How Many Stamps Do I Need for a Manila Envelope in 2024? The Complete Guide
If you‘ve ever had to mail an important document like a contract, tax form, or confidential file, you‘ve probably reached for a classic manila envelope. With their distinctive tan-yellow color and durability, manila envelopes are the go-to choice for mailing sensitive information.
But if it‘s been awhile since you‘ve mailed one, you may be wondering: how many stamps do I need to send a manila envelope through USPS these days?
This question gets tricky because postage stamps needed depends on the size and weight of your particular manila envelope. Get it wrong, and your recipient could receive an envelope with insufficient postage, leading to delays or additional fees.
I‘ll walk through the latest USPS postage rates for manila envelopes in 2024 and provide a foolproof guide to picking the right amount of stamps.
USPS Divides Manila Envelopes into Two Categories
Based on size, the United States Postal Service groups manila envelopes into:
Small manila envelopes: 5”x7”, 6”x9”, and other envelopes meeting the size requirements for standard letter mail.
Large manila envelopes: 9”x12”, 10”x13”, and other envelopes classified by USPS as “flats” or “large envelopes.”
Size matters because USPS charges different postage rates depending on which category your manila envelope falls into.
According to USPS data, approximately 65% of all manila envelopes mailed weigh 1 ounce or less. But it’s still essential to know the rates for heavier envelopes to avoid insufficient postage.
Let’s break down the postage costs for each envelope size category.
Postage Rates for Small Manila Envelopes
For standard letter-sized manila envelopes like 5”x7” or 6”x9”, here are the current postage rates as of January 2023:
| Weight | Postage Rate | Stamps Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 oz | $0.63 | 1 Forever Stamp |
| 1.1 – 2 oz | $0.83 | 1 Forever Stamp + 1 Additional Ounce Stamp |
| 2.1 – 3 oz | $1.03 | 1 Forever Stamp + 2 Additional Ounce Stamps |
| 3.1 – 3.5 oz (max) | $1.23 | 1 Forever Stamp + 3 Additional Ounce Stamps |
As you can see, a small manila envelope weighing 3.5 oz or less can be mailed with Forever Stamps, as long as you add enough additional 1-ounce stamps to cover the weight.
Postage Rates for Large Manila Envelopes
For 9”x12”, 10”x13”, and other envelopes classified as large envelopes or “flats”, here are the current 2023 postal rates:
| Weight | Postage Rate | Stamps Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1 oz | $1.16 | 2 Forever Stamps |
| 1.1 – 2 oz | $1.36 | 2 Forever Stamps + 1 Additional Ounce Stamp |
| 2.1 – 3 oz | $1.56 | 2 Forever Stamps + 2 Additional Ounce Stamps |
| 3.1 – 4 oz | $1.76 | 2 Forever Stamps + 3 Additional Ounce Stamps |
Large manila envelopes require a minimum of 2 Forever Stamps to mail if under 1 ounce. Heavier envelopes need additional postage.
Picking the Right Postage – A Quick Comparison
To visualize the postage difference between small and large manila envelopes, here‘s a quick table:
| Envelope Size | 1 oz Rate | 2 oz Rate | 3 oz Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (5"x7", 6"x9") | $0.63 | $0.83 | $1.03 |
| Large (9"x12", 10"x13") | $1.16 | $1.36 | $1.56 |
As you can see, large manila envelopes cost almost twice as much to mail for the same weight, compared to small envelopes.
The reason? Large flats have higher processing costs for USPS, so they pass those costs along in higher postage rates.
Weighing Manila Envelopes – Don‘t Guess, Use a Scale!
The weights and postage rates above make it clear – you can‘t determine the stamps needed for a manila envelope by eyeballing it.
You need to use an accurate digital kitchen, shipping, or postage scale to weigh your manila envelope before applying any stamps.
Don‘t assume a 9" x 12" manila envelope will weigh less than 1 ounce. Depending on the contents, it could weigh 2, 3 or more ounces.
Putting insufficient postage on a manila envelope creates hassles for the recipient, who then has to pay extra fees before they can receive their mail. It also bogs down the USPS mail stream, since underpaid envelopes have to be pulled and marked postage due.
So do yourself (and your recipient) a favor – invest in a digital scale, and always weigh your manila envelopes first before deciding on postage.
Metered Postage vs Stamps for Manila Envelopes
While you can mail manila envelopes using Forever Stamps, most businesses prefer using a postage meter to print the exact postage rate on envelopes.
Postage meters provide an imprint that looks more professional than stamps. They also prevent any chance of applying the wrong postage amount to a manila envelope.
Many online shipping platforms like Stamps.com or PirateShip provide virtual postage meters you can use to print metered postage for manila envelopes right from your desk. No trips to the Post Office needed!
Mailing Overweight Manila Envelopes
What if your manila envelope exceeds the maximum weights listed earlier for small and large envelopes?
Small envelopes over 3.5 oz will incur the large envelope rate.
Large envelopes exceeding 4 oz are considered "oversized" and will be charged at an even higher special service rate.
For heavyweight documents and files requiring a manila envelope, it often makes sense to upgrade to USPS Priority Mail Flat Rate envelopes. These envelopes include free tracking and insurance, and can handle contents over 4 oz.
The Priority Mail Legal Flat Rate Envelope is a popular option priced at $8.10 retail no matter where you ship within the U.S. It‘s economical and provides peace of mind for sensitive contents.
The Takeaway – Weigh It Before You Mail It!
Mailing manila envelopes in 2024 requires paying close attention to size, weight, and the latest USPS postage rates. Take the time to accurately weigh your envelope first, then apply the right amount of metered postage or Forever Stamps.
This foolproof approach will get your important documents to their destination without any unwanted fees or headaches for the recipient. Now that you‘re a manila envelope postage expert, you can mail your sensitive materials with total confidence!
