How Much Does It Cost to Mail a 9×12-Inch Envelope?
Anish
May 22, 2023
A 9×12-inch envelope is a good option when mailing important documents that can’t be folded. If you’re wondering how much it will cost to send a 9×12-inch envelope, this article is for you.
We’ll discuss how much it costs to mail a 9×12-inch envelope and the number of stamps you should put on it.
The write-up will also give you an idea regarding the cost of a postage stamp and where to buy one. You’ll also know whether you can put a 9×12-inch envelope in a mailbox.
FindPostOffice.org helps you locate the nearest post office in your area and gives you access to various information related to sending and receiving mail and packages, including the cost to mail a 9×12-inch envelope.
9×12-Inch Envelope Postage Rates: How Much Does It Cost to Mail a 9×12-Inch Envelope?
Consider the size and weight of the envelope when mailing it. USPS (United States Postal Service) categorizes a 9×12-inch envelope as a large one, which is useful for sending flat items that don’t require a box.
The price for flats or large envelopes starts at $1.20. As of July 10, 2022, each additional ounce of a flat or large envelope costs $0.24.
The Actual Cost Depends on Several Factors
Your envelope will be bendable and have a uniform thickness if it contains a few sheets of paper. It’ll also be priced at a minimum. The 2022 postage rate for First-Class Mail flat or large envelopes start at $1.20.
You can put a maximum weight of 13oz of content inside a 9×12-inch envelope. Multiply the additional ounces by $0.24 to get the total cost.
Sometimes the distance affects the prices of certain types of mail. Zones, which range from zone 1 (nearest to you) to zone 9 (farthest from you), measure the distance traveled.
The farther your mail travels, the more zones it crosses. So expect to pay more for postage if your envelope’s destination is too far from your location.
First-Class Mail with a maximum weight of 13oz is not zoned. So its price is the same regardless of how far it travels.
The Envelope Is Lumpy and Inflexible
Inflexible and lumpy envelopes are classified as First-Class Package. Postage for this mail service starts at $4.80 at the post office.
The Envelope Is Hard but Light
The U.S. Postal Service may require more Forever stamps if your envelope is hard but light. Styrofoam fillers make envelopes stiff. These packages can be considered First-Class Mail parcels.
The Thickness of the Envelope
The cost of a 9×12-inch envelope will increase depending on its thickness. According to the USPS website, large envelopes, magazines, and newsletters are called flats.
The minimum height of a flat envelope is 6-⅛ inches, while its maximum height is 12 inches. A flat has a minimum length of 11-½ inches and a maximum length of 15 inches. Its minimum thickness is ¼ inch, and its maximum is ¾ inch.
Suppose your mailpiece is at least 3 inches high, 6 inches long, and ¼ inches thick. Then it falls under the commercial parcel category. No mailpiece should measure more than 108 inches in length and girth combined except for USPS Retail Ground and Parcel Select.
According to Stamps.com, the 2022 postage rate for Parcel Select Ground is $7.22 and up.
The Envelope Is Not Fully Flat
You’ll likely pay more for postage if your envelope is not fully flat. Lumpy and inflexible envelopes sorted by hand add more time and labor and therefore require more postage.
Size and Shape Affect Postage Cost
The cost of postage varies depending on the type of mail. Generally, the bigger the mail, the higher its postage fee.
According to Stamps.com, below are the 2022 postage rates for a few types of mail:
- First-Class Mail letters (1oz) – $0.57
- First-Class Mail flat or large envelopes (1oz) – $1.20
- Postcard – $0.44
- Priority Mail Express flat rate envelopes – $23.50
- Priority Mail larger flat rate box – $19.20
- Certified Mail – $4
If you want to see the 2022 postage rates and other related information, check this page.
How Many Stamps Are Required for a 9×12-Inch Envelope?
Like a standard letter, a 9×12-inch envelope requires postage stamps attached to its top right corner. If the total weight of your 9×12-inch envelope doesn’t exceed 1oz, you can affix two first-class stamps to it.
How Much Is a Postage Stamp?
The cost of postage stamps depends on the size of the mail item. For example, the post office’s postage stamp rate for postcards up to 1oz is $0.44, while the post office’s postage stamp rate for letters up to 1oz is $0.60.
Suppose you buy postage stamps online from Stamps.com. Then you’re eligible to get a postage rate discount of $0.03.
How to Purchase Postage Stamps for Large Types of Envelopes
You can purchase postage stamps at the post office. You can buy them from the USPS self-service kiosk, available 24/7 or at the counter during regular business hours.
USPS online stores and Amazon also sell stamps. Postage stamps are also available in pharmacies and grocery stores.
As of July 10, 2022, large envelopes cost $1.20 for a single ounce and $0.24 for every additional ounce. The maximum weight for a single-piece, First-Class large envelope is 13oz, which costs around $4.08.
Examples of large envelopes include 9×12-inch envelopes, manila envelopes, and oversized cards. Although considered large envelopes, brochures and flats are light-in-weight mailers under the First-Class Mail category.
Postage for 9×12-Inch Envelopes
The cost of sending a 9×12-inch envelope depends on several factors, but there are standard rates. Usually, two postage stamps are required for envelopes 1oz or less.
Paying for Postage for 9×12-Inch Envelopes
The two Forever stamps cost $1.20 or $0.60 each. You’ll also have to pay $0.24 for every additional ounce. This rate applies only to envelopes that aren’t rigid or equal to or less than 0.75 inches thick.
Suppose you’re mailing delicate items or papers using a 9×12-inch envelope. You can affix two First-Class stamps and put the envelope into your mailbox.
Your postal carrier will get the envelope and send it on its way. However, you may overpay when you choose this option.
Another alternative is to travel to your local post office and have your package weighed. You can pay for postage using your credit card, debit card, cash, or other forms of payment that your local post office accepts.
If you don’t like to wait in line, another option is to calculate postage at home. Use an online postage service to determine shipping costs and print a label.
You can try USPS’ Click-N-Ship service to weigh your mail and print shipping labels or go to Stamps.com for free postal scales. The site also offers discounts on postage.
Other Factors That Can Influence the Price of Your Envelope’s Postage
You may pay more if your large envelope isn’t completely flat. The post office’s machines automatically sort flat envelopes. However, workers need to separate inflexible and lumpy envelopes manually. Sorting envelopes by hand adds labor to the process, inflating postage costs.
Adding Postage to 9×12-Inch Envelopes That Weigh More Than an Ounce
Two First-Class stamps cover the cost of a 9×12-inch envelope that weighs an ounce or less. Standard-sized rectangular envelope stamps start at $0.60, while large envelopes or flats start at $1.20.
Suppose your 9×12-inch envelope weighs more than one ounce. If that’s the case, you need more stamps. However, the number of stamps will depend on the total weight of your envelope.
Let’s say your large envelope weighs 6 ounces. You have to pay $0.24 for each additional ounce. A one-ounce large envelope costs $1.20. Since yours weighs 6 ounces, you’ll pay $2.40 in total.
Use the USPS postage calculator if you’re unsure about the cost and the right number of stamps to put on your envelope.
How Does the USPS Classify a 9×12-Inch Envelope?
USPS classifies a 9×12-inch envelope as a large envelope. You can use such an envelope for items that don’t require a box.
Information on the USPS Postage Rate Increase
USPS implemented new postage rates for market-dominant mailing products on July 10, 2022.
Sending letters, postcards, and flats or large envelopes:
- Postage bought from the post office for a one-ounce First-Class Mail letter now costs $0.60. The rate was $0.58 before the price hike.
- The Metered Mail rate for a one-ounce First-Class Mail letter, including postage and postage meters, increased from $0.53 to $0.57.
Forever stamps cost $0.60, so you’ll automatically save $0.30 on each letter with the Metered Mail rate. Every additional ounce costs $0.24 for flats and letters.
- The rate for a one-ounce First-Class Mail flat or large envelope increased from $1.16 to $1.20.
- The rate for a one-ounce First-Class Mail International letter for postage bought at the post office or online increased from $1.30 to $1.40.
- The postcard rate increased from $0.40 to $0.44.
- Certified Mail, which previously costs $3.75, is now $4.
- The rate for special services, including Signature Confirmation, Return Receipt, and Registered Mail, also increased in July 2022.
Domestic shipping:
- Media Mail rates increased by 9%. From $3.19, rates now start at $3.49 as of July 10, 2022.
- Priority Mail includes $100 of insurance for free. Previously, the free insurance was only $50.
- Cubic pricing is being introduced for Parcel Select Ground.
Summary of the Postage Rate Increase
Here’s the summary of the postage rate increase implemented on January 9, 2022.
Domestic shipping:
- Priority Mail Express had a rate increase of 4.3% for commercial base (online postage) pricing. From $22.75, the rate now starts at $23.50 as of 2022.
- Priority Mail had a rate increase of 2.7% for commercial base (online postage) pricing. From $7.16, the rate for Priority Mail now starts at $7.37 as of 2022.
- First-Class Package service had a rate increase of 7.4% for commercial base (online postage) pricing. From $3.01, the rates now start at 3.37 as of 2022.
- Parcel Select Ground had a rate increase of 12.1% for commercial base (online postage) pricing. From $7.01, the rates now start at $7.22 as of 2022.
- Packages with a box length greater than 22 inches or parcels greater than one cubic foot have a $1.50 fee starting April 2022.
Suppose you provide incorrect package dimensions or don’t give dimensions at all. You’ll still need to pay the $1.50 fee. This rule applies to Parcel Select Ground, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, and the rest of the states.
- When package dimensions exceed sortation requirements, customers must pay a nonstandard fee starting in April 2022. USPS will adjust the rates based on box dimensions.
If your package’s length is over 22 inches, it’ll have a $4 surcharge. Meanwhile, if your package’s length is over 30 inches or over two cubic feet, it’ll have a $15 surcharge. This rule applies to Parcel Select Ground, Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express.
International shipping:
- Priority Mail Express had an average rate increase of 3.2%. From $42.85, commercial base (online postage) rates now start at $44.95 as of 2022.
- Priority Mail international had an average rate increase of 3.7%. From $44.60, commercial base (online postage) rates now start at $46.36 as of 2022.
- First-Class Package International service had an average rate increase of 4.2%. From $13.54, commercial base (online postage) rates now start at $14.11 as of 2022.
9×12-Inch Mail Is Classified as a Large Envelope
USPS classifies a 9×12-inch envelope as a large envelope, also known as flat mail. This classification is given to envelopes with more than 6 ⅛ inches in height, 11 ½ inches in width, and ¼ inches in thickness.
Uses: Things You Can Mail Using 9x12-Inch Envelopes
Individuals often use 9×12-inch envelopes to mail product catalogs, marketing newsletters, and legal correspondence. You may also use such envelopes to mail documents, manuscripts, reports, magazines, books, and CDs.
You don’t need to go to the post office to send large envelopes if you have access to postage meters, postage stamps, or online postage printing from companies like Stamps.com.
What Are Large Envelopes?
Large envelopes or flats are rectangular mailpieces no thicker than ¾ inch.
Why Should You Send Mail Through Large Envelopes?
You won’t have to go to the post office if you understand the simplicity of sending mail through large envelopes. You just need to know the exact number of postage stamps required and the amount you should pay to send your mail.
For more information, visit the USPS website or check out online service providers like Stamps.com.
How Much Does a Large Envelope Weigh?
A usual envelope weighs 6.75g. Since a sheet of paper weighs 4.5g, the weight of a typical letter is at least 11.25g, equivalent to 0.238oz for the weight of the envelope and 0.159oz for the weight of the paper. The total weight of a large envelope is 0.397oz.
Faster Mailing Options for 9×12-Inch Envelopes
USPS Priority Mail Express offers next-day and 2-day delivery services by 6:00 PM with a money-back guarantee. Priority Mail Express is faster than the First-Class stamp route.
Should You Use Your Mailbox or Go to the USPS Office?
You don’t need to visit the USPS office near you if your item is small and light and weighs an ounce or less. You just need to attach two Forever stamps to your envelope, drop it in your mailbox, and the postal carrier will pick it up.
Additional Charges for Irregular Mailpieces, Envelopes, and Small Packages
Several factors may result in additional charges for irregular mailpieces, envelopes, and small packages.
Large Mailpieces, Envelopes, and Small Packages
Letters and flats have added costs if they exceed their maximum dimensions. Large first-class envelopes that are non-rectangular, rigid, and not uniformly thick also incur additional charges. There’s also an extra fee for a nonstandard size package.
Non-machinable Envelopes
Unusually shaped mailpieces are charged a non-machinable surcharge despite weighing less than one ounce.
FAQs
- Can I put a 9×12-inch envelope in the mailbox?
You can put a 9×12-inch envelope in your mailbox if your item is relatively small and weighs an ounce or less. Attach two Forever stamps to your envelope, put it in your mailbox, and wait for the postal carrier to pick it up.
- How many stamps should I put on a 9x12-inch bubble envelope?
Let’s say you want to mail a bubble envelope of up to four ounces through USPS First-Class Mail. If that’s the case, you must affix seven stamps to your envelope.
- How many stamps should I put on a 9x12-inch envelope that weighs 4oz?
You need to put three stamps on a four-ounce 9×12-inch envelope. For a one-ounce flat, the postage rate for mailing is $1.20 for the first ounce and $0.24 for every additional ounce.
USPS classifies a 9×12-inch envelope as a large envelope. Since you’re mailing a four-ounce 9×12-inch envelope, the total postage rate will be $1.92.
- How much postage for a 9×12-inch envelope weighing 2oz?
The postage rate for mailing a one-ounce, 9×12-inch envelope is $1.20. You’ll pay $0.24 for each additional ounce. Since you’re mailing a 9×12-inch envelope, the total postage rate will be $1.44.
- What are non-machinable envelopes?
Unusually shaped envelopes are hand-canceled and charged a non-machinable surcharge even if they weigh less than one ounce. These envelopes include rigid, vertical, or square envelopes or those types of mail with strings, buttons, or clasps.
- What happens if mailpieces are too big?
Mailpieces that exceed the maximum thickness, height, or length will be charged at the next higher price and mailpiece category.
- How many Forever stamps do I need?
It depends on the weight of your letter. Suppose you have Forever stamps. You should calculate them as worth the current postage rate regardless of whether you bought them before the rate increase.
2007 Forever stamps are postage not tied to a fixed price. For this reason, they remain valid when mailing letters despite price hikes. They’re stamps with grandfathered pricing.
References
- First-Class Mail
https://www.usps.com/ship/first-class-mail.htm - Postage Rate Increase
https://www.stamps.com/usps/postage-rate-increase/ - How Distance Affects Prices
https://pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=Distance - Mailing & Shipping Prices
https://www.usps.com/business/prices.htm - Sizes for Large Envelopes and Flats
https://pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=Flats - Sizes for Parcels
https://pe.usps.com/businessmail101?ViewName=Parcels - How Much is a Stamp?
https://www.stamps.com/usps/how-much-is-a-stamp/ - Postal Rates
https://case.edu/studentlife/studentcenters/services/us-postal-services/postal-rates - What is a Large Envelope (Flat)?
https://faq.usps.com/s/article/What-is-a-Large-Envelope-Flat - Priority Mail Express
https://www.usps.com/ship/priority-mail-express.htm