how much does it cost to mail a letter
In early 2026, mailing a basic 1‑ounce First‑Class letter within the U.S. costs about 78 cents in postage.
Quick Scoop: Current stamp price
- A standard First‑Class “regular” letter (1 oz, rectangular, machinable) uses the basic letter rate of 0.78 USD.
- This is the value of a current Forever Stamp, so one Forever Stamp covers most simple letters under 1 ounce.
- Each additional ounce adds about 0.29 USD.
Common letter-type prices (U.S.)
| Mail type | Typical use | Approx. 2026 price |
|---|---|---|
| First‑Class letter (1 oz) | Standard personal letter, bills | $0.78 | [1][3]
| Each extra ounce (letter) | Thicker / multi‑page letter | +$0.29 | [3][1]
| Domestic postcard | Short notes, small cards | $0.61 | [1][3]
| Large envelope / flat (1 oz) | Documents that won’t fold, magazines | $1.63 | [1]
| International letter (1 oz) | Letter from U.S. to another country | $1.70 | [3][1]
Why the price moves
USPS has been raising First‑Class rates regularly, often once or twice per year, with increases around a few percent each time. Because of that, guides for 2023 that mention about 66¢ per letter are now out of date.
Tiny story to picture it
Imagine you write a short note to a friend, pop it in a plain envelope, and drop it in the blue box with a single Forever Stamp. That one stamp—worth about 78 cents right now—pays for that letter’s entire trip across the country.
Quick tips before you mail
- If your letter feels heavy or thick, you may need extra‑ounce postage.
- Oddly shaped, rigid, or square envelopes can cost more than the basic letter rate.
- Rates can change, so it’s smart to double‑check on the USPS site or at a post office right before mailing.
TL;DR: For a normal 1‑page letter in a regular envelope inside the U.S., plan on one Forever Stamp (about $0.78) as of early 2026.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.