First Class Mail Shape Based Classification Tool
Determine if your mail piece is a Postcard, Letter, Large Envelope, or Package
For First Class Mail, USPS rates are based on the size and thickness of your mail piece. Follow the instructions below to determine the type of First Class Mail you are trying to send.
Step 1: Measure your mail piece
Using a ruler, measure the length, height, and thickness of your mail piece.
When trying to determine the length, be aware of the following:
Letter-sized pieces
Length is the dimension that is parallel to the address.
Large envelopes and packages
Length is the longest dimension.
If your mail piece is too thin to measure the thickness, ignore this for dimension for now. In addition to dimensions, you will also need to weigh your mail piece.
Step 2: Find the aspect ratio
Using the parameters below, match your mail piece to the shape that fits your mail piece is all dimensions. In order to qualify for a particular shape, your mail piece must meet all qualifications. If your mail piece is too long, wide, thick, or heavy in any single dimension then your mail piece does not qualify for a particular shape. If your mail does not fall into any of these categories (too short or too narrow), it is likely undeliverable as First Class Mail; your mail piece may qualify as a package.
First Class Postcard
Minimum size: 3 1/2 inches tall x 5 inches long and 0.007 inches thick
Maximum size: 4 1/4 inches tall x 6 inches long and 0.016 inches thick
First Class Letter
Minimum size: 3 1/2 inches tall x 5 inches long and 0.007 inches thick
Maximum size: 6 1/8 inches tall x 11 1/2 inches long and 1/4 inches thick
Maximum weight: 3.5 oz.
Aspect ratio: Length divided by height: Ratio must be between 1.3 and 2.5 or the letter will be subject to a non-machinable surcharge. See step 3 for details.
First Class Large Envelope/Flat Mail
Minimum size: 6 1/8 inches tall or 11 1/2 inches long and 0.007 inches thick
Maximum size: 12 inches tall x 15 inches long and 3/4 inches thick
Maximum weight: Up to 13 oz.
First Class Package
Maximum size: 22 inches long, or 18 inches high, or 15 inches thick
Maximum weight: 15.999 oz. (4 lbs. for international)
Dimensions or weights smaller than the minimum or larger than the maximum may qualify as a package but be subject to non-machinable surcharges.
Step 3: Determine your mail piece shape
If you believe your mail piece may qualify as a letter, you will need to determine the aspect ratio by dividing the length by the height. In the example of the letter below, the aspect ratio would be (9.5 inches by 4.125 inches) resulting in an aspect ratio of 2.3. Aspect ratios less than 1.3 or greater than 2.5 are subject to a non-machinable surcharge.
Step 4: Print postage and send your mail piece
Once you have determined your mail, it’s easy to print postage for your First Class mail piece with Stamps.com. With Stamps.com, you can print postage for any mail class without a trip to the Post Office. Not a Stamps.com customer? Click here for a 4-week trial and send your mail today!
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- 4-week trial
- $5 in USPS postage to use in trial period
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