Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to help determine if you need 1 or 2 stamps:
- If your letter weighs 1 ounce or less, you only need 1 stamp.
- If your letter weighs more than 1 ounce up to 3 ounces, you need 2 stamps.
- Use a postage scale to weigh your letter and make sure you have the right amount of postage.
- The current price of a 1st class stamp is $0.58, so 2 stamps would be $1.16.
- Oversized or thicker envelopes may cost more than regular letters even in the 1-3 ounce range.
What Determines the Number of Stamps
The number of stamps you need on a letter is determined by the weight of the envelope and its contents. The basic U.S. postage rate covers envelopes up to 1 ounce in weight. If your envelope weighs more than that, you’ll need to add additional postage.
Here are some key weight limits to be aware of:
- 1 stamp for a 1 ounce letter
- 2 stamps for over 1 ounce up to 3 ounces
- 3 stamps for over 3 ounces up to 6 ounces
- 4 stamps for over 6 ounces up to 9 ounces
So if your envelope with letter inside weighs 1.5 ounces for example, you would need 2 first class stamps. The easiest way to know you have proper postage is to weigh your letter on a small postal scale.
Current Postage Rates
As of January 2023, here are the current USPS postage rates for standard size 1 oz envelopes:
- Postcard stamp: $0.48
- 1 ounce letter stamp: $0.63
- 2 ounce letter stamp: $1.26
- 3 ounce letter stamp: $1.89
So 2 first class stamps would equal $1.26 in postage currently. Rates normally go up a few cents each year, so be sure you are using the most current postal prices.
Using a Postal Scale
A postal scale takes the guesswork out of determining how much postage you need. You simply place your sealed, stamped envelope on the scale platform and it shows the weight digitally or with an adjusted dial. Scales can be purchased for under $10 and are a great investment if you regularly need to mail letters, cards, bills, or other envelopes.
Some things to keep in mind when using a scale:
- Make sure scale is on a flat, level surface for accurate weighing
- Always weigh with a complete, sealed envelope
- Round weight up to the nearest whole ounce
- Reset or recalibrate scale between weighings for consistency
Digital scales will make the rounding and calibration automatic for you. If using a dial scale, you’ll need to reset it to zero each time before weighing. This ensures you get an accurate, up-to-date reading.
Oversized Envelope Postage
The standard letter rates apply for envelopes up to 6.125 x 11.5 inches in size. Anything larger in width or height, thicker than 0.25 inches, or oddly shaped may be considered oversized by USPS and require additional postage.
Some things that require extra postage beyond regular letters include:
- Square envelopes over 6 x 6 inches
- Envelopes over 1/4 inch thickness
- Heavy invitations or cards
- Small packages under 13 ounces
Make sure to weigh and measure your oversized envelopes and packages to determine proper postage. The USPS Postage Price Calculator can also estimate the cost when you enter dimensions and weight online.
Using Stamps on Packages and Large Envelopes
For small packages and large envelopes up to 13 ounces, you can use regular stamps for the appropriate postage amount. Make sure to weigh your item to determine how many stamps it requires.
Here are some tips for paying postage on packages:
- Use a postal scale to weigh package accurately
- Calculate required postage based on weight
- Round weight up to nearest whole ounce
- Place stamps evenly over seams and edges
- Use extra sealing tape over stamps
- Include return address on package
- Insure valuables or fragile items
The advantage of using stamps on small packages is you can mail them from your own mailbox. But for heavier packages over 13 ounces, you’ll need to take them to the post office for special pricing.
How Postage Stamps Work
Postage stamps work by indicating prepayment of the fee to mail a letter or package. They come in different denominations like $0.58 for a 1 ounce letter or $0.35 for a postcard. When you affix the proper amount in stamps to your envelope and drop it in a collection box or at the post office, it can be processed and delivered.
Key facts about how stamps work:
- Must be applied directly to envelope, box, or package
- Unused stamps never expire and remain valid postage
- Damaged or defective stamps may not be accepted
- Stamps denote different rates for domestic or international mail
- Coupon stamps for discounts require a qualifying service
As long as you use undamaged stamps totaling the current applicable rate, your letter or package will be delivered. Stamps allow the post office to receive payment upfront before processing and transporting your mail.
Purchasing Stamps
There are a few convenient ways to purchase US postage stamps when you need them:
- Buy stamps at post office locations
- Purchase from stamp vending machines
- Order online through USPS.com or other retailers
- Buy sheet stamps from grocery stores or other shops
- Get stamps through a mail carrier or your local post office
The post office and its website have the largest selection of stamp designs and denominations. You can also setup a USPS online account to order stamps and have them shipped to your address.
Many grocery stores, pharmacies, office supply stores, and other retailers sell individual stamps or booklets. This provides easy access when you need an emergency stamp and can’t get to the post office.
Tips for Using Postage Stamps
Follow these tips when selecting, applying, and using postage stamps on your mail:
- Pick readable denominations – Avoid hard to read decorative stamps when using multiple stamps.
- Apply carefully – Use care not to bend, wrinkle, or overlap stamps.
- Include return address – Be sure your name and address appear on the envelope.
- Watch for deals – Take advantage of discounts on sheet, booklet, or coil stamps.
- Store safely – Keep unused stamps in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Weigh unfamiliar mail – Use scale if unsure what postage is needed.
- Add extras for thick mail – Heavier envelopes may require additional postage.
- Visit USPS.com – Check the post office website for current rates.
With proper weighing and stamp application, you can ensure your letters and packages are correctly posted. Ask for help at the post office counter if you have any doubts or questions.
Common Questions
How can I buy a single stamp?
Single stamps can be purchased from vending machines at the post office, ATMs that dispense stamps, grocery/convenience stores that sell stamps, eBay sellers that specialize in single stamps sales, or your local letter carrier.
How do I know that I have used enough stamps?
The best way to ensure you have used enough postage is to weigh your letter or package on a postal scale. Compare the weight to current USPS rates to determine the exact stamps needed. Using too few stamps means postage due for the recipient.
What happens if I use the wrong amount of postage?
If you use fewer stamps than required, the recipient may have to pay the postage due to receive the underposted mail. Using more stamps than needed is not a problem, though the extra postage is essentially wasted.
Can I reuse stamps that haven’t been cancelled?
No, reusing uncancelled stamps is illegal per federal law. Damaged or unusable stamps should be marked through and discarded. Never attempt to soak off and reuse stamps.
How are stamp rates determined?
The United States Postal Service governing board reviews operations costs annually and approves any changes to postage rates. Rates must generate revenue matching the Postal Service expenses and maintain affordable mailing options.
What’s the best way to send something that needs more than one stamp?
For multi-stamp mailings, it is best to use a larger denominated stamp like a $1.20 instead of multiple smaller stamps. This prevents stamps from overlapping and machines from missing postage value.
Using Postage Meters and Online Postage
In addition to traditional postage stamps, there are some other options for paying postage on your mail items:
- Postage Meters – Rented machines that print exact postage directly onto envelopes or labels. Great for business, especially high volume mail.
- Online Postage – Services like Stamps.com allow printing postage from your computer to adhere to packages. More convenient than buying sheets of stamps.
- Postage Apps – Apps like Postmaster, ship.com, and others provide digital stamp purchasing and tracking services.
These alternatives work great in many situations but standard stamps are still needed occasionally. Metered mail may require extra non-denominated stamps if over 1 ounce for example.
Conclusion
Understanding modern postage rates and how stamps work can save you time and confusion when mailing letters and packages. The best approach is to invest in an inexpensive postal scale, weigh everything you mail, and apply the exact stamps required. This ensures proper delivery and avoids hassles for recipients. With some simple preparation, you can send and receive mail with ease.
