USPS shipping rates vary depending on the package, service, and destination. Choosing the right service can help you avoid unnecessary postage costs.
This guide covers current USPS retail rates for common shipping services and explains how to estimate postage, compare service options, and avoid unexpected fees.
USPS rate update: The rates in this guide are based on USPS Notice 123, effective July 12, 2026. USPS also publishes separate Commercial prices, so rates through online postage providers may differ from retail prices at a Post Office.
Table of Contents
What Determines USPS Shipping Rates?
USPS uses different pricing rules for each mail class and service. For packages, the main factors include weight, dimensions, destination, and service.
Mail Class
Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, First-Class Mail, Media Mail, and international products have different pricing rules and delivery standards.
Weight
USPS generally charges more as a package gets heavier. Ground Advantage uses ounce-based pricing for packages up to 15.999 ounces and one-pound increments above that, up to 70 pounds.
Package Size and Dimensions
Package dimensions can also affect the price. Large packages may be subject to dimensional-weight pricing or additional fees.
For Ground Advantage and Priority Mail, parcels exceeding 1 cubic foot (1,728 cubic inches) can be charged based on the greater of actual or dimensional weight.
Distance and USPS Zones
For many package services, the destination affects the price. USPS uses zones based on the distance between the origin and destination ZIP Codes. In general, shipments traveling shorter distances cost less than similar shipments traveling farther.
Shipping Speed
The service you choose also affects the price. Ground Advantage generally takes 2–5 business days, Priority Mail generally takes 2–3 business days, and Priority Mail Express generally takes 1–3 calendar days under USPS service standards.
USPS Shipping Rates by Weight
The following tables show selected USPS retail prices effective July 12, 2026. They are intended as a quick reference rather than a complete replacement for the official USPS rate tables.
1. First-Class Mail: Letters and Flats
First-Class Mail is intended for letters, postcards, and large envelopes rather than typical packages.
Stamped Letters
| Weight | Retail Price |
| 1 oz | $0.82 |
| 2 oz | $1.11 |
| 3 oz | $1.40 |
| 3.5 oz | $1.69 |
Metered Letters
| Weight | Metered Price |
| 1 oz | $0.78 |
| 2 oz | $1.07 |
| 3 oz | $1.36 |
| 3.5 oz | $1.65 |
Large Envelopes (Flats)
| Weight | Price | Weight | Price |
| 1 oz | $1.69 | 8 oz | $3.72 |
| 2 oz | $1.98 | 9 oz | $4.02 |
| 3 oz | $2.27 | 10 oz | $4.32 |
| 4 oz | $2.56 | 11 oz | $4.62 |
| 5 oz | $2.85 | 12 oz | $4.93 |
| 6 oz | $3.14 | 13 oz | $5.24 |
| 7 oz | $3.43 |
USPS lists First-Class Mail letters at up to 3.5 ounces and large envelopes at up to 13 ounces. A large envelope that is rigid, nonrectangular, or not uniformly thick may instead be charged at parcel prices.
2. USPS Ground Advantage
USPS Ground Advantage is the main USPS ground shipping option for packages weighing up to 70 pounds. It generally takes 2–5 business days and includes USPS Tracking and $100 of included insurance.
For packages weighing 15.999 ounces or less, USPS uses ounce-based pricing. Packages over 15.999 ounces are priced in one-pound increments.
Ground Advantage Retail Rates
| Weight | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
| 4 oz | $7.90 | $8.05 | $8.15 | $8.30 | $8.60 | $8.75 | $8.95 | $9.45 | $9.45 |
| 8 oz | $7.90 | $8.05 | $8.15 | $8.30 | $8.60 | $8.75 | $8.95 | $9.45 | $9.45 |
| 12 oz | $9.55 | $9.95 | $10.20 | $10.60 | $10.95 | $11.35 | $11.95 | $12.90 | $12.90 |
| 1 lb | $9.55 | $9.95 | $10.20 | $10.60 | $10.95 | $11.35 | $11.95 | $12.90 | $12.90 |
| 2 lbs | $10.80 | $11.50 | $12.20 | $13.00 | $14.10 | $15.10 | $16.45 | $19.05 | $19.05 |
| 3 lbs | $11.30 | $12.00 | $12.65 | $13.70 | $14.95 | $16.45 | $18.95 | $22.40 | $22.40 |
| 4 lbs | $12.25 | $12.75 | $13.65 | $14.85 | $16.40 | $18.30 | $20.90 | $24.25 | $24.25 |
| 5 lbs | $12.95 | $13.55 | $14.55 | $15.80 | $17.45 | $19.60 | $22.40 | $26.05 | $26.05 |
These are USPS retail rates. Additional charges may apply to oversized, unusually shaped, or otherwise qualifying packages.
3. Priority Mail
Priority Mail is designed for shipments that need to arrive faster than Ground Advantage. USPS lists a general delivery standard of 2–3 business days, although delivery is not guaranteed.
Priority Mail pricing can be based on weight and zone, or you can use one of the available Flat Rate packaging options.
Priority Mail Retail Rates by Weight
| Weight | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
| 1 lb | $11.00 | $11.50 | $11.65 | $11.90 | $13.05 | $14.50 | $15.60 | $16.95 | $34.25 |
| 2 lbs | $11.95 | $12.65 | $13.45 | $14.35 | $16.85 | $18.15 | $19.45 | $21.55 | $42.40 |
| 3 lbs | $12.45 | $13.30 | $14.00 | $15.15 | $18.05 | $20.95 | $23.85 | $27.10 | $53.45 |
| 4 lbs | $13.45 | $14.05 | $15.05 | $16.35 | $20.75 | $25.35 | $28.40 | $31.85 | $62.95 |
| 5 lbs | $14.30 | $14.95 | $16.05 | $17.50 | $22.10 | $27.00 | $32.70 | $36.90 | $73.00 |
Priority Mail Flat Rate Prices
Flat Rate pricing can be useful when your item fits in the appropriate USPS packaging. The price does not change based on the destination zone.
| Packaging | Retail Price |
| Flat Rate Envelope | $12.90 |
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $13.25 |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $14.00 |
| Small Flat Rate Box | $13.65 |
| Medium Flat Rate Box | $24.80 |
| Large Flat Rate Box | $34.00 |
When comparing Flat Rate with weight-based Priority Mail, don’t assume Flat Rate is always cheaper. Compare the price for your package and destination before choosing.
4. Priority Mail Express
Priority Mail Express is USPS’s fastest domestic mail service and includes a money-back guarantee for qualifying shipments. USPS currently lists a delivery standard of 1–3 calendar days.
It is generally more expensive than Ground Advantage and Priority Mail, so it makes the most sense when delivery speed is more important than minimizing postage.
Priority Mail Express Retail Rates
| Weight | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 | Zone 4 | Zone 5 | Zone 6 | Zone 7 | Zone 8 | Zone 9 |
| 0.5 lb | $35.65 | $35.90 | $36.00 | $38.55 | $43.65 | $46.75 | $49.80 | $53.35 | $70.35 |
| 1 lb | $35.90 | $36.35 | $38.30 | $43.45 | $51.50 | $55.75 | $59.25 | $62.80 | $83.70 |
| 2 lbs | $36.25 | $37.55 | $41.40 | $49.10 | $59.85 | $65.10 | $68.95 | $72.45 | $96.65 |
| 3 lbs | $36.60 | $38.70 | $44.45 | $54.65 | $68.30 | $74.65 | $78.80 | $82.15 | $109.60 |
| 5 lbs | $37.80 | $41.05 | $50.55 | $65.85 | $85.00 | $93.40 | $98.35 | $101.50 | $135.70 |
Priority Mail Express Flat Rate
| Packaging | Retail Price |
| Flat Rate Envelope | $35.90 |
| Legal Flat Rate Envelope | $36.20 |
| Padded Flat Rate Envelope | $36.90 |
How to Choose the Right USPS Service
The cheapest option is not always the best option. Consider what you’re sending and how quickly it needs to arrive.
| USPS Service | Best For | General Delivery Standard |
| First-Class Mail | Letters and large envelopes | 1–5 business days |
| Ground Advantage | Most everyday packages | 2–5 business days |
| Priority Mail | Packages that need faster delivery | 2–3 business days |
| Priority Mail Express | Time-sensitive shipments | 1–3 calendar days |
USPS delivery standards can vary by destination and other circumstances.
Priority Mail and Ground Advantage are not guaranteed services, while Priority Mail Express has a guarantee subject to USPS terms and conditions.
How to Calculate and Reduce USPS Shipping Costs by Weight
To estimate and reduce your USPS shipping costs:
- Weigh the fully packed package and measure its length, width, and height.
- Use the smallest practical box to avoid unnecessary size-related costs.
- Choose the right USPS service based on your delivery needs, then compare the applicable weight and zone rates.
- Check for additional charges, including dimensional-weight or nonstandard-size fees.
- Compare Flat Rate options for Priority Mail, especially for heavier items that fit USPS Flat Rate packaging.
- Compare retail and eligible Commercial rates if you ship regularly for a business.
- Check the current USPS rates before purchasing postage, as prices can change.
What is the best solution to avoid these hassle calculations (Shipping Rates by Weight Chart)?
Virtual Mailbox! Yes, the best way to avoid the hassle of calculating shipping rates and wondering whether your mail and packages are worth shipping is using the Post Scan mail Virtual Mailbox.
Digital Mailbox has eased all the complications that come with traditional mailing services.
You get notified whenever you have a new mail; you’ll log into your account and decide how you want your mail to be handled – whether you want it to be opened and scanned, shredded, archived, or forwarded to your desired address.
This way, you’ll be able to control all mail from the comfort of your room and save a lot you’d have spent on shipping unnecessary mail.
