:
| Standard Requirements | Alternative Requirement | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight of the Letter | Required number of Domestic Forever Stamps | Additional Requirement | Required number of Domestic Forever Stamps |
| 1 oz | 1 | none | none |
| 2 oz | 1 | 20-cent additional ounce stamp for $0.75 | 2 for $1.10 |
| 3 oz | 1 | 20-cent additional ounce stamps for $0.95 | 2 for $1.10 |
| 3.5 oz | 1 | 36-cent postcard stamp + 10-cent stamp for $1.01 | 2 for $1.10 |
How Many Stamps Do I Need for a Large Envelope?
The USPS (United States Postal Service) classifies large envelopes as Flats. Large envelopes are normally used for sending legal paper sheets, photos, etc. If you want to mail a 9 ½” x 15” envelope that weighs up to 1 oz, you will need two Forever stamps for a total cost of $1.10. However, there will be additional fees for each additional ounce.
Moreover, if you wish to mail a Manila envelope that weighs up to 1 oz, you will need two Forever stamps. The Manila envelope has the same postage requirements as the 9 ½” x 15” and 9” x 12” envelopes.
If you want to know more about the 9” x 12” envelope, click here.
How Many Stamps Do I Need for a Package?
We have discussed how many stamps you need for a letter, now it’s time to discuss how many stamps are needed for a Package. One or two postage stamps are accepted for a package weighing less than 12 ounces (0.75 pounds).
However, the accurate number of stamps needed is calculated based on the dimensions, destination, origin, and weight of the package. For more information about the cost of the postage, please click here.
How to Calculate the Weight and Cost of the Mail Item?
There are two methods which you can use to calculate the postage cost. The first one is to calculate the cost of postage by using the Postage price calculator. The online calculator is also available on the official website of the USPS.
The online calculator will help you in computing the postage cost. For using a USPS calculator, click here.
The other way to calculate the cost of the postage is by visiting the nearest Post office. The staff available at the post office will weigh your package and calculate the postage cost for you.
If you don’t know how to use a Postage price calculator, or how to weigh letters or packages at the Post office, continue reading for more in-depth details.
1st Method – Calculating Postage Cost with a Postage Calculator
Calculating postage costs with a postage calculator is the quickest and simplest way. It can save you effort as well as time. Furthermore, it is quite easy to use; follow the following steps to know the accurate amount of the postage.
- Measure the width and length of the package or envelope by using using a ruler or measuring tape. The size of the item is very essential in calculating the amount of postage.
- Weigh the package or envelope if it has gifts, photos, etc.
- In the next step, choose the mail class. There are three types of mail classes including Priority, Ground, and the First Class. For choosing the mail class consider weight and delivery time for your envelope.
- After that, type the information regarding your envelope except for weight, size, class. The other details include your postal code, your destination’s postal code, and the shipment’s date and time.
After entering the above information, the tool will automatically calculate the postage price for you. After getting the price, fix the stamps on the envelope. Always use Forever Stamps for Standard-sized Mail Items.
The good thing about this tool is that it works with nearly all kinds of shipments. Furthermore, you can use it to estimate the price of postcards, flat rate envelopes, boxes, and many more.
2nd Method – Calculating Postage Cost with a Postage Calculator
If the item is heavy and requires more than one stamp, then you should take that item to the Post Office. Be sure to securely close the envelope or package flap. Always take the sealed item to the Post Office.
Moreover, write the address on your package or letter neatly. If you don’t have envelopes, stamps, etc. you can buy them at the Post office so you don’t have to worry about it.
After visiting the Post Office, take the package to the employee available at the office and ask him/her to weigh the package to know the accurate postage cost. He/she will weigh your package on the scale and may require some other information including, postal code, class through which you want to mail package, and item’s destination. After providing the above information, he/she will give the amount of Postage within minutes.
After knowing the amount of postage, fix the stamps on the envelope. It is best to bring your already bought stamps as they will be cheaper than buying separately.
Our Verdict
To conclude here, the number of stamps you need typically depends on the letter’s size, class through which you want to mail the letter or package, weight, and the address to which you are mailing your letter.
However, normally you will need a First Class or a Forever stamp to send a standard letter. Moreover, for other letters, you need more depending on the letter’s weight and size. Lastly, it is best to weigh the letter or package before fixing the stamps so that you know the correct number of stamps.
FAQ’s