How to Calculate Domestic Postage Rates

Domestic postage rates are the fees you pay to send something through the United States Postal Service (USPS). The USPS sets the rates and increases them based on production costs. Calculations for postage rates include the type of envelope or box the postage is in and the weight of the envelope or the box.

Instructions

1. Prepare the item for mailing and weigh the item. Calculate the weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh a letter, it may be 3 ounces.

2. Determine the method of shipping and calculate the postage. For First Class mail, as of 2010, it costs 44 cents for the first ounce and 17 cents for each additional ounce. Express Mail starts at $13.65, and Priority Mail starts at $4.90. Both of these options are available in flat-rate boxes. Parcel Post starts at $4.90, Media Mail costs $2.38 per pound, and Library Mail starts at $2.26.

   For example, if you want to send your 3-ounce letter via First Class mail, it would cost 44 + 17 + 17 = 78 cents.

3. Add any fees for additional services. A certificate of mailing costs $1.15, insurance starts at $1.75, registered mail starts at $10.60, certified mail costs $2.80 and collect on delivery starts at $5.50. For example, if you want to send your letter certified, it would cost 78 cents plus $2.80, which totals $3.58.

References

• United States Postal Service: Prices
• United States Postal Service: Postage Price Calculator
• CNN: Cost of Stamps to Go Up 2 Cents