How Much is a Book of Stamps?

Stamps might be small, but they play a big role in everyday communication. Whether you’re an individual mailing invitations or a business sending out bills, knowing the current cost of stamps is essential for budgeting and planning.

One of the most common questions people ask is: how much does a book of stamps cost? We’ll break down the postage prices for 2025, explain what’s included in a book of stamps, highlight where to buy stamps online, and share a few smart ways to save.

What is a book of stamps and how many stamps in a book?

A book of stamps is a small booklet that contains multiple stamps, typically 20, bound together for convenience. In the United States, most stamp books consist of 20 Forever Stamps, which are the most common and versatile stamps.

Forever Stamps were introduced by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) nearly two decades ago. Each stamp covers the cost of mailing a standard one-ounce First-Class letter—forever. That means if the postage prices increase in the future, your stamps remain valid at no additional cost.

Buying a book of stamps is the most common choice for households and small businesses, providing a convenient supply that lasts for months.

Current cost of stamps in 2025

As of October 2025, the current stamp cost for a single Forever Stamp is 78 cents. So how much is a book of 20 stamps today? Since a standard book includes 20 stamps, the price for a book of stamps is currently $15.60. 

This price applies to a book of Forever Stamps used for standard First-Class Mail letters weighing up to one ounce. Other types of stamps—such as international, postcard, or additional-ounce stamps—have different rates.

USPS postage and Forever Stamp price over time

Stamp prices have gradually increased over the years. When Forever Stamps were first introduced in 2007, each one cost just 41 cents, so the USPS stamp book price was $8.20. Fast-forward to today, and the price has nearly doubled.

Here are some reasons why postage prices continue to rise:

• Inflation: Like other goods and services, mailing costs increase over time.
• Operational expenses: Transportation, fuel, and labor costs for USPS have all grown.
• Lower mail volume: With more people relying on email and digital payments, USPS delivers less traditional mail and must adjust rates to cover costs.
• Regulatory approvals: The Postal Regulatory Commission reviews and authorizes USPS rate increases.

Because these changes happen regularly—often once or twice a year—it’s wise to keep an eye on the current stamp cost and consider buying early to avoid paying more later.

Where to buy a book of stamps online or in person

When you need stamps, you have plenty of options. While many people still purchase stamps at the post office, it’s easier than ever to buy stamps online or print postage on demand.

Here are some of the most common ways to buy a book of stamps:

• Post offices: The official source with the widest selection of Forever Stamps and themed designs.
• USPS online store: Buy stamps online directly from the source.
• Retail stores: Grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers often sell books of Forever Stamps at checkout.
• Banks & ATMs: Some banks offer stamp books for added convenience.

You can skip the post office entirely using Stamps.com to print stamps and USPS labels from your computer and schedule pickups of your packages from your home or small business.

How to save on stamps

There are a few smart strategies for saving money on stamps:

• Buy before rate increases: Since Forever Stamps retain their value, purchasing them before a price hike locks in the current rate.
• Buy in bulk: If you send a lot of mail, rolls (typically 100 stamps) offer convenience and sometimes small discounts.
• Check warehouse clubs: Retailers like Costco occasionally offer slight savings on books of stamps.
• Use digital alternatives: Online bill pay, email, or e-cards can reduce how many stamps you need.
• Online Mailing and shipping services: Stamps.com offers significant savings over retail postage rates. Print stamps and shipping labels right from your computer or phone with up to 89% off USPS and UPS rates. You’ll get on-demand postage 24/7, and access tools that automatically calculate the best carrier and rate for each shipment. With pre-negotiated discounts and no need to stock up on stamps, it’s an all-in-one solution that saves both time and money.

By staying informed about the current stamp cost and USPS pricing schedule, you can make smarter purchasing decisions.

Why knowing the cost of a roll of stamps matters

At first glance, $15.60 for a book of stamps may not seem like much. But for families mailing holiday cards, nonprofits sending appeals, or small businesses managing invoices, postage adds up quickly.

Understanding the current stamp cost and postage prices helps you budget effectively and avoid last-minute surprises. Buying USPS Forever Stamps before rate increases or buying stamps online can also help you save in the long run.

Whether you’re mailing a birthday card or running a business, stamps remain a simple, reliable way to connect people—and knowing their price keeps your mailing budget on track.

Frequently Asked Questions