Guide
How much does it cost to mail a letter?
As of May 31, 2026, a standard 1-ounce domestic First-Class Mail letter costs $0.78 with a USPS Forever stamp. That is the postage-only cost when you already have the printed letter, envelope, address, and stamp. (USPS First-Class Mail)
Published May 31, 2026
Estimate online mailing cost
Use the calculator when you want the full online mailing total, including printing, envelope prep, postage, and proof options.
Quick answer
It costs $0.78 to mail a standard 1-ounce domestic letter yourself with USPS postage as of May 31, 2026. Add $0.29 for each additional ounce up to 3.5 ounces, add $0.49 if the letter is nonmachinable, or pay flat/package prices if the envelope is too large, thick, rigid, or lumpy. PostalForm starts higher because it includes printing, envelope preparation, postage, and carrier handoff.
| Mailing scenario | Starting cost as of May 31, 2026 | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| USPS 1 oz stamped letter | $0.78 | Postage only for a standard domestic rectangular letter. |
| USPS 2 oz standard letter | $1.07 | 1 oz letter postage plus one additional-ounce charge. |
| USPS 3 oz standard letter | $1.36 | 1 oz letter postage plus two additional-ounce charges. |
| USPS 3.5 oz standard letter | $1.65 | 1 oz letter postage plus three additional-ounce charges. |
| USPS square, rigid, lumpy, or clasped letter | $1.27+ | 1 oz postage plus the nonmachinable surcharge. |
| USPS large envelope or flat | $1.63+ | Flat postage for a larger flexible envelope. |
| PostalForm one-page online letter | $3.40+ | Printing, address-page handling, envelope prep, postage, and handoff. |
USPS letter cost table
Use this table for ordinary domestic First-Class Mail letters inside the United States. USPS says a 1-ounce letter is roughly four regular sheets of 8.5 x 11 inch paper in a standard rectangular envelope. (USPS How to Send a Letter or Postcard)
| Letter type | USPS postage-only cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard rectangular letter, 1 oz | $0.78 | One current Forever stamp. |
| Standard rectangular letter, 2 oz | $1.07 | $0.78 plus $0.29 additional ounce. |
| Standard rectangular letter, 3 oz | $1.36 | $0.78 plus $0.58 additional ounces. |
| Standard rectangular letter, 3.5 oz | $1.65 | $0.78 plus $0.87 additional ounces. |
| Nonmachinable letter | Add $0.49 | Applies to square, rigid, lumpy, vertical, clasped, string-tied, or button-closed letters. |
| Large envelope or flat, 1 oz | Starts at $1.63 | Use when the mailing cannot fit or fold into a standard letter envelope. |
USPS Notice 123 is the official price list and was effective April 26, 2026 at the time this guide was checked. (USPS Notice 123)
What changes the cost of mailing a letter?
The cost changes when the letter stops being a simple 1-ounce rectangular envelope.
| Cost driver | Why it changes the price | Practical check |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Each additional ounce for letters up to 3.5 ounces adds postage. | Weigh the sealed envelope, not just the pages. |
| Shape | Square, vertical, rigid, lumpy, or clasped envelopes can be nonmachinable. | If the envelope is not a normal flat rectangle, assume it may cost more. |
| Size | Large envelopes and flats start at a higher price than letters. | If you do not fold the pages, check flat pricing. |
| Extra services | Certified Mail, Return Receipt, insurance, or signature services cost extra. | Use these when proof matters; do not assume a stamp creates tracking. |
| Online print-and-mailing | PostalForm includes the labor and fulfillment steps that a stamp does not cover. | Use this when you do not want to print, address, stamp, and drop off the letter. |
USPS postage versus PostalForm cost
The USPS postage number answers: "What does postage cost if I prepare the letter myself?"
PostalForm answers a different question: "What does it cost to get this digital letter printed and mailed for me?"
| Task | USPS yourself | PostalForm |
|---|---|---|
| Print the letter | You | Included |
| Prepare the envelope | You | Included |
| Apply postage | You | Included |
| Drop off or hand to USPS | You | Included through provider handoff |
| Review price before sending | You calculate weight, shape, and services | Calculator and checkout show the estimate/quote |
| Add proof options when eligible | USPS counter or eligible service path | Available at checkout for qualifying mail |
Use USPS directly when you already have the printed letter, envelope, postage, and time to mail it. Use PostalForm when the document starts digital and you want the physical mailing handled online.
How much does Certified Mail add?
Certified Mail is not included in the price of a stamp. It is an extra service for eligible USPS mail. Use Certified Mail cost breakdown when you need current Certified Mail, Return Receipt, and online-mailing totals.
For a quick PostalForm estimate, use the pricing calculator, select First Class, then turn on Certified Mail and electronic return receipt if you need signature evidence.
Watch the July 2026 USPS price change
USPS announced proposed July 12, 2026 price changes that would increase the 1-ounce First-Class Mail Forever stamp price from $0.78 to $0.82 if favorably reviewed. This guide uses the May 31, 2026 current price. Recheck USPS before mailing after July 12, 2026. (USPS proposed July 2026 prices)
Sources
FAQs
- How much does it cost to mail a letter in 2026?
- As of May 31, 2026, USPS lists a 1-ounce domestic First-Class Mail Forever stamp at $0.78. That covers a standard rectangular letter that is 1 ounce or less.
- How much does it cost to mail a 2-ounce letter?
- A standard domestic 2-ounce letter costs $1.07 in USPS postage as of May 31, 2026: $0.78 for the first ounce plus $0.29 for the additional ounce.
- How much does it cost to mail a 3-ounce letter?
- A standard domestic 3-ounce letter costs $1.36 in USPS postage as of May 31, 2026.
- How much does it cost to mail a large envelope?
- USPS First-Class large envelopes, also called flats, start at $1.63 for 1 ounce as of May 31, 2026.
- Why does PostalForm cost more than a stamp?
- A stamp only pays postage for a letter you prepare yourself. PostalForm includes printing, envelope preparation, postage, fulfillment routing, and the selected mailing options.
- Does one stamp include tracking?
- No. Ordinary First-Class letter postage does not include tracking. Add Certified Mail or another eligible USPS extra service when you need proof.
- Is the USPS stamp price changing in July 2026?
- USPS proposed raising the 1-ounce Forever stamp price to $0.82 on July 12, 2026, subject to review. Check USPS before mailing after that date.
- Where can I estimate the full online mailing cost?
- Use the PostalForm pricing calculator when you want printing, envelope prep, postage, and optional proof services included in one estimate.
Ready to send it?
Use the calculator when you want the full online mailing total, including printing, envelope prep, postage, and proof options.