When you need to send letters or mail small packages, buying a book of stamps is one of the most convenient and cost-effective options. But if you’ve ever stood at the post office counter and wondered, “How many postage stamps are in a book?”—you’re not alone. Whether you’re stocking up for personal use or a small business, knowing exactly how many stamps you’ll get (and how much you’ll spend) can make a difference.
We’ll break down the standard number of stamps in a book, pricing details, and tips for buying online and in person.
A standard book of postage stamps in the United States contains 20 stamps. This has been the consistent amount offered by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for many years. The stamps are usually arranged on a single folded sheet or booklet, making them easy to peel off and store in a wallet, office desk drawer, or organizer.
Each stamp in the book is typically a Forever Stamp, which means you can use it to mail a standard first-class letter at any time in the future—even if postage rates increase later on. Whether you’re using a Forever Stamp or a “price” stamp, postage stamps never expire.
For example, if you buy a book of 20 Forever Stamps when the current rate is $0.73 per stamp, you’ll pay $14.60 for the book. If postage prices rise in the future, those same stamps will still cover the cost of mailing a 1-ounce letter without needing to add extra postage.
The decision to put exactly 20 stamps in a USPS book of stamps isn’t random. It’s the result of a mix of historical convention, convenience, pricing strategy, and operational efficiency.
The number 20 strikes a balance between being large enough to last most households or small businesses for a while, yet small enough to keep the overall cost reasonable at the point of sale.
The cost of a stamp book depends on the current stamp rate, since books of stamps are simply bundles of individual stamps. As of 2025, the price of a Forever Stamp is $0.73, so a book of 20 costs $14.60.
When USPS raises postage prices, the cost of a book goes up accordingly. For example, if rates increase to $0.76, a book would cost $15.20.
Buying a book at once is often cheaper than purchasing single stamps individually, and it saves you extra trips to the post office.
Although Forever Stamps are the most common, you can find different designs when buying a book, including:
Regardless of the design, the number of stamps per book remains 20.
A book of stamps contains 20 stamps, almost always Forever Stamps, making it a simple, cost-effective way to handle personal or business mailing needs. Whether you’re sending thank you notes, business letters, bills, invitations, or letters, keeping a book of stamps on hand ensures you’re never caught without postage.
By understanding exactly how many stamps are in a book—and how much they cost—you can plan ahead, save time, and keep your mailing process smooth and efficient. Solutions like Stamps.com provide a powerful way to print your own postage online and on-demand, eliminating trips to the post office and letting you mail faster and cheaper.
Stamps.com turns your printer into a full-service mailing and shipping center. The best part is how simple it is:
Stamps.com is the all-in-one solution designed to help you:
Every label printed with Stamps.com comes with carrier-approved tracking. You can log in to track delivery anytime. You can also send shipment notification emails with tracking links directly to your recipients—saving you time and keeping customers informed.
Yes. Stamps.com is available via desktop software, a browser-based platform, and through partner integrations like ShipStation for advanced mobile-friendly shipping. Whether you’re at the office or on the go, you can manage mail and packages on your schedule.
Get the Stamps.com appYes. Mac users can access Stamps.com through any web browser. You can print postage, labels, and Certified Mail® forms directly online. And, if you don’t like managing multiple tabs in your browser, you can download our free desktop app for Mac or PC, which has the same functionality.
Get the Stamps.com appNo. First Class Mail® stamps printed with Stamps.com never expire. If rates change, you can print make-up postage or combine stamps so you never lose value.
Stamps.com is a trusted online mailing and shipping platform that makes it easy to print discounted USPS®, UPS®, DHL Express, and GlobalPost® postage and shipping labels right from your computer in under two minutes. For nearly 30 years, millions of businesses have relied on Stamps.com to save time, cut costs, and simplify everything they send—whether it’s a letter, a Certified Mail® form, or a package.
Learn more about Stamps.comStamps.com is built for busy individuals and businesses of all sizes:
Yes. Stamps.com lets you print professional shipping and return labels for all major carriers. Use plain paper, sticky labels, or thermal printers. Labels include barcodes and tracking, so your shipments are always ready to be scanned and delivered on time. You can even use our mobile app to print labels via WiFi or QR-codes when you don’t have access to a printer.
