How much postage do I use by weight?

Decoding the Ounce: A Simple Guide to Letter Postage

Sending a letter might seem straightforward, but figuring out the correct postage can sometimes feel like a small puzzle. No one wants their carefully crafted correspondence returned for insufficient postage! Thankfully, deciphering the world of letter postage is simpler than you think. This guide will break down the cost by weight, ensuring your letters reach their destination smoothly and without any postal hiccups.

The key to calculating letter postage lies in understanding the relationship between weight (measured in ounces) and the corresponding cost. The United States Postal Service (USPS) operates on a tiered system:

The Basic Breakdown:

• The First Ounce: For any letter weighing one ounce or less, you’ll need to apply $0.73 worth of postage. This covers the cost of processing and delivering your letter across the country. Think of it as the base fee for your letter’s journey.

• Each Additional Ounce: Beyond that initial ounce, each additional ounce will cost you $0.28. So, if your letter weighs more than one ounce, you’ll add this increment for every ounce (or fraction thereof) up to the maximum weight limit for letter postage.

Putting It Into Practice:

Let’s say you have a letter that weighs 2 ounces. Here’s how you would calculate the postage:

• First Ounce: $0.73
• Second Ounce: $0.28
• Total Postage: $0.73 + $0.28 = $1.01

Therefore, you would need to apply $1.01 worth of postage to your 2-ounce letter.

Important Considerations:

• The 3.5 Ounce Limit: The USPS limits the weight of a letter sent via First-Class Mail to a maximum of 3.5 ounces. If your letter exceeds this weight, it will no longer be considered a “letter” and will be subject to package pricing, which is significantly higher.

• Non-Machinable Letters: Certain characteristics can make a letter “non-machinable,” meaning it can’t be processed by automated sorting equipment. This includes items that are rigid, lumpy, or unevenly shaped. Non-machinable letters also require additional postage. Examples include letters with buttons, clasps, or those that are overly thick.

• Forever Stamps: The beauty of Forever Stamps is that they always equal the current price of a one-ounce First-Class Mail letter. So, even if the postage rate increases, your Forever Stamp remains valid for sending a one-ounce letter. If you need more than one ounce of postage, you can supplement with additional stamps to reach the correct amount.

• Double-Checking is Key: When in doubt, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and use slightly more postage than you think you need. An underpaid letter is likely to be returned, delaying its arrival. You can also take your letter to your local post office and have a postal worker weigh it and determine the exact postage required.

In conclusion, understanding the postage-by-weight system for letters is crucial for ensuring your mail arrives on time and without complications. Remember the $0.73 base rate for the first ounce and the $0.28 increment for each additional ounce, keeping in mind the 3.5-ounce weight limit. With a little attention to detail, you can confidently navigate the world of letter postage and keep your correspondence flowing smoothly.