How much does it cost to mail a letter in 2026?
Quick answer: since July 12, 2026, mailing a standard 1-ounce letter in the US costs 82 cents, the price of one Forever stamp. Each additional ounce is 29 cents. A postcard costs 65 cents, and a 1-ounce letter to any other country costs $1.75.
2026 USPS letter prices
| Item | Price from July 12, 2026 | Previous price |
|---|---|---|
| First-Class letter, 1 oz (Forever stamp) | $0.82 | $0.78 |
| Metered letter, 1 oz | $0.78 | $0.74 |
| Each additional ounce | $0.29 | $0.29 |
| Domestic postcard | $0.65 | $0.61 |
| International letter, 1 oz (Global Forever) | $1.75 | $1.70 |
Source: USPS price change announcement. Prices usually change in January and/or July, so check usps.com before large mailings.
How many stamps do I need?
| Letter weight | Postage | Stamps needed |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 oz | $0.82 | 1 Forever stamp |
| Up to 2 oz | $1.11 | 1 Forever + 29¢ in extra postage (or 2 Forever stamps) |
| Up to 3 oz | $1.40 | 1 Forever + 58¢ (or 2 Forever stamps) |
| Up to 3.5 oz | $1.69 | 1 Forever + 87¢ (or 3 Forever stamps) |
Letters over 3.5 oz are charged as large envelopes (flats), which cost more. Using whole Forever stamps instead of exact postage is simpler but overpays.
A standard letter with up to about four or five sheets of regular paper in a normal envelope usually weighs under 1 ounce. A kitchen scale helps; see grams to ounces. 1 ounce is 28.35 grams.
Forever stamps keep their value
A Forever stamp always covers a 1-ounce domestic letter, whatever you paid for it. Stamps bought at 73 or 78 cents still work today. Buying before a price increase saves a little money.
When a letter costs more
- Square, rigid or lumpy envelopes (a card with a bow, a key, a pen) cannot go through sorting machines and need a nonmachinable surcharge.
- Envelopes larger than 6 1/8 x 11 1/2 inches or thicker than 1/4 inch are charged as large envelopes.
- Extra services such as Certified Mail cost more. See certified mail vs registered mail.
Letter size limits
| Minimum | Maximum | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 3 1/2 in | 6 1/8 in |
| Length | 5 in | 11 1/2 in |
| Thickness | 0.007 in | 1/4 in |
Sending mail abroad
A Global Forever stamp covers a 1-ounce letter to any country. Heavier letters and packages need a customs form and a different price. See how to ship a package internationally and how to address an envelope for international address format.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a stamp in 2026? 82 cents for a Forever stamp since July 12, 2026.
Can I use two old stamps? Yes. Forever stamps are always valid; older stamps with a printed value count for that face value.
How much does it cost to mail a birthday card? 82 cents if it is a standard rectangle under 1 oz. Square cards need extra postage.