The True Cost Of Sending A Letter: 7 Critical USPS Stamp Prices You Need To Know In Late 2025
As of December 22, 2025, the price of a single First-Class Mail Forever stamp is $0.78 (78 cents). This current rate is the result of the most recent price adjustment implemented by the United States Postal Service (USPS) on July 13, 2025, marking a five-cent increase from the previous rate of $0.73. Understanding this cost is crucial, but it's only the starting point for navigating today's complex mailing landscape. The price you pay for postage depends heavily on the type of mail, its weight, and its destination.
The consistent, mid-year price hikes have made it essential for consumers and businesses to stay updated. A single Forever stamp covers the cost of a standard 1-ounce letter sent anywhere within the United States. However, if your letter is heavier, larger, or destined for an international address, the postage required will be significantly higher. This comprehensive guide breaks down the seven most critical USPS postage rates you need to know right now to avoid mail returns and overpaying.
The 7 Most Important USPS Postage Stamp Prices (Effective July 13, 2025)
The following table and breakdown reflect the official rates for First-Class Mail services, which are the most common services used by the public. These prices are current and have been in effect since the summer 2025 rate change. Knowing these specific entities is the key to accurate mailing.
| Mail Type/Service | Weight Limit | Current Price (as of 12/2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Forever Stamp (Standard Letter) | 1 ounce (oz) | $0.78 |
| Additional Ounce Surcharge | Each additional oz (up to 3.5 oz) | $0.29 |
| Domestic Postcard Stamp | Maximum size | $0.61 |
| Global Forever Stamp (International Letter) | 1 ounce (oz) | $1.70 |
| First-Class Flat/Large Envelope | 1 ounce (oz) | $1.63 |
| Non-Machinable Surcharge (for odd-shaped letters) | Added to base postage | $0.49 |
| Metered Mail (Commercial Rate) | 1 ounce (oz) | $0.74 |
1. The Standard: Forever Stamp Price ($0.78)
The single most searched rate is the price of the Forever Stamp. As of late 2025, one Forever stamp costs $0.78. This stamp is designed to simplify mailing, as it is always valid for the First-Class Mail rate of a 1-ounce letter, even if the price of postage increases in the future. This feature is why they are called "Forever" stamps and why they are the most popular choice for consumers.
2. The Heavy Letter Conundrum: Additional Ounce Cost ($0.29)
Many people struggle with letters that weigh slightly more than one ounce. The cost for each additional ounce is currently $0.29 (29 cents). This is a crucial number to remember because simply adding another Forever stamp ($0.78) would be a significant overpayment for a 2-ounce letter. The most cost-effective way to mail a heavier letter is to use one Forever stamp ($0.78) plus a $0.29 stamp (often called an "additional ounce stamp" or "make-up rate stamp"), totaling $1.07 for a 2-ounce letter.
3. International Mail: Global Forever Stamp Price ($1.70)
Sending a letter or postcard abroad requires a higher rate. The cost to mail a 1-ounce letter to any country in the world is covered by the Global Forever Stamp, which is currently priced at $1.70. Like its domestic counterpart, the Global Forever Stamp retains its value regardless of future international rate increases, making it a safe investment for those who frequently send mail overseas.
Understanding the Rate Increases: Why Stamps Cost More
The USPS has been implementing regular, often bi-annual, price increases in recent years. The increase to $0.78 in July 2025 was the latest in a series of adjustments aimed at generating revenue to offset rising operating costs and declining mail volume. The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) reviews these proposed changes, which are part of the USPS's 10-year financial stability plan.
The cost hike is driven by several key factors (entities):
- Inflation: General economic inflation increases the cost of everything from fuel for delivery vehicles to employee wages.
- Declining Mail Volume: As digital communication (email, texting) replaces traditional letters, the volume of First-Class Mail continues to drop, forcing the USPS to raise per-piece prices to maintain service levels.
- Infrastructure Costs: The USPS is constantly upgrading its processing facilities, delivery fleet, and technology, which requires significant capital investment.
- Statutory Mandates: The USPS operates under specific financial mandates from Congress, requiring it to cover its operating costs primarily through postage and fees.
These increases affect all mail classes, including Media Mail, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage. The goal is to ensure the long-term financial health of the Postal Service.
Advanced Mailing Scenarios: Flats, Non-Machinable, and Books of Stamps
Mailing goes beyond the standard 1-ounce letter. Topical authority requires an understanding of these specific, yet common, mailing scenarios.
How Many Stamps for a 2-Ounce Letter?
As detailed above, a 2-ounce letter costs the base 1-ounce rate plus the additional ounce surcharge. The calculation is simple: $0.78 + $0.29 = $1.07. You should use one Forever stamp and a single $0.29 stamp. Do not use two Forever stamps, as that would cost $1.56, wasting $0.49.
The Cost of a Book of Stamps (20 Stamps)
A standard book of Forever stamps contains 20 individual stamps. Based on the current $0.78 rate, the price of a book of stamps is $15.60 (20 stamps x $0.78). While some specialty booklets or third-party retailers might charge a slight premium or a processing fee, the official USPS price for a standard book is $15.60.
Understanding First-Class Flats (Large Envelopes)
A "Flat," also known as a large envelope, is mail that exceeds the dimensions of a standard letter but is not thick enough to be considered a package. This includes 9x12 envelopes, large brochures, and magazines. The rate for a 1-ounce First-Class Flat is significantly higher than a letter, currently $1.63. Each additional ounce for a Flat costs $0.29, the same as a letter.
The Non-Machinable Surcharge
If your letter is rigid (e.g., contains a CD or a key), square, or has an uneven thickness, it cannot be processed by the automated sorting machines (it is "non-machinable"). The USPS charges a Non-Machinable Surcharge of $0.49 on top of the base postage. If your 1-ounce letter is non-machinable, the total postage required is $0.78 + $0.49 = $1.27.
Tips for Saving Money on Postage in Late 2025
With stamp prices consistently on the rise, savvy mailing practices can lead to significant savings, especially for small businesses and frequent mailers. Here are the top three strategies:
- Buy Forever Stamps Now: The single best way to hedge against future price increases is to buy Forever stamps in bulk. Since they are always valid for the current 1-ounce rate, buying them today at $0.78 means you save the difference on every future rate hike.
- Use Metered Mail: Businesses and individuals who use an approved postage meter or online postage service (like Stamps.com or Pitney Bowes) receive a discount. The metered mail rate for a 1-ounce letter is $0.74—a $0.04 savings per letter compared to the $0.78 stamp price.
- Weigh Your Mail Accurately: Avoid the costly mistake of adding a second Forever stamp to a slightly heavy letter. Invest in a small, inexpensive postal scale to ensure you only apply the exact $0.29 additional ounce postage required.
Staying informed about the current USPS rates and using the correct postage for different types of mail—from a simple domestic postcard to a complex international letter—is the most effective way to manage your mailing budget in the current economic climate.
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