Are you planning to send a larger envelope but not sure how much postage is required or how much it will cost? Here's a guide that covers everything you need to know about postage for larger envelopes.

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What is a Large Envelope?

The amount of postage required for any envelope depends on its size, weight, and destination. The United States Postal Service (USPS) classifies larger envelopes as “flats,” which include envelopes that are more than 6 1/8 inches high or 11 1/2 inches long or 1/4 inch thick.

The maximum size for an envelope to be considered a “flat" is 15” long by 12” high by 3/4” thick. If the envelope exceeds any of those measurements, it no longer considered a “large envelope” or “flat”. Instead, it is treated as a package or a “parcel” and subject to much higher postage rates.

Flats can weigh up to 13 ounces and must be rectangular with regular or irregular thickness.

They must bend easily and cannot have anything inside them or on them that causes more than a quarter inch variation in thickness (so wax seals on large envelopes are tricky). If a large envelope fails any of these requirements, USPS can treat it as a “parcel” and require much more postage

How Much Postage is Required for Larger Envelopes?

To determine the amount of postage required for a larger envelope, you can use the USPS postage price calculator online, which takes into account the size, weight, and destination of your envelope. You can also check the current postage rates for flats on the USPS website.

For example, as of August 2024, the postage rates for flats within the United States are as follows:

• For up to 1 ounce, it costs $1.50

• For each additional ounce, it costs $0.27

Please keep in mind that USPS review rates bi-annually. To ensure that you have the latest postage rate information, please review to most current blog post on this subject and always confirm postage rates with USPS prior to mailing.

Conclusion

Sending a larger envelope just requires that you plan ahead and ensure that you have the proper postage. When in doubt, double check with your post office prior to mailing! They will check the size, weight, and destination of your mailing and help you figure out the correct postage rate. You can also reach out to us and we would be happy to help! As part of our custom curation service, we will estimate the required postage for your postage!