Skip to main content
USPS Calculator

USPS Delivery Time Calculator

Get accurate shipping estimates for Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, First-Class, and more. Enter your ZIP codes for instant results with confidence ratings.

Upcoming USPS Non-Delivery Days:

  • Sun, Dec 14 - Sunday - No regular mail delivery

Ready to Calculate

Enter your origin and destination ZIP codes above, then click "Calculate Delivery Time" to see estimated arrival dates for all USPS services.

From ZIPTo ZIPResults

Instant Results

Get estimates in seconds

Honest ETAs

Confidence ratings included

All Services

Compare every mail class

Always Updated

Current USPS standards

How to Use Our USPS Delivery Calculator

Get accurate delivery estimates in three simple steps. Our calculator uses USPS zone data and service standards to provide realistic shipping timeframes.

1

Enter ZIP Codes

Input the origin ZIP code where you're shipping from and the destination ZIP code.

2

Select Service

Choose a specific mail class or compare all services to find the best option for your needs.

3

Get Your Estimate

View delivery dates with confidence ratings and next-step guidance if your package is delayed.

How Does USPS Calculate Delivery Time?

USPS calculates delivery time based on the distance between ZIP codes, divided into shipping zones 1-8. Zone 1 covers local areas within 50 miles, while Zone 8 spans cross-country distances over 1,800 miles. Each mail class has different service standards based on these zones.

Zone-Based Distance

USPS uses 8 shipping zones based on the distance between origin and destination ZIP codes. The first 3 digits of each ZIP code determine the zone.

  • Zone 1-2: Local (0-150 miles)
  • Zone 3-4: Regional (150-600 miles)
  • Zone 5-6: National (600-1,400 miles)
  • Zone 7-8: Cross-country (1,400+ miles)

Service Standards

Each USPS mail class has specific delivery standards measured in business days. These are targets, not guarantees (except Priority Mail Express).

  • Priority Mail Express: 1-2 days (guaranteed)
  • Priority Mail: 1-3 days
  • Ground Advantage: 2-5 days
  • First-Class Mail: 1-5 days

Why Our Estimates Are Different

Unlike the official USPS calculator that shows best-case scenarios, our tool provides "Honest ETAs" based on real-world delivery performance. We factor in historical data, seasonal patterns, and common delays to give you a realistic expectation, not just an optimistic target.

What Factors Affect USPS Delivery Times?

Multiple factors can impact when your package actually arrives. Understanding these helps you set realistic expectations and choose the right service for time-sensitive shipments.

Distance & Zone

High Impact

The further your package travels, the longer it takes. Cross-country shipments (Zone 8) take significantly longer than local deliveries (Zone 1-2).

Weather & Natural Events

Variable Impact

Severe weather, hurricanes, wildfires, and natural disasters can delay or halt mail delivery to affected areas for days or weeks.

Peak Seasons

High Impact

Holiday seasons (November-December), tax season, and back-to-school periods see higher mail volumes, leading to slower processing.

Mail Class Selected

High Impact

Priority Mail Express gets priority handling. Ground Advantage may be deprioritized during busy periods. Choose wisely for urgent items.

Drop-off Time

Medium Impact

Packages dropped off after the daily collection time won't be processed until the next business day. Drop off early for faster handling.

Address Accuracy

Variable Impact

Incorrect, incomplete, or unclear addresses cause delays while USPS attempts to correct or verify delivery information.

Pro Tip: Build in Buffer Time

For important deliveries, always add 1-2 extra business days to the estimated delivery time. If your item absolutely must arrive by a specific date, use Priority Mail Express with its money-back guarantee, or ship earlier with a standard service.

USPS Service Comparison

Compare delivery times, tracking, and insurance across all USPS mail classes.

ServiceDelivery TimeTracking

Express

1-2 days

Priority

1-3 days

Ground

2-5 days

FC Package

2-5 days

Media

2-8 days

USPS Shipping Resources

Explore our comprehensive guides to make informed shipping decisions.

USPS Delivery Times Guide

Complete guide to delivery times for all USPS services

Calculator by ZIP Code

Get precise estimates based on origin and destination

Mail Classes Explained

Compare Priority Mail, Ground Advantage, First-Class, and more

Complete Shipping Guide

Everything you need to know about shipping with USPS

Track Your Package

Understand tracking statuses and what they mean

International Shipping

Delivery times and options for worldwide shipping

USPS Rates Calculator

Calculate shipping costs alongside delivery times

How to Calculate

Step-by-step guide to estimating delivery times

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about USPS delivery times and our calculator.