How Much Postage Do You Need for a 2oz Letter?

Sending mail might seem straightforward, but understanding postage requirements is important to ensure your items reach their destination without delay. The cost of postage is determined by factors such as the mailpiece’s weight, size, and shape. For items that weigh more than a standard letter, like a 2-ounce letter, specific postage amounts are necessary. This guide will help clarify the process for mailing items up to 2 ounces.

Determining Postage for a 2oz Letter

The cost to mail a 2-ounce letter via First-Class Mail is currently $1.07. This price reflects the standard rate for a 1-ounce First-Class Mail letter, which is $0.78, plus an additional $0.29 for the second ounce. These rates are effective as of July 13, 2025.

A “letter” for First-Class Mail purposes must meet specific dimensions to qualify for these rates. It should be rectangular, with a minimum size of 3.5 inches by 5 inches and a maximum size of 6.125 inches by 11.5 inches. The thickness must not exceed 0.25 inches, and the maximum weight allowed for a First-Class Mail letter is 3.5 ounces.

Certain characteristics can lead to additional charges, even if the letter is within the 2-ounce weight limit. Letters that are unusually shaped, such as square or vertical, or those that are lumpy, rigid, or have clasps, may be considered “nonmachinable.” These items often require manual processing and incur a nonmachinable surcharge. This surcharge applies regardless of the letter’s weight, meaning a nonmachinable 0.5-ounce letter could cost more than a machinable 2-ounce letter.

Weighing Your Mail

Accurately weighing your mail is an important step in ensuring correct postage is applied and avoiding potential issues. If a mailpiece is underpaid, it can either be returned to the sender, causing delays, or delivered to the recipient with postage due, which can be inconvenient for them.

Common household items like a kitchen scale can be used for weighing letters, though a dedicated postal scale often provides greater accuracy. When weighing, it is essential to include all components of the mailpiece, which means the contents, the envelope itself, and any closures or labels. This comprehensive approach ensures the total weight is accounted for.

A general guideline is to round up to the next full ounce if the weight is even slightly over an increment. For instance, if a letter weighs 1.1 ounces, it should be treated as a 2-ounce letter for postage calculation purposes. This practice helps prevent underpayment and ensures the mailpiece will not be delayed or returned due to insufficient postage.

Purchasing Postage

You have several convenient options for purchasing postage for your 2-ounce letter. The most traditional method is to visit a local United States Postal Service (USPS) Post Office, where you can purchase stamps and receive assistance with postage calculations. Many grocery stores, drug stores, and office supply stores also sell Forever stamps, offering an accessible alternative for basic postage needs.

For those who prefer to handle postage from home, the USPS website provides an online platform where you can purchase stamps and even print shipping labels with precise postage amounts. This digital option eliminates the need to combine multiple physical stamps for exact costs. Additionally, self-service kiosks are available at many post office locations, allowing individuals to weigh their mail and print postage without waiting in line.

Since there is no specific 2-ounce stamp, you will typically use a standard Forever stamp for the first ounce. To cover the additional ounce, you can purchase “additional ounce” stamps, which are designed to cover the incremental cost, or combine other lower-denomination stamps to reach the total $1.07 required for a 2-ounce letter.