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The Postal Service classifies the shape
of your mailpiece by its dimensions.
Diagrams not to scale.
| Postcards Dimensions |
|
|
| 5
inches |
6
inches |
| 3-1/2
inches |
4-1/4
inches |
| 0.007
inch |
0.016
inch |
|
| Letters Dimensions |
|
|
| 5
inches |
11-1/2
inches |
| 3-1/2
inches |
6-1/8
inches |
| 0.007
inch |
1/4
inch |
| |
3.5 ounces |
|
| Large Envelopes (Flats) Dimensions |
|
|
| 11-1/2
inches |
15
inches |
| 6-1/8
inches |
12
inches |
| 1/4
inch |
3/4
inch |
|
* Flats exceed at least one of these dimensions.
| Parcel Dimensions |
|
|
length |
the longest side of the parcel |
| girth |
measurement around the thickest
part of the parcel |
| length + girth |
length + girth cannot exceed 108 inches
(Parcel Post cannot exceed 130 inches) |
|
Unusual Shapes and
Sizes
Sometimes a mailpiece requires additional postage because it
is a certain shape or size that is difficult to process on
mail sorting machines. To make sure you’re paying the correct
postage, visit www.usps.com (click
on “Calculate Postage”)
or call 1·800·ASK·USPS.
The following are examples of mail that will require extra postage:
First-Class Mail Letters
• Square envelopes
• Envelopes addressed parallel to the shorter edge
• Letters over 3.5 ounces
• Nonmachinable letters
First-Class Mail Large Envelopes (Flats)
• Rigid
• Not uniformly thick
• Nonrectangular
Priority Mail – Balloon Price
• Priority Mail parcels addressed for delivery to local zones and to zones 1 – 4, that weigh less than 20 pounds but measure more than 84 inches (but not more than 108 inches) in combined length and girth, are charged the applicable price for a 20 pound parcel (balloon price).
Priority Mail – Dimensional Weight Price
• The price for low density Priority Mail parcels addressed for delivery to zones 5-8, and exceeding 1 cubic foot, is based on the actual weight or the dimensional weight, whichever is greater.
Parcel Post Nonmachinable Surcharge
• Parcels less than 6 inches long, or 1/4 inch thick, or 3 inches high
• Parcels weighing more than 35 pounds
• Parcels weighing less than 6 ounces
• Books or printed material weighing more than 25 pounds
• Tubes and rolls
Parcel Post – Balloon Price
Parcels that weigh less than 20 pounds and measure more than 84 inches (but not more than 108 inches) in combined length and girth, are charged the applicable price for a 20 pound parcel (balloon price).
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