Ever wondered how many sheets of paper per stamp you can mail without paying extra postage? It’s a common question for anyone sending letters, invoices, or personal notes. While it might seem simple, the number of sheets you can include under a single stamp actually depends on the total weight and thickness of your envelope. In this guide, we’ll break down how postage works, what the USPS weight limits are, and how to make sure your mail gets delivered without additional fees.
How much is a postage stamp?
As of July 13, 2025, a Forever Stamp for a 1-oz First-Class Mail letter is $0.78, a standard postcard stamp is $0.61, and a Global Forever stamp (for a 1-oz international letter) is $1.70. USPS adjusts prices periodically; if you’d rather keep this page future-proof, you can simply state that a Forever Stamp always covers the current 1-oz letter rate and link readers to USPS for the latest amounts.
Tip: USPS updates happen from time to time—Check current USPS prices before you mail.
Will One Stamp Cover All My Mailing Needs?
Often—yes. If your letter is rectangular, flexible, evenly thick, sealed on all sides, and weighs 1 ounce or less, one Forever Stamp covers the First-Class Mail letter rate. Common exceptions: square envelopes (e.g., many invitations), rigid or lumpy contents, clasps or buttons, or pieces with uneven thickness—these trigger a non-machinable surcharge even under 1 ounce. That surcharge simply reflects the extra hand-sorting required. For reference, letter eligibility and size limits (e.g., up to 6-1/8″ × 11-1/2″ × 1/4″) and non-machinable rules are outlined by USPS.
How many stamps are in a book?
A standard USPS book of stamps contains 20 stamps. That’s true for most First-Class and Forever stamp booklets sold at Post Offices and on the USPS Postal Store. (Historically, USPS has occasionally offered special sheetlets in different counts at kiosks or ATMs, but the standard booklet you’ll see day-to-day is 20.)
How Many Sheets of Paper Will One Stamp Cover?
There isn’t a universal “X sheets = 1 stamp” rule because paper types vary. In many everyday cases, a #10 envelope plus three to four sheets of standard paper stays under 1 ounce; adding photos, a return envelope, or heavier paper can tip you over. The most reliable approach is to assemble the letter exactly as you’ll mail it, seal it, and weigh it on a kitchen scale.
How many sheets of paper per stamp do I need?
Start by identifying what you’re sending. Letters up to 1 ounce use one Forever Stamp. Letters over 1 ounce (up to 3.5 ounces) require additional postage for each additional ounce (or fraction). Large envelopes (“flats”) start at a higher base price than letters and increase by weight. Packages and rigid mailers follow parcel pricing (weight + size). If your letter is square, rigid, or uneven in thickness, add the non-machinable surcharge on top of any weight-based postage. When in doubt, a self-service kiosk or postal clerk can weigh and rate the piece and print exact postage.
How many Forever Stamps do I need?
A Forever Stamp is always worth the current 1-oz First-Class Mail letter rate and never expires. If your letter weighs more than 1 ounce or needs the non-machinable surcharge, add the appropriate extra postage to reach the correct total. You can do that by adding another Forever Stamp, pairing one Forever with an additional-ounce stamp, or using a printed label—any combination works as long as the total value meets or exceeds the required amount. For international letters, a Global Forever stamp covers a 1-oz letter to most countries; heavier pieces or extra services require more postage.
When Will Stamps Alone Not Cover My Postage?
You can pay postage with stamps for almost anything, but the total must match the correct rate for the mail class. Packages and rigid mailers are priced differently from letters. Also note: stamped packages over 10 ounces or more than 1/2 inch thick must be handed to a retail clerk—they can’t go in blue collection boxes or lobby drops. If you print a label at home or at a kiosk, you can use normal package drop-off options.
How Do I Make Sure My Mail is Good to Go?
Do a quick check before you send: weigh the sealed piece; confirm it bends easily and has even thickness; and make sure the addressing area is clear and readable with space for USPS barcodes. If you regularly mail the same type of letter—like invoices—have one weighed and rated at the counter, note the exact postage, and reuse that setup as your template. A small digital scale at home can prevent both overpaying and underposting.
Where to buy stamps online?
The easiest option is the USPS Postal Store, where you can order books, coils, and specialty issues for delivery to your door. Prefer in person? Most Post Office™ locations sell Forever Stamps at the counter, and many have Automated Postal Center kiosks for after-hours purchases. Many national retailers and pharmacies also stock booklets near checkout—useful when you just need a few.
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