USPS Postage Calculator 2026
USPS raised rates Oct 4, 2026: a Forever stamp is now $0.82. Enter what you're mailing, letters by weight, postcards, Certified Mail, for exact postage and how many stamps to lick on.
First-class flat-size rules: 1 oz = $0.82 (metered $0.78). Each additional ounce adds $0.29, up to 3.5 oz. Over 3.5 oz or non-machinable (rigid, square, lumpy) gets a larger-size/large-envelope rate, the tool flags it.
The Oct 4, 2026 rate table
| Item | Stamp price | Metered |
|---|---|---|
| Letter, 1 oz | $0.82 | $0.78 |
| 2 oz | $1.11 | $1.07 |
| 3 oz | $1.40 | $1.36 |
| 3.5 oz | $1.69 | $1.65 |
| Postcard | $0.65 | $0.61 |
| Certified Mail (fee) | $5.55 + postage | $5.55 + postage |
| Book of 20 Forever | $16.40 | — |
| EDDM retail (per piece) | $0.260 | — |
Rates from USPS Notice 123, price change effective October 4, 2026 (stamp $0.82, +$0.29 per additional ounce; postcard $0.65; Certified Mail fee $5.55). Verified Nov 2026 against the USPS Notice 123 and industry rate trackers. Commercial/online prices (Ground Advantage etc.) differ, this tool covers First-Class Mail stamps.
Frequently asked
How many stamps for a standard letter?
One Forever stamp ($0.82) covers a square-enveloped letter up to 1 ounce, that's 4–5 sheets of paper. Add $0.29 for each extra ounce, so 2 oz costs $1.11.
What if I put a Forever stamp on after a price increase?
Forever stamps always cover the current 1-oz letter rate, even ones bought years ago. No extra stamp needed for the Oct 2026 increase.
Is Certified Mail just the $5.55 fee?
No, Certified is the $5.55 fee plus the normal postage for the piece (about $6.37 total for a 1-oz letter). Return receipt adds $4.40.