How Many Stamps Do I Need For a Manila Envelope? (Full Guide)
Are you wondering how many stamps you need for a manila envelope? It can be confusing to figure out, but don’t worry – we have the answer. In this guide, we’ll take a look at exactly how many stamps you should use when sending a manila envelope. We’ll also provide some tips on choosing the right kind of stamp, so it reaches its destination safely. So let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Is a Manila Envelope?
A manila envelope is a type of mailing envelope with a stiff outer shell made from brown kraft paper. You can often see manila envelopes used for mailing legal documents or other items that need to be securely transported. Manila envelopes also come in various sizes and usually feature a clasp closure at the top.
How Many Stamps Do I Need For a Manila Envelope?
The number of stamps you need to send a manila envelope with USPS depends on two things: its size and the weight of any contents inside.
That said, a standard manila envelope usually requires one Forever stamp, as they typically don’t weigh more than 1 ounce. However, if your manila envelope is larger in size or heavier than 1 ounce, you may need additional stamps to cover the postage cost.
Can I Mail a Manila Envelope with Just One Stamp?
Yes, you can mail a manila envelope with just one stamp in most cases. If your manila envelope is the standard size and weight (1 ounce or less), a single Forever stamp should be able to cover the cost of postage.
However, if your manila envelope is larger (flat) or heavier than 1 ounce, you may need additional stamps. In this case, it’s better to check with your local post office to find out how many stamps you’ll need.
How Many Stamps Do You Need for a 5×7 Manila Envelope?
A 5×7 manila envelope typically requires one Forever stamp when sent via USPS. This is because it’s the smallest size of a manila envelope, and the weight of any contents inside is most likely to be 1 ounce or less.
However, if your 5×7 manila envelope is heavier, you may need additional stamps. For instance, if the total weight is between 1 and 2 ounces, you’ll need an additional stamp to cover the cost of postage.
USPS charges an extra $0.20 per each additional ounce with a maximum of 3.5 ounces. However, if your 5×7 manila envelope is heavier than 3.5 ounces, it will be considered a large envelope, also referred to as “a flat.” Flats have their own respective postage rates and may require more stamps.
How Many Stamps Do You Need for a 6×9 Manila Envelope?
Similar to a 5×7 manila envelope, a 6×9 manila envelope is considered a standard envelope and typically requires one Forever stamp. Keep in mind that the weight of the contents inside should be 1 ounce or less for this to apply.
If your 6×9 manila envelope is heavier, you may need additional stamps to cover the postage cost. Each ounce of additional weight requires an extra $0.20 stamp. You can buy additional stamps directly from your local post office or online from the USPS website. How many extra stamps you will need depends on the weight of your envelope and any items inside.
Keep in mind that manila envelopes weighing more than 3.5 ounces will be considered large or flat envelopes, for which the postage rate is higher.
How Many Stamps Do You Need for a 9×12 Manila Envelope?
USPS considers 9×12 manila envelopes to be large or flat envelopes. As such, they are subject to higher postage rates than smaller envelope sizes, depending on the weight. For this reason, you might need more than one stamp to send one in the mail, depending on how much it weighs.
See the table below to find out the exact price for sending a 9×12 manila envelope:
Weight Not Over (oz.)
Price
1
$1.26
2
$1.50
3
$1.74
4
$1.98
5
$2.22
6
$2.46
Considering these rates, if you’re sending a 9×12 manila envelope with an ounce or less of contents inside, you will need at least two Forever Stamps.
Consequently, if your 9×12 manila envelope weighs between 1 and 2 ounces, you’ll need three stamps (2 Forever Stamps plus an additional ounce stamp), and so on. Your local post office can provide a more accurate estimate based on the weight of your envelope and its contents.
Should I Use Forever Stamps on a Manila Envelope?
Although you can use Forever stamps on a manila envelope, you may run the risk of overpaying or underpaying for postage. If paying a few extra cents for overpaying isn’t a big deal for you, then go ahead and use Forever stamps.
However, you could always use metered mail or buy stamps from your local post office and make sure you only pay what is due. Using metered postage provides a more accurate way to determine the postage cost, as it’s based on the weight and size of your mail. Plus, it looks more professional, which makes it ideal for business correspondence.
Ultimately, the choice of whether to use Forever stamps for your manila envelope is up to you. Be sure to weigh your mail beforehand and consider the type of postage that is best for your needs. This way, you can make sure that your manila envelope reaches its destination with the correct amount of postage.
Conclusion
To know exactly how many stamps you need for a manila envelope, you’ll need to consider the envelope’s size and weight. That said, one Forever Stamp will be enough for a smaller manila envelope with a weight of 1 ounce or less. However, larger and heavier manila envelopes may require additional stamps, be it Forever Stamps or regular-ounce ones.
