How to Calculate on a Postage Scale

Calculate weight to determine the amount of postage for your envelopes.

Most postal scales do not calculate the cost of postage for the item you want to send. Instead, most simply determine the weight of a package. You need to then calculate the cost of postage based on the weight of the package and how you plan to ship it. If you need help calculating the cost of postage, the United States Postal Service provides free postage calculators on its Website. Enter your zip code, the recipient's zip code, the weight of the item and the type of package you wish to send.

Instructions

1. Prepare the item for sending. You need to calculate the weight of the item after it is in the envelope, box or package you are using to send it.

2. Place the item on the scale. Most postal scales determine weight in ounces. The price of first-class mail is determined by ounce: 44 cents for the first ounce and 17 cents for each additional ounce. You need to determine the number of ounces to calculate the cost. For example if your envelope weighs two ounces, you need to include 61 cents: 44 cents plus 17 cents equals 61 cents.

3. Add any additional service fees for certificate of mailing ($1.75), insurance from $1.75, registered mail from $10.60, certified mail $2.80 and collect-on-delivery from $5.50.

References

• United State Postal Services: Postage Price Calculator
• United States Postal Service: Postage Price Calculator: Extra Services