What is a first class mail stamp
A First-Class Mail stamp is a type of postage stamp issued by the United States Postal Service (USPS) for sending mail within the United States. It is used to pay for the cost of mailing a letter or package weighing up to 1 ounce (28.35 grams) and measuring up to 11.5 inches (29.21 cm) in length, 6.125 inches (15.56 cm) in width, and 0.25 inches (0.635 cm) in thickness.
The cost of a First-Class Mail stamp varies depending on the weight and size of the mailpiece, as well as the destination. As of 2022, the cost of a First-Class Mail stamp is $0.55 for a standard letter weighing up to 1 ounce and measuring up to 11.5 inches in length, 6.125 inches in width, and 0.25 inches in thickness.
First-Class Mail stamps are used for sending a wide range of mailpieces, including:
- Letters: Envelopes containing written correspondence, such as bills, invoices, and personal letters.
- Postcards: Single sheets of paper with a message and a stamp, used for sending short messages.
- Greeting cards: Cards with a message and a stamp, used for sending birthday greetings, holiday greetings, and other special occasion messages.
- Small packages: Small packages weighing up to 1 ounce and measuring up to 11.5 inches in length, 6.125 inches in width, and 0.25 inches in thickness.
First-Class Mail stamps are available in a variety of denominations, including:
- Forever stamps: Stamps that can be used to mail a 1-ounce letter regardless of future price increases.
- First-Class Mail stamps: Stamps that can be used to mail a 1-ounce letter at the current rate.
- Priority Mail stamps: Stamps that can be used to mail packages weighing up to 70 pounds and measuring up to 108 inches in length, 165 inches in width, and 108 inches in height.
It's worth noting that First-Class Mail stamps are not required for all types of mail. For example, if you are sending a package that weighs more than 1 ounce or measures more than 11.5 inches in length, 6.125 inches in width, and 0.25 inches in thickness, you may need to use a different type of postage, such as Priority Mail or Parcel Post.