How Much Does a Stamp Cost in 2026?
A standard USPS Forever stamp is worth $0.82 as of July 12, 2026. The amount you need depends on the stamp category, mailpiece weight, shape, size, destination, and any extra services.
Current USPS Stamp Prices at a Glance
The table below lists common retail postage values effective July 12, 2026. It is a quick reference, not a substitute for classifying the completed mailpiece.
| Stamp or mail category | Current value or price | What it generally covers |
|---|---|---|
| Forever stamp | $0.82 | Standard machinable domestic stamped letter up to 1 ounce |
| Additional Ounce stamp | $0.29 | One additional-ounce amount after base postage |
| Two-ounce stamp | $1.11 | Qualifying domestic stamped letter over 1 ounce and up to 2 ounces |
| Three-ounce stamp | $1.40 | Qualifying domestic stamped letter over 2 ounces and up to 3 ounces |
| Domestic postcard | $0.65 | Eligible postcard meeting USPS dimensions and preparation rules |
| Global Forever stamp | $1.75 | One-ounce First-Class Mail International letter or eligible international postcard at the current base price |
| Large envelope (flat), 1 ounce | $1.69 | Eligible domestic large envelope up to 1 ounce |
Packages, extra services, nonmachinable letters, and mailpieces outside these categories use other prices or additional charges.
What Does “Stamp Cost” Mean?
The word cost can refer to several different numbers. Separating them prevents misleading comparisons.
USPS postage value
The amount a stamp contributes toward the required mailing charge. A current one-ounce Forever stamp contributes $0.82, even if the owner bought it years ago for less.
Product selling price
The amount a retailer lists for a book, sheet, roll, or other package. Always confirm the number and type of individual stamps included.
Delivered purchase cost
The final amount paid after applicable shipping or order charges. Use this figure—not a headline price alone—when comparing purchases.
Total mailing cost
The postage required for the finished mailpiece after considering weight, shape, size, destination, surcharges, and extra services.
For example, 100 Forever stamps have a combined current postage value of $82.00 because 100 × $0.82 = $82.00. Their selling price can differ from that amount. See the discount Forever stamp comparison for a detailed savings calculation.
How Much Is a Forever Stamp Worth Today?
A domestic Forever stamp follows the current First-Class Mail single-piece one-ounce stamped-letter price. Its value is based on the rate in effect when it is used, not the price printed on a receipt years earlier.
That means an unused Forever stamp bought when rates were lower can still pay the current one-ounce base rate for a qualifying letter. As of July 12, 2026, its postage value is $0.82.
Price, value, and purchase date
- Current value: $0.82 toward eligible postage.
- Original purchase price: what the buyer paid when the stamp was purchased.
- Retail package price: what a seller currently charges for a specified quantity.
These figures answer different questions and should not be substituted for one another.
First-Class Mail Letter Cost by Weight
For ordinary retail stamped letters that qualify as standard machinable domestic letters, the USPS table effective July 12, 2026 is:
| Weight not over | Required postage | Convenient example |
|---|---|---|
| 1 ounce | $0.82 | 1 Forever stamp |
| 2 ounces | $1.11 | 1 Forever + 1 Additional Ounce stamp |
| 3 ounces | $1.40 | 1 Forever + 2 Additional Ounce stamps |
| 3.5 ounces | $1.69 | 1 Forever + 3 Additional Ounce stamps |
A letter weighing more than 3.5 ounces is no longer priced in this ordinary letter table. Square, rigid, uneven, or otherwise nonmachinable envelopes may also require a surcharge. Large envelopes start at a different base price.
For a detailed explanation of the extra-ounce category, read Additional Ounce Stamp vs. Forever Stamp.
Prices for Other Common Stamp Types
Additional Ounce stamp: $0.29
This stamp supplements base postage for a qualifying heavier letter. It does not replace the $0.82 one-ounce base amount by itself.
Two-ounce stamp: $1.11
A nondenominated stamp labeled for the two-ounce stamped-letter category follows that category's current value. It can be convenient when a qualifying letter weighs more than one ounce but no more than two ounces.
Three-ounce stamp: $1.40
A stamp labeled for the three-ounce stamped-letter category follows the applicable current category value. Shape and other mailing characteristics still matter.
Domestic postcard: $0.65
The postcard price applies only when the card meets USPS postcard standards. An oversized or unusually prepared card may be charged as a letter or another mailpiece type.
Global Forever stamp: $1.75
A Global Forever stamp follows the current one-ounce First-Class Mail International letter price. International prices beyond the base ounce vary by destination price group and weight.
How to Calculate the Cost of Mailing a Letter
- Assemble the mailpiece first. Include all pages, cards, photographs, reply envelopes, and inserts.
- Weigh it accurately. A fraction over a weight step can move the letter into the next price level.
- Check its shape and dimensions. Decide whether it is a letter, postcard, large envelope, or package.
- Check machinability. Square, rigid, uneven, or unusually shaped letters may need a surcharge.
- Confirm destination and services. International mail and services such as Certified Mail add other prices or fees.
- Add valid postage. The total value affixed must meet at least the required amount.
Standard two-ounce letter: $0.82 base postage + $0.29 additional ounce = $1.11
Standard three-ounce letter: $0.82 base postage + $0.58 for two additional ounces = $1.40
One-ounce large envelope: use the separate flat price of $1.69, not the $0.82 letter price.
When the category is uncertain, use an official USPS postage calculator or have the completed mailpiece checked at a Post Office.
Why Stamp Prices Change
USPS periodically changes mailing prices. A rate change can affect one category without changing every other category by the same amount. For example, the one-ounce stamped-letter price rose to $0.82 on July 12, 2026, while the additional-ounce amount remained $0.29.
Older year-specific searches may show a price that was correct at the time but is no longer current. Always check the effective date before relying on a number. Forever-category stamps continue to follow the applicable category identified on the stamp under USPS rules.
Additional Ounce guide Two Ounce guide Bulk stamps
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a stamp cost in 2026?
A USPS Forever stamp has a postage value of $0.82 as of July 12, 2026. That is the retail stamped-letter price for a standard machinable domestic letter weighing up to one ounce.
How much is a Forever stamp worth today?
An unused Forever stamp is worth the current First-Class Mail one-ounce stamped-letter price, regardless of its purchase date. As of July 12, 2026, that value is $0.82.
How much is an Additional Ounce stamp worth?
The additional-ounce price for a qualifying single-piece domestic letter is $0.29 as of July 12, 2026. It supplements base postage and is not enough by itself for a one-ounce letter.
How much is a two-ounce stamp worth?
A nondenominated stamp labeled for the two-ounce stamped-letter category follows that category's current price. As of July 12, 2026, the two-ounce stamped-letter price is $1.11.
How much does it cost to mail a three-ounce letter?
A qualifying standard machinable domestic stamped letter weighing over two ounces and up to three ounces costs $1.40 as of July 12, 2026.
How much does a postcard stamp cost?
The USPS domestic retail postcard price is $0.65 as of July 12, 2026, when the card meets the applicable postcard size and preparation standards.
How much is a Global Forever stamp worth?
A Global Forever stamp follows the current First-Class Mail International one-ounce letter price. As of July 12, 2026, that value is $1.75.
Is a stamp's postage value the same as its selling price?
Not always. Postage value is what the stamp pays toward mailing. A retailer's product price, shipping charge, package quantity, and final checkout total determine what the buyer actually spends.
Official Sources and Update Note
Prices were checked against USPS Notice 123 effective July 12, 2026. Mailing prices and standards can change. Confirm the current price and classification of the completed mailpiece before sending.
- USPS Notice 123: current price list
- USPS DMM 604: stamp denominations and postage values
