Most people think that only envelopes or invitations need stamps, but did you know that even small packages can be sent with stamps? So, which packages are suitable for sending with stamps? What types of stamps can be used? How many stamps do I need to send a package?

Types of packages suitable for sending with stamps:

You can use USPS First-Class service to send domestic packages weighing up to 13 ounces. These packages must comply with the full size regulations, which means that the length and girth (height times 2 plus width times 2) of the package cannot exceed 108 inches. The postage for USPS First-Class packages depends on the weight and the zip code area. Currently, the postage for packages between 1 and 3.5 ounces is $4, and the postage for packages of 13 ounces is $7.05. You can choose to purchase First-Class stamps worth 60 cents or partial stamps worth 1 to 10 cents, or even higher value stamps. You need to choose the right postage based on the weight of the package and the delivery area, and you may need to pay extra postage if only certain types of stamps are available.

Types of stamps that can be used to mail packages:

In principle, any type of stamp can be used to mail packages as long as the postage is sufficient. For just $0.60, you can send a one-ounce package to anywhere in the United States, with an estimated delivery date of 1-3 days. The first $0.60 applies to packages up to 1 ounce, and each additional ounce costs $0.24, up to 3.5 ounces.
Depending on your needs, mail can be divided into three standard mail classes: Ground Mail, Priority Mail, and First Class Mail. When choosing the most suitable mail class, consider the weight of the mail and the time it takes to reach the destination. For example, items sent via Grand Mail (standard mail) are usually delivered within 2-8 business days, which is the most economical and affordable shipping method. With Priority Mail, delivery is guaranteed within 1-3 days, regardless of the weight (up to 70 pounds), and only a fixed fee is required. The United States Postal Service has also issued Monument Valley and Palace of Fine Arts stamps as priority mail and express mail stamps for your convenience when ordering directly.

First Class Mail also usually ships within 1-3 days, but the weight limit of the item is 13 ounces. Items weighing more than a certain amount of grams will cost extra. You can usually ship with Forever stamps alone or with a combination of Forever and smaller denominations. You can choose between a 2-ounce stamp worth 84 cents or a 3-ounce stamp worth $1.08.
As for how many stamps you need to send a small package, you need to determine the amount of postage based on the weight of the package and the destination, and affix the appropriate number of stamps. If you use Forever stamps, you can use some of them to make up the postage without the need for additional larger denominations.
For example, if the calculator shows a package worth $5.04 and you only have 60-cent Forever stamps, you would need to divide $5.04 by $0.60, which is about 8.4 stamps. If you can’t find enough stamps, you can use 9 Forever stamps ($5.40 total) or 8 Forever stamps ($4.80 total) plus a 24-cent stamp to pay for the postage.

You can buy regular and some stamps at post offices, on the USPS website, or at stamp shops like Stamps-forever.com.
For some USPS First Class packages, you may see the mail carrier pick up or put them in a USPS mailbox without having to go to the post office in person. However, please note that USPS may return packages with insufficient postage, which may cause shipping delays. Therefore, please double-check that you have used enough stamps.

Save time and effort with the USPS Shipping Calculator

If you know the shipping zone and weight of your package, you can determine the postage by accessing the USPS rate table online. To avoid calculation errors, it is recommended to use the USPS Shipping Calculator to get accurate prices.
Visit USPS.com and select “Calculate Price” in the “Quick Tools” menu. Enter the zip code of your destination and delivery location, and select the option to calculate the price based on the shape and size of your package. Enter the weight of your package and select the “Package” or “Large Package” option depending on the size of your package. USPS may ask for specific dimensions, and then display the price table where you can find the price of first class shipping.