Knowing the shape of your mail helps you select the right services.
Postcard
Rectangular cardstock mailpiece not contained in an envelope
|
Letter
Small rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 1/4 inch Large
|
Large Envelope
Flat rectangular mailpiece no thicker than 3/4 inch
|
Package
A three-dimensional mailpiece contained in a box, thick envelope, or tube, weighing up to 70 pounds
|
Mailpiece Dimensions
| Shape |
Length |
Height |
| Postcard |
5 inch min
6 inch max |
3-1/2 inch min
4-1/4 inch max |
| Letter |
5 inch min
11-1/2 inch max |
3-1/2 inch min
6-1/8 inch max |
Large
Envelope |
11-1/2 inch min
15 inch max |
6-1/8 inch min
12 inch max |
| |
| Package |
Weight cannot exceed 70 pounds . Length + girth (distance around the thickest part of the package) cannot exceed 130 inches. |
Letters: maximum thickness 1/4 inch
Large Envelopes: maximum thickness 3/4 inch
Once a piece of mail exceeds the maximum length, height, or thickness of one shape, it automatically gets classified as the next largest shape.
Unusual Shapes and Sizes
Sometimes a piece of mail requires additional postage because it is a certain shape or size that is difficult to process on mail sorting machines. To make sure you’re paying the correct postage, call 1·800·ASK·USPS or Debbie Hinton at 870-6186.
These are examples of mail that could require additional postage:
- Square envelopes
- Packages larger than 34 inches long, or 17 inches wide, or 17 inches high
- Envelopes on which the address is written parallel to the shorter edge
- Packages weighing more than 35 pounds
- Books and printed material weighing more than 25 pounds
- Tubes and rolls
*Postal information on this page provided courtesy USPS.