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.
