How Many Stamps Do You Need Per Ounce?
How many stamps do you need per ounce?
One Forever stamp can be placed on an envelope weighing nor more than one ounce. For each additional ounce you would need an additional $0.21 of postage. You technically can just put multiple Forever stamps on an envelope, but you would most likely be over paying for postage if for example your envelope only weighed two ounces. So when it comes to how many stamps do you need per ounce, it is not a 1:1 stamp per ounce ratio.
A Forever Stamp is a non-denominational first class stamp that guarantees its usage no matter what the current price of postage is. For example if you bought one 2013 for $0.41, you can still use it in 2019 despite the fact postage costs more. If you only are using one to mail a letter, the total weight of the letter, envelope, and stamp, cannot exceed one ounce. If you want an idea of how much one ounce is, its equivalent to a pair of standard dice.
The three most popular forever stamp products are the American flag, the purple heart, and Love (a must have for wedding invites). You can find other pictures on them such as fireworks, flowers, the Statue of Liberty, the Liberty Bell, and some seasonal choices like a snowflake. These stamps are of course available at your local post office, but there are other retail locations that sell Forever stamps.
Do Greeting Cards Weighing More Than Ounce Need More Than One Forever Stamp?
Yes. The weight cannot be more than ounce. If it is you are subject to pay additional postage. My best advice is to have it weighed at the postal service so that you don’t overpay for postage. For some throwing on two stamps and eating the couple extra cents you will pay is probably no big deal. For others you’ll want to all pay for the weight you are sending. If you are buying postage stamps at a local retailer you are probably not going to bother having it weighed and so how many stamps do you need per ounce may not matter to you.
What is the Maximum Size of an Envelope for First Class Mail?
The max size is 11 ½ inches x 6 1/8 inches x 1/4 inch thick. Something this size would be considered a standard envelope. If you that go over these dimensions or it weighs more than 3.5 ounces, it gets a rate as a flat (costs a little more).
What is the Maximum Size of a First Class Flat?
The max size of a flat is 12 inches x 15 inches x 2.5 inch thick. This is what is called a first class flat. Large Envelopes (flats) that are larger than the max dimensions, are rigid, non-rectangular, or not consistently thick, are charged parcel prices.
The 13 Ounce Rule
You should be aware that if you are mailing any item letter, flat, or parcel that has stamps on it you MUST bring it into a post office and visit the counter to be mailed. The reason is to stop people from mailing malicious items because postage stamps are not able to be tracked to the person who mailed a package. This means you can’t use a drop box for anything over 13 ounces.
Do First Class Flats Have to Be Flexible?
Yes. Large envelopes need to have some flexibility to them and cannot be more than 3/4 of an inch thick. This is because it needs to run through a AFSM Flat sorter machine, which only allows for a certain thickness. If your large envelope exceeds 15 inches x 12 inches x 3/4 inch thick it is considered a parcel and priced accordingly (cost a little more).
Can You Get Forever Stamps at a Discount
Finding stamps on sale is difficult, but not impossible. Normally grocery stores will offer occasional discounts on them. The savings isn’t huge, but if you are buying multiple books it can add up. The normal discount you can find is about 4% savings. There is some great ways to save money on stamps if you know where to look.
Can a Forever Stamp Be Used on International Mail?
International mail is subject to different rates. a ounce letter being sent internationally costs $1.15. Your normal Forever stamp does not cover enough postage for the shipping. USPS however does offer the Global Forever stamp. These cost $1.15 a piece and work the same way the regular ones do. If the price goes up two years from now, the Global stamp you purchased is still accepted as long as your envelope doesn’t exceed one ounce.
Can You Buy Forever Stamps Online?
Yes and actually this has become more popular than getting them from the post office. While you won’t get any discounts, you can save yourself the hassle of driving to your local post office. You can buy Forever stamps online from Amazon. They usually arrive to you in about 48 hours.
How Many Stamps Do You Need Per Ounce – Conclusion
The first first class stamp always cover the first ounce. Any additional ounces are always at a cheaper rate. So if you are wondering, how many stamps do you need per ounce, its not a 1:1 ratio. Some folks think its one Forever stamp per ounce. This leads to over paying for postage. Make sure you weigh you packages or envelopes and apply the proper amount of postage.
