How Many Stamps Do I Need Per Ounce in 2022? (USPS Guide)

We‘ve all experienced that nagging feeling of uncertainty as we‘re about to mail an envelope. "Did I put enough stamps on this thing?" You double-check the weight, re-read the post office chart, and still aren‘t quite sure if you got it right.

I‘ve been there plenty of times. That‘s why I‘m sharing this definitive guide on exactly how many stamps you need per ounce when mailing a letter or package with USPS.

In this article, you‘ll learn:

• The current USPS postage rates for 2022
• How to calculate postage based on weight and size
• Charts showing stamp combinations for different weights
• Tips to avoid guessing and get it right the first time

Let‘s dig in…

Current 2022 USPS Postage Rates

The amount of postage you need depends on the weight and dimensions of what you‘re mailing. Here are the current rates as of 2022:

First Class Mail

• 1 ounce letter – $0.58 (1 Forever Stamp)
• Each additional ounce – $0.20
• Maximum weight for letters – 3.5 oz

First Class Mail Flats/Large Envelopes

• 1 ounce – $1.00
• Each additional ounce – $0.20

First Class Package Service

• 1 ounce – $4.00
• Each additional ounce – Varies

Rates last updated January 27, 2022

Calculating Stamps Per Ounce

Below I‘ll break down the number of stamps needed based on the most common weights.

1 Ounce Letter

A standard letter weighing 1 ounce or less requires just 1 Forever Stamp costing $0.58.

Make sure your letter is within the maximum size of 6.125” x 11.5” x 0.25” thick.

1.5 Ounce Letter

For a letter weighing 1.5 ounces, you‘ll need:

• 1 Forever Stamp ($0.58)
• 1 Additional Ounce stamp ($0.20)

Total postage = $0.78

2 Ounce Letter

A letter weighing 2 ounces requires:

• 1 Forever Stamp ($0.58)
• 1 Additional Ounce stamp ($0.20)

Total postage = $0.78

3 Ounce Letter

For a 3 ounce letter, you‘ll need:

• 1 Forever Stamp ($0.58)
• 2 Additional Ounce stamps ($0.40)

Total postage = $0.98

3.5 Ounce Letter (Max for First Class)

At 3.5 ounces, you‘ve reached the maximum weight for a standard First Class letter. Postage requires:

• 1 Forever Stamp ($0.58)
• 3 Additional Ounce stamps ($0.60)

Total postage = $1.18

Over 3.5 Ounces

If your letter weighs over 3.5 ounces, it is considered a First Class Package and needs to be mailed at the Package rate.

For example, a 4 ounce First Class Package would be:

• 1 ounce rate ($4.00)
• Plus 3 additional ounces (3 x $0.20 = $0.60)

Total postage = $4.60

See the USPS postage calculator for exact rates on heavier packages.

Stamp Combinations For Each Weight

Rather than buying Additional Ounce stamps, you can also mix and match regular Forever Stamps with lower denomination stamps to make the right amounts.

Here are some options:

Tips to Avoid Postage Guesswork

After years of mailing letters and packages, I‘ve learned some tips and tricks to make sure I get the right postage:

• Weigh it – Invest in a small kitchen scale. It takes the guesswork out!
• Round up – If your letter is close to the next ounce, round up to be safe.
• Bring it in – For large envelopes, have the package weighed at the post office.
• Buy a book – Purchase a book of Additional Ounce stamps if you mail a lot of letters.
• Use USPS tools – Their postage calculator helps you get it right.

Following these steps ensures your mail has proper postage the first time to avoid delays.

I hope this guide gives you confidence next time you‘re mailing a letter or package with USPS! Let me know if you have any other postage questions.