How to Calculate Postage Rates Without a Postage Scale
If you're trying to calculate postage rates at home, there's no need to run out and buy a postage scale. Sure, it might seem like a must have - but you can easily figure out how much the USPS will charge to mail a package without one. Read on for how to calculate US postage rates without a postage scale.
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Instructions
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To get an accurate postage rate, you'll need to have your box or envelope packed and sealed just as it's going to be shipped.
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Take your kitchen scale and calibrate it so the needle is slightly to the right of zero. This will ensure that even if you miscalculate the weight slightly, you'll still have enough postage to get your package to its destination.
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Place your box, envelope, or tube onto your makeshift postage scale. Make sure it's not being supported by anything other than the scale.
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When the needle stops moving, write down the weight of the package. It's always a good idea to round up to the nearest ounce. If the package weighs 13 ounces or less you can mail it First Class Mail (using stamps). If it weighs more than 13 ounces, you'll have to ship it another way through USPS such as Express Mail, Parcel Post or Priority Mail.
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If you're shipping something in a box, you'll also need to determine its size. Use a measuring tape and measure the length, width and height of the box. Write down these dimensions, too.
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Use the USPS postage rate online calculator (see the link in the Resources Section) to figure out how much it will cost to ship your mail. Once you're on the website enter the destination (US or International), starting and ending zip code, mailing date and weight.
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If you're shipping anything other than a box, select the correct package type. If you're shipping a box, but aren't sure if it's considered a "package" or "large package" select "large package" as the type. You'll have an extra step (before seeing the list of postage rates) where you can enter your box's exact dimensions.
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Once you click the "continue" button you'll get a list of USPS postage rates for your package. Double check the criteria for First Class Mail Package Rates. These are still cheaper than Priority mail, but may be slightly higher than first class postage.
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If you meet the USPS criteria for First Class Mail, you can put the correct amount of stamps on your package and drop it in a blue mailbox to be mailed. Remember, each stamp is .42 (until May 11, 2009). For example, if the postage cost for your package is $2.70 you'll need seven First Class Stamps.
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If your package requires a higher class mail to be shipped through the US Postal Service you can purchase and print the postage online. You can determine which postage rate meets your needs by deciding how quickly you need the USPS to get you mail to its destination.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have a tape measure, measure the length, width and height of your box or envelope with a piece of string or yarn. Then compare the string to a ruler to determine the dimensions of the box you're shipping.
Resources
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Comments
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Simple question? Not here. I would like the cost of each ounce without going through all this rigamarole. I have a postage scale but NO rates since 2014l.
