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How to Calculate USPS Postage Rates

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Sending letters may seem archaic but sending things through the mail is necessary for those who still send bills through the mail, as well as when it comes time to send greeting cards and packages for special occasions. Therefore, there comes the point when we need to learn how to calculate postage rates. When you're standing at the counter at the post office wondering how much postage do I need, it saves a lot of time if you have an idea of these calculations ahead of time.

Standard Mail Postage Rates

When you're calculating rates, under most circumstances, you'll be looking at the first class mail postage rate or US postage rates per ounce. Currently, first-class stamps are $.50 each, and there's a $.21 fee for each additional ounce as of January 21, 2018. If the envelope has a metal clasp, isn't machinable, is rigid on the outside, or is has almost a square shape, add another $.21.

Postage Rate by Weight

Here is where postage meter rates are in use most often. The main reason is that, in addition to measuring your package, the weight must also be taken. In doing so, you'll have an idea of what the postage package prices will be before going to the post office. Purchasing a small scale is optimal. However, it's possible to calculate the postage without a scale. Go to the United States Postal Service's website and click on "Postage Price Calculator." In doing so, you're determining the "Flat Rate" shipping for domestic packages. Enter the zip code of the package's destination, as well as your desired shipping time. When you hit continue, the rate should calculate.

Current Postage Rate Chart

When looking up this chart, it should contain information about rates for various size envelopes ranging from the regular mail postage rate to large envelope postage rates. If you find a printable postage rate chart, you can take it with you to the post office to use as a postage meter comparison for large envelopes or packages for which you have questions. The postage rates are going up next year, so it's essential that you get a new postage rate chart.

How to Use Printable Postage

You'll still need a postage price chart and postage meter prices when you're using printable postage. Your new postage rate chart will show you the postage rate first class letter, as well as postage rates for envelopes. If you want to send an international letter or package, you'll need to go to the post office and get postage for letter to Canada, for example. If you'd like to send a foreign letter, the postage is $1.15.