How Many Stamps Do I Need? (Buying Guide)

Q: How many stamps do I need?

There's no easy answer to how many stamps your mail item needs because it's dependent on many different things, such as weight, size, and the receiver's location. In most cases, a single postage stamp will suffice to mail a letter. That changes for irregularly shaped envelopes, heavy envelopes, or oversized envelopes.When figuring out how many stamps you need to mail your letter or postcard, your postage costs will depend on the shape and size of your mail. If your envelope isn't flat, it won't fit in automated processing equipment, and you will be charged more. Standard letters. If your letter is a standard-sized envelope and weighs 3.5 ounces or less, you will need one stamp. Large envelopes. This includes 9x12, legal, and manila envelopes, Two stamps are needed for the first ounce, and postage will be an additional $0.20 cents after. International mail. For mail going outside of the United States, you can use Forever Stamps or a Global Forever Stamp. If your letter is one ounce or below, you will need one Global Forever stamp or three Forever Stamps. Packages. The number of required stamps depends on the weight and size of the package. Usually, the first four ounces need a minimum of $4.79 in postage, with more postage as weight increases. Shipping costs vary depending on weight, or you can purchase a priority mail box, which ships at a flat rate if it fits inside the USPS-produced boxes. It's not just the weight that matters. All postcards and envelopes must be rectangular. If you're sending square-shaped stationery or a specialty envelope, you should put an extra stamp on it.Still not sure? The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has a postage price calculator here.

Q: How many Forever Stamps do I need?

Forever Stamps, created in 2007, are postage not tied to a fixed price, so they remain valid to mail letters even when rates increase. Basically, they are stamps with grandfathered pricing.If you have Forever Stamps, you calculate them as worth the current postage rate, even if you bought them before the rate increased.

Q: How many stamps are in a book?

The standard stamp book for first-class mail postage includes 20 first-class stamps that can be applied to envelopes and also on first-class postage. You can also purchase Forever Stamps, which also have 20 stamps in a book. Each year the USPS releases a 64-page book called Collective Stamp Book.

Q: How much is a postage stamp?

Postage costs depend on the mail item size. Stamp prices for standard postage start at $0.54 for the standard-sized, rectangular postcard; the cost of a stamp for a regular envelope starts at $0.68; oversized postcards need stamps that start at $0.58; and oversized, square, or unusual envelope stamps start at $0.88. For large envelopes and small packages, prices range between $1.16 and $4.50. You will pay extra for nonstandard packages.

When figuring out how many stamps you need to mail your letter or postcard, your postage costs will depend on the shape and size of your mail.

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Miles Almadrones

Miles is a legal writer and content marketing specialist with a background in operations management and logistics. He has worked with small businesses, professional services, and startups in industries ranging from telemedicine to consumer products. Based in St. Petersburg, FL, Miles earned his B.A. from the University of Tampa. Learn more about him on LinkedIn.

How many stamps do I need?

For most standard letters, you need one stamp. Non-flat envelopes won't fit in automated processing equipment and cost more to mail. Here's what you need based on mail type.

Mail type	Stamps needed	Details
Standard letters	1 stamp	Standard-sized envelope, 3.5 ounces or less
Large envelopes	2 stamps (first ounce)	Includes 9x12, legal, and manila envelopes; add $0.27 per additional ounce
International mail	1 Global Forever or 3 Forever Stamps	For letters one ounce or below
Packages	Varies by weight	Typically first 4 oz. requires minimum $5.40 in postage; flat rate Priority Mail boxes available

Ultimately, the number of stamps you need depends on your mail's size, weight, and destination. Keep in mind that all postcards and envelopes must be rectangular. Additionally, square-shaped or specialty envelopes require an extra stamp.

Still not sure how many stamps you need? The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has a postage price calculator.

How many Forever Stamps do I need?

Calculate Forever Stamps at the current postage rate, regardless of when you purchased them. One Forever Stamp equals one standard first-class stamp.

Forever Stamps, created in 2007, aren't tied to a fixed price and remain valid even when rates increase. This grandfathered pricing protects you from future price hikes.

Where to buy stamps online

You have multiple options for purchasing stamps:

Online. USPS.com offers the full stamp collection, while retailers like Stamps.com let you buy and print postage from home.
In-person. Visit your local post office, gas station, grocery store, or pharmacy to purchase stamp books.
By phone. Call 1-800-STAMP-24 to order stamps directly from USPS.

How much is a postage stamp?

Current stamp prices vary by mail type.

Postcards: $0.61 for standard-sized, rectangular postcards
Regular envelopes: $0.78 per stamp
Large envelopes and small packages: From $1.27

You can also check your local post office for the most accurate pricing based on what you're trying to mail.

How many stamps are in a book?

A standard stamp book contains 20 first-class stamps. Forever Stamp books also include 20 stamps per book.

If you're a stamp enthusiast, be sure to look out for collectible stamp editions released by the USPS throughout the year.

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This article is for informational purposes. This content is not legal advice, it is the expression of the author and has not been evaluated by LegalZoom for accuracy or changes in the law.

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